This compare-and-contrast montage of MGM Grand Macau, Wynn Macau and Sociedade de Jogos de Macau‘s Grand Lisboa provides a mini-education. At first blush, the MGM property looks a mite too fancy for its own good, though it compares favorably to many of the company’s Strip properties. (You have to wonder how it would be performing if MGM and partner Pansy Ho had spent less and gotten their product to market sooner.) If you’ve been to Encore, then Wynn’s Macao property will give you a distinct and pleasant feeling of déja vu. Stanley Ho‘s Grand Lisboa is, as you might expect, very Seventies Vegas and arguably tacky. Nobody ever accused old Stanley of keeping up with the times. But you’ve got to ask yourself …
… if SJM can pull together its newest property, Oceanus, in 15 months and for $193 million, you have to wonder why its U.S. rivals feel it incumbent to spend exponentially more and proceed at a snail’s pace. Of course, no visit to an SJM property is complete without …
… prostitutes! This footage was taken at Stanley Ho’s oldest casino, the Hotel Lisboa. This part of the 40-year-old casino was built in 1974, which accounts for — but perhaps does not excuse — the Clockwork Orange decor.
I love that old decor in a weird way. I wouldn’t want to see someone do something new like that, but I’d be sad to see it disrepair or remodeled. There’s something that feels like a Tokyo amusements district about that, except without all the crowding and cigarette smoke.
Watching Ho’s hos parade back and forth gives me an idea of how Harrah’s could finally get itself back into the black. Finally–a good way to use your Total Rewards points! Imagine the possibilities….