Vegas questions and Observations

I have just returned from 5 days in Vegas, here are some observations and a couple of questions....

1. Any update on the new Chinese themed Hotel and casino, that is replacing the Echelon project ?
2. Anyone stayed at Cromwell ?
3. Do you think SLS will be successful ?


Observations:
1. Americans are very dependent on drugs.....I know general statement but 10 years ago how many drug stores were on the South Strip area ?, .......I counted 5 this trip, with another opening outside TI and I think another planned for Trop.

2. New growth, over the past 3 years we have LINQ, High Roller, SLS, Cromwell, New MC and NYNY project....not even including the changes in downtown area.

3. PACKED....I mean this past weekend the strip was busy.

4. Resort fees really suck...biggest rip off.......seriously think about it, paying 20 to 28 dollars - that used to be my Total food costs per day in Vegas.

5. I think there will be a big decline in shows. There have been so many cancelled recently. I expect Jersey Boys will close soon (my favorite show), Mamma Mia did not last 3 months,

6. I am getting OLD.....vegas has the party, young crowd...where do they get the money ?

7. Cosmo still has a very cool vibe and the BEST rooms in Vegas. Palazzo needs to refresh their in room tech (new TV's)

8. Cheap entertainment solution for a on strip property...build a new IMAX theatre....

9. Vegas needs to plan for better traffic control....Driving on LVB adn even Koval was awful.....Maybe they can make LVB one way and using Sinatra drive and Koval as alternatives.

10. MB self parking sucks (much darker than I recall)....you now exit at the back of the parking garage.


BUT, BUT......Vegas still has the "IT" factor. Still gets the juices going. Still re-invents and re-invigorates.

Vegas is still the place to go on vacation and makes you forget all your worries.

1. "Genting Group is building an Asian-themed resort on the site that once held the Stardust hotel and casino, a property Boyd Gaming tore down to build the $4 billion resort Echelon Place. Those plans were abandoned when the economy went into free fall in 2008, and the partially constructed resort was sold to Genting Group for $350 million. Genting intends to build on the existing foundation and construct a resort that some estimate could cost as much as $7 billion to complete.
Genting's plan is to construct the resort in three phases with Phase 1 including 3,000 hotel rooms, 3,500 slot machines and table games, and 30 food and beverage locations. Construction of the first phase is planned to be complete in 2017."
Ref: The Motley Fool

2. Probably, but DonDiego does not know them.

3. DonDiego was not even aware that the SLS Hotel & Casino is set to open on 23 August.
How would DonDiego know if it'll succeed? Based on the website it looks too fancy-schmantzy for poor old DonDiego. But a bit of poking around reveals some specials, . . . like 33% off the nearly $189-per-night lodgings if one books for 3 nights; DonDiego could actually do that !
By the way, . . . "SLS . . . represents the essential components of the SLS guest experience - style, luxury and service." This doesn't sound like a place DonDiego would be comfortable.

Although a new IMAX for an on-strip property might be very popular, The Hotel/Casinos try to avoid 'cheap entertainment solutions'. They prefer 'expensive entertainment solutions'.

#2 Sionow in his "Summer of Tournaments" thread had wonderful things to say about Cromwell. Not sure which day it was, but worth looking for if you would like a detailed review from his experience.

Andrew,
Thanks so much for the very informational and thought provoking thread

However, I'm not quite sure if Vegas topics are still acceptable here.


Rick

I was in the Cromwell this past April (casino visit - not hotel). I was not a fan of the new decor: I call it "snooty-Japanese-high-roller" theme. Lots of orchid oranges and pinks. Tables all had $20 minimums. And the whole place had a surprising lack of energy. Bills Gambling Hall / Barbary Coast was always a lively place. The Cromwell is just a little too stuffy and proper for my tastes.

Looking forward to visiting the SLS this September. The room pics look like they were be inspired by Zsa Zsa Gabor's bedroom. It appears SLS is also aiming for a more high-end crowd but I doubt thats going to work out...not when they are that far north on the strip. And thats a good thing. I hope it eventually settles into the same redneck vibe the Sahara had. I miss the Sahara.

"PACKED....I mean this past weekend the strip was busy."

Good to hear.

I'm looking forward to seeing the SLS also. Some of these decorators don't take into account the heavy wear and tear on a hotel room and design modern artsy fartsy fashion rooms that are sure to look bad in only a few years (go to Palms Place to see what I'm talking about). THE hotel is changing over to the Delano and the rooms will virtually be all white. I can't imagine what they will look like in a few years. Funny but it seems that high end traditional furniture always holds it appearance much longer.

just received 4 comp nights at Delano offer, will see if I can get that booked.

I think SLS will be OK, as the monorail does stop there...

Seems like Cromwell, SLS and Cosmo will be competing for same market share......maybe it will result in cheaper rooms at Cosmo.

I like suggestions 8 and 9!