LAS VEGAS | Boom Project Rundown! 2.0 - Page 391

justdefended · #**7801** Posted **Dec 17, 2009, 8:21 PM**

Went to the ARIA Grand Opening event last night and came away impressed with the approach they took. It's definitely different from any other property so far.

First, the floor plan is great. Each section holds a great thought to traffic flow and providing games with their own section. For example, the baccarat tables are nestled between Blossom and Lemongrass Asian restaurants, the Race & Sports Book is in its own hallway / corner next to the Skybox eatery, and the Haze Nightclub is one level below the main floor near the North Valet to keep club traffic completely out of site and away from the casino - unlike lines for Tryst which block the registration area, or XS which blocks entry to shops.

The decor is young, modern, futuristic, and unexpectedly warm considering how how stale the inside could have been. The Main and North Valet entrance are equally impressive - the main entrance with the grey and white floor, Maya Line Colorado River sculpture and sky high cielings are just as impressive as the airport like glass canopy in the North Valet.

The Promenade Level is easy to reach from both sides of the casino. One end is the Viva Elvis theater which is bright, big and well done. Though there didn't seem to be the 'warm wood' theme from the casino above. It felt like a huge hallway with things to the left and right. I think the area may come off better when there's natural light pouring in in the daytime.

The restaurants so far are fantastic. I loved that each was so different in vibe, theme, and presentation.

First Julian Serrano was fantastic - Ahi Tuna with sesame seeds and cranberry, and a churizo were some notable samples. Also everything was around 10 to 12 bucks.

Bar Masa is going to be a big hit. A massive bar behind the main entry (one side for sitting the other for ordering) and a full glass wall to see the monorail float by.

Cafe Vettro also has a full glass view facing Harmon Circle and included green and silver for a futuristic feel - definitely does not look like any coffee shop out there.

Union was also a big hit with nice wavy wood decor and full view of the casino. Another hit was Deuce Lounge, a dark and suave lounge mixed with a few tables.

In fact, all the bars like City Bar near the North Valet, Bar Moderno near the Guest Elevators and View Bar near the Main Valet were in great locations and all have different vibes.

The casino floor is straight foward, surrounded by slots with table games on the inside. Design is great with the undulating wood planks. It's more lush than M Resort, and more airy than The Mirage due to high cielings. The high cielings are definitely noticeable throughout the property - even all the directory signage is higher than usual.

Overall the vibe of Aria is modern, slick and unpretentious. Bellagio, Wynn and Encore carry a bit of a wealth, aristocratic feel, but I think Aria will attract the young with its modern edge and the older with architecture and service. Though both segments will need to have decent income.

One last thing. Aria smells great. They are definitely using some of the scents from the Sales Pavillion and they add a light touch without going overboard with coconut sweetness or musky cologne.

justdefended · #**7802** Posted **Dec 17, 2009, 8:30 PM**

BTW the Lumia Fountain is awesome. In the largest event it blooms all arcs of water together to create a bright fireball. In other events it shoots two arcs at each other then flashes an LED upon impact to create a spark.

Also, the Focus Waterwall is incredible. Huge circular wall and it can cascade a bunch of different patterns down all the ridges.

justdefended · #**7803** Posted **Dec 18, 2009, 4:11 AM**

More insight into The Harmon construction debacle.

Interestingly enough, MGM says all rebar issues have been corrected and a Perini rep says the building could be built up:

“It’s just a matter of how much they (MGM) want to spend,” he said. “Right now, with some modification … if they want to expand it beyond the 20th floor as it is, they can do so. But they’ve chosen not to.”

Rizzo said MGM Mirage likely is waiting to evaluate the absorption rate of the condominiums throughout the rest of CityCenter. Should they sell as the economy improves, the company could alter its plans to either expand the Harmon or make it strictly residential.

http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles...&PageType=News

Here's hoping CityCenter does well and MGM has the funds to build The Harmon the way it was meant to be built.

Snotick · #**7804** Posted **Dec 18, 2009, 2:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by justdefended

First, the floor plan is great. Each section holds a great thought to traffic flow and providing games with their own section. For example, the baccarat tables are nestled between Blossom and Lemongrass Asian restaurants, the Race & Sports Book is in its own hallway / corner next to the Skybox eatery, and the Haze Nightclub is one level below the main floor near the North Valet to keep club traffic completely out of site and away from the casino - unlike lines for Tryst which block the registration area, or XS which blocks entry to shops.

