Poll : 02 December - 15 December 2009

Analysis

A great response to this topical poll, and with 2010 room rates for ARIA already as low as $109 (plus resort credits), right now it's looking like occupancy rates can't be good. Having attended pre-opening guided tours and several of the opening night parties, we have plenty of info to share with you, so look out for our extensive coverage in the January issue of the LVA newsletter for the scoop -- there was plenty to be impressed by.

In the meantime, here are some of your thoughts:

• "I'm glad that even with the economic downturn, CityCenter was still completed. It took a lot of balls to keep pumping money into the project. There's nothing worse for the Strip than half-built construction projects sitting idle. However, I'm doubtful that after the "gotta see it" rush that most of CityCenter will turn a profit for years to come. I'm hoping that the high-end retailers can hold out till the recession is over, but I doubt it. I hope that nobody bet the farm on this. I also question whether Las Vegas needs another shopping district, more upscale hotels, more expensive condos to live in at this time. All that said, when my wife and I come back to Vegas in January, CityCenter is at the top of our list to wander around one evening."
• "Two years ago, I envied the people who could afford to buy a condo there. Now I pity them! Upside down from day one. "
• "Remember when the Mirage opened. 'It’s too big, no one will like it. We want the old Vegas.' It then turned into the biggest boom for Vegas for many years. I think this will also help Vegas with a shot of publicity."
• "While I am anxious to visit the new City Center, my gut feeling is that it is 'over the top.'"
• "I actually wanted to choose multiple answers to this poll. While I wish CityCenter the best, I am apprehensive that my 'someday if you build it they WON'T come' mantra of the past 15 years may come to fruition. As well, we really miss the smaller more friendly hotels/casinos....Ah...Westward Ho, Tropicana of old, the old Gold Strike between Henderson and the Dam.....Those were the days..... And who, of sound mind, would spend that kind of money to buy there when you can get hotel rooms for $25-$200/night almost anytime you wish?"
• "How can a vast high-roller "city" with only one legitimate casino possibly help Vegas out of its version the Great Crash of '89? Art, high-end restaurants, posh hotels, and other aesthetics only go so far. Only a small percetage of gamblers will be able to afford it and maybe an even a smaller percentage will even visit it because it would take a day (at least) to take it all in. The only thing that can get Vegas back on its feet is a national economic recovery. CityCenter is well-intentioned -- but, sadly, has arrived at the wrong time."
• "This was a long-term building project, and it will have to be a long-term investment return. Condo and timeshare properties are going to continue as poor investments, especially right on the Strip where the glamour and glitz is not enough to offset the hassle of daily living amongst tourist and traffic. Having said that, I believe this is another Vegas changing event. CityCenter is not meant to carry Vegas into the future, but it will definitely influence the future of Vegas expansion and construction. Looking back at the history of changes in Vegas (as the Advisor has chronicled on more than one occasion), an observer will see each long-range change started with a single innovative project that looked too big to succeed when first proposed. I'm going to CityCenter in a few weeks, as I've been watching the construction from the Monte Carlo since the project began. I think those of us who saw the opening of Ceasars, Bellagio, and Wynn will look back on the opening of CityCenter with the same kind of feelings."
• "We have been watching the construction unfold over the past 3 years and I believe that this opening could not come at a better time and that CityCenter will be a tremendous boost for Las Vegas."
• We have a vacation condo at the Marriott --.right across the street. We watched them build it. As fabulous as CityCenter may be, it took away the beautiful view that we had when we bought our place. Now instead of a gorgeous mountainous view.... its a mammoth building....
• "We have just booked a long weekend at Vdara. Southwest had a great offer last week: basically stay 4 nights, get of two of them free. We are very anxiuos to see the new complex. The suites sound amazing, with a gourmet kitchen in all units. Had it not been for the deal we got, we would not have made the trip to Vegas until August. Seems like it is already making a positive impact.
• "If I could, I would vote for many of this poll's answers: 1) It would be great to live there; 2) Yes I like the old style, but I like the new also. Why not a mix?; 3) Yes, I can’t wait!"
• "CityCenter looks like just another 'ultra' attempt in Las Vegas' current effort to win the young market. The problem is that any trendy audience gets bored and moves on sooner or later. Las Vegas should focus on the people that paid for all this construction, the regular gamblers that keep coming back year after year."
• "It's not really 'none of the above,' it's more like a 'compilation of above.' Can't wait to see it. Looks fabulous and so very different from the outside than our themed hotels. Do worry about traffic on the Strip and wonder why anyone would want to live in something that could be as busy as this place could be. Glad that the big buildings are going "green". I do realize that they'll still be spending lots of money, electricity, gas, and water to keep us (as in all of the customers) happy and comfortable. Would love to see the numbers in a year, comparing CityCenter to like-sized casinos and hotels for energy consumption (future Question of the Day?) At least they are doing what they can. Lastly, I do love the older, smaller, intimate casinos and hotels. I prefer them over the big resorts. I miss stardust and the 'Ho' the most. Thanks for allowing the input."