Q:
What's your favorite themed hotel-casino in Las Vegas?
A:
Analysis
Looks like the $1.5 billion and extensive scouting trips to the real Venice paid off, with the Venetian coming out as the clear winner in our "favorite themed casino" poll. Even though the gondolas are motorized, the "canals" somewhat short, and the spontaneous opera singers a little grating if you're trying to enjoy a quiet "outdoor" lunch at Postrio, we concur that the Venetian resort certainly smells better than the real thing and the lobby area is pretty spectacular.
Bellagio came out ahead in the "best of the rest" category, and while votes for the MGM Grand (the "Emerald Forest" theming was never much more than a token gesture, save the green neon, and is not in evidence today), the Las Vegas Hilton, Flamingo, Fremont, Cannery, Riviera, Golden Nugget, Riviera, Silverton, Stratosphere, Terrible's, and Red Rock left us slightly bemused, here are some of your other comments and observations:
- "I like the old Binion's... Remember when casinos had a gambling theme?"
- "I like the Tropicana. Wish it would upgrade, but I like the 'tropical paradise' theme."
- "Our favorite themed hotel-casino is Mandalay Bay. We were puzzled as to why it wasn't listed as a choice, unless perhaps you and others don't consider it 'themed.' However, with its South Pacific decor and ambience, we view it as such. We like the lovely and spacious rooms (great bathrooms!), the large, attractive casino (well-stocked with the games we like), the quality and variety of the dining options; and the friendly and attentive staff. They also give us nice comps -- and we win there!"
- "The original Treasure Island."
- "I know some say that themes are outdated and cheesy. I disagree! The themes of the hotel-casinos distinguishone property from another. Otherwise' they are all just large halls filled with slot machines, gaming tables and a few restaurants, and I can get that at my local casino anytime. I have brought several newbies to Vegas, some of whom are not big gamblers, and the themed hotels were a great way to show them Vegas. The attention to detail still amazes me. If/when the themes die out, I for one will be disappointed."
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