As much as this sounds like a good idea. This just confirms what I already stated. These places are built on money from the casino's and gamblers. You need to get people into your casino. I have heard other references to the Aria floor plan being laid out so that a person can move through the property without having to pass through the casino. This is a mistake. Gambling is an impulsive addiction. Its the same as a grocery store moving all of its toys and candies away from the checkout lanes. Just because the people that frequent the clubs, sometimes act like 3 year olds at a grocery store checkout, doesnt mean that you dont want them in your casino. Especially if they have been drinking. Even the non club goers like to see the eye candy parade past you in a casino.

CosmoVegas · #**7805** Posted **Dec 18, 2009, 6:37 PM**

Some youtube video of Aria fountains, the first one shows the wall of water too, pretty cool but it would be much better if there was some music too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1FeIadr7d4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC4QQ1GXTcw

justdefended · #**7806** Posted **Dec 18, 2009, 7:14 PM**

Poker Blog reporting the Aria Poker Room has operated near capacity since the Wed. opening:

While you could walk through Aria without entering the casino (like Wynn or Encore), it still dominates the floor space. You can't miss the slots in nearly any pathway to restaurants, guest elevators, or the promenade.

For the nightclub, I think that luring gaming from the clientele will just be a bonus. The club will be generating a ton of cash from them with cover fees, table service, and bar service. Plus if anyone gets hungry, they have to tread over to the restaurants, and subsequently see the casino. To me, diverting this particular traffic won't adversely affect the ability to generate profit.

There will be gamblers and there will be non-gamblers. The trick is to give each person what they want. Entertainment revenue, including dining, has become increasingly important to Vegas, particularly in an economy when gaming revenue is down. Aria has a very comfortable casino for gamblers. The restaurants, shopping and Viva Elvis are top notch for non-gamblers.

The Poker Blog pointed out that the Poker Room is near the Aria Self Parking Garage, a preference for poker players to get in and out. I think as long as you keep each kind of gambler happy, they will keep coming back and have a better chance of spending money elsewhere in the property.

mac78130 · #**7807** Posted **Dec 19, 2009, 6:31 PM**

Delete

justdefended · #**7808** Posted **Dec 20, 2009, 1:08 AM**

Headed back to CityCenter today to get a vibe for how the public would embrace the project. If today is any indication, CityCenter is a definite attraction for visitors.

First, ate at the buffet. Surprisingly minimalist with bamboo benches and light poles that drop from the ceiling. Great natural light from the pool deck. Food was excellent. $23.95 for weekend brunch, $19.95 for standard lunch, and $34.95 for gourmet dinner weekends.

The Promenade is definitely better in the day. Skylights and a glass wall brighten up the entire hallway.

Next, headed over to the Convention Center. Spectacular.

The glass wall stretches all the way to the 15 freeway and illuminates all three floors.

I liked the cactus plants and other pieces that ground the class curtain.

It's a ton of convention space. Have a feeling that once meeting planners have a look they will be won over.

Next, headed back to Crystals. Totally different from the soft opening on Dec. 3. This time, well, there were people!

Lots of people walking about, particularly the Halo WET Design feature that intrigued kids and adults.

It was also fixed from when it first debuted. No more misty tubes. All were clear and showing off hot tornado action.

Finally, and somewhat unexpectedly, the Aria casino was packed. Poker room, slots, craps, roulette, all about 75 percent full. Restaurants like Lemongrass were full, even people getting To Go at the Skybox To Go window.

It looks like the project is off to a great start. Not sure if it's leaving all other casinos empty, though Treasure Island wasn't all that crowded in the afternoon. Haven't checked other resorts but will be back next week to see how other places are doing.

glowrock · #**7809** Posted **Dec 20, 2009, 2:09 AM**

The newest places will also attract the biggest crowds and draw away from the others, at least for a while. Give it a couple of months, it'll take at least that long to really measure CityCenter's effect on the rest of The Strip.

