[caligrad]

^^^ Perfect statement. I feel the same way in regards to the themed resorts, even though I would probably give Treasure Island a pass with its theme, You're right. I'm actually happy that the themed resorts are coming back to Vegas, don't get me wrong, I liked the whole Aria/Vdara/Cosmo complex but like you said, it screams Miami and Dubai. Excalibur and New York New York were a bit much but I don't hate them fully since they were born in the 80s/90s, I've come to fall in love with them (only because they add to the character that I expect from Vegas).

You're right, I think Venetian/Bellagio/Paris got it right in terms of how they themed, I would even go as far to say Planet Hollywood also got it right (many people don't know that the core theme for the Hotel itself is actually based off of Hollywood and LA in general and not just "Planet Hollywood"). But there is something about the gaudy themes that made Vegas for what it is. If the Strip was purely Aria type developments, I think most people would be bored with it quickly since theres nothing special.

But I'm happy the Themes are coming back, like you said, the Mayan themed one, seems a bit ambitous to me based off of the rendering, but if done correctly would be nice. The Mars one seems unrealistic, but a space themed resort (if done correctly) would be interesting. I actually wish they would tear down Circus Circus, but I think we differ in saying that I think they should rebuild Circus Circus to modern standard ( like Resort world but instead of a Chinese theme, a circus theme), it could go well. I never viewed Circus Circus as a legit hotel/resort/casino. I always pictured it as somewhere the adults dropped off the kids while they went and gambled somewhere else.