Okay, got a chance to check out Crystals, the CityCenter Tram, and Vdara.
Crystals I liked A LOT. The space is gorgeous and the upscale nature of the stores in addition to the architecture really brings out an international feel that doesn't exist in themed shopping centers. Soaring cielings, natural light, eye-catching WET features. The layout is easy (basically a winding road towards Aria), but I liked that there were little shops and stores that are in every nook and cranny.
For example, World News Kaffee - The Cup is a small quick serve deli that is the first thing you see when you enter Crystals valet. However, you wouldn't even know it was there if you came from anywhere else. The venue in particular had a great metropolitan feel - workers were coming in to grab sandwiches, all the dining tables were occupied, great place.
I could also start to see how people are beginning to take everything in. Visitors are already taking pics by the WET water tornado piece and the impressive tree house.
Louis Vuitton and Tiffany Co. looked like the most popular venues in Crystals.
Overall, it's miscalculated to judge a retail space that is 40 percent occupied. But I really liked that it reminded me of an international space that could be found in Tokyo or Hong Kong.
Between Crystals and Aria is the Henry Moore Reclining Forms sculpture. It's pretty magnificent, as is the space where you look around and it feels like you're in a metropolis.
From Bellagio I took the walkway to Vdara. The walk is nice, partially underneath the Tram and finally into a well-done hallway into the property.
Quick pic of the pool deck. Pretty large, will likely be a hot night spot.
Afterward headed into Silk Road.
For a small space, it is definitely eye-catching.
This was the view from my seat - so cool.
Had the lamb and lettuce cups and fries. Not bad. The fries were better than the lamb. Service was excellent.
Overally, Vdara is very slick. A suit and tie boutique hotel that will be a big hit among business travelers. Bar Vdara has a lot of couches and chairs to lounge, mingle, and Silk Road is versatile for a quick breakfast or a night of celebration.
Next it was off to ride the CC Tram.
Pretty nicely done. I would have liked the original design as opposed to the tent but oh well.
There are some touches to coincide with the city theme, like a electronic screen to tell you when the next tram is coming and an announcer that tells you the next station. The tram itself holds seperate cabs with plush seats on each end. My main disappointment was that the ride was like a typical cable tram - kind of bumpy.
Overall, the partial CityCenter experience was thoroughly gratifying. The spaces literally transport you into another dimension. The spectacle, the show really is the attention to detail, approach in design, and futuristic city model that surrounds you with art and architecture. People seemed to enjoy taking in everything, looking at all the huge buildings, and taking scenic photos. It's a project that will definitely attract a new clientele to Vegas and expand a market that provides anything and everything to travelers.