Aaron (Glowrock)

mac78130 · #**7810** Posted **Dec 21, 2009, 1:35 AM**

The PH Tower will be open to the public on 12/28...

mac78130 · #**7811** Posted **Dec 21, 2009, 3:16 AM**

Aria Lumia Fountain

• Video Link

Halo at The Crystals

• Video Link

mdiederi · #**7812** Posted **Dec 21, 2009, 4:24 AM**

The Lumia fountain reminds me of that fountain they used to have in front of the Luxor where a hologram would appear in the splashing water.

justdefended · #**7813** Posted **Dec 21, 2009, 4:44 AM**

Murren told Forbes.com this week that he will talk to Andrew Sasson of Light Group in the beginning of next year to restart the project.

Not sure if this means to simply finish out the interior, but the The Harmon signage was never placed, nor was the building lit up at all at CityCenter's grand opening.

There really is no need for an additional 400 rooms to the existing 6,000 at CC. I think it'd be better to look at the building long-term. If they stop now and leave it at 400 rooms there will be no going back to expand while it's in operation.

While it's still technically in construction mode they can see if it would be worth it to build it back up to a decent height, then leave the interior unfinished until demand is back up.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/19/las...itycenter.html

inCrescentCity · #**7814** Posted **Dec 21, 2009, 7:12 AM**

Cool timelapse of the construction:

• Video Link

J_M_Tungsten · #**7815** Posted **Dec 21, 2009, 11:51 AM**

Great Videos!!!

lfc4life · #**7816** Posted **Dec 21, 2009, 6:59 PM**

mark over at VT&T has details of a $100m makeover for the tropicana that has already started

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com...cana.htm#plans

jazfingr · #**7817** Posted **Dec 22, 2009, 10:38 PM**

Thanks for the plug

Kirre · #**7818** Posted **Dec 23, 2009, 3:27 PM**

Does anyone have some interior/pool shots of the Planet Hollywood tower since it began to open over the weekend?

ieguy441 · #**7819** Posted **Dec 23, 2009, 5:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by lfc4life

mark over at VT&T has details of a $100m makeover for the tropicana that has already started

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com...cana.htm#plans

This is very exciting news! I always hit up the Trop at least once a trip (we have quite a collection of the bamboo shaped glasses from Lucky's Bar) but the place was starting to feel like Slots-O-Fun meets The Riviera. I've always thought that the place has a lot of potential beyond total demolition; the basic layout of it is not as outdated and chopped up as some of the other older casinos.

Here are some of the things I hope they can address:

1. Low ceilings. I'm 6'2" and I feel like I am walking through Wonka's Chocolate Factory in that hallway area near the retail kiosks and the Garden Cafe. Hopefully they can address this somehow.

2. The High Limit area. The whole area needs to be ripped out and rethought. Access to the upper level needs to be reworked considerably, as it feels very awkward now. Perhaps rework the area to include a set of straight escalators leading to the upper level, remove the open space between the two levels and make the high limit area it's own private room or chamber.

3. Skylights. If they are going for the Miami Beach tropical theme, add some skylights to the casino area (where they can be added considering the upper level).

4. NE Entry. Completely reconfigure the north east entrance where that outdated staircase and the "high limit slots" are located. Perhaps create a more grand staircase, think of the curved escalators at the Forum Shops but on a smaller scale. The slot area could become a relocated and renamed Lucky's Bar.

5. The Garden Rooms. While this will have to wait for a future phase 2, it would be interesting to see some of the older Garden Rooms completely gutted (or rebuilt) into poolside villas. These could essentially become the "high roller" or "VIP" suites.

6. The towers. Eventually, it would be nice to see the towers re-skinned. I can see them being skinned in glass, curve the edges of the buildings, and give them a very nice Art Deco look.

Hopefully they have some great ideas up their sleeves... I am hopeful

What a great place that could be to escape some of the bigger properties.

ScottG · #**7820** Posted **Dec 23, 2009, 7:03 PM**

low ceilings is a curse on old properties - because of structure - it is impossible to fix without demolishing and rebuilding - i know some areas in trop have a 7' ceiling - and this will have to remain (unless they start over)
unfortunalty the low ceiling trend of the 60/70s its unavoidable without starting over.

this is found in circus circus, riviera, and Sahara - and they dont fix it - even the popcorn ceiling is evident in many areas (althought, of course, this can be redone easily (if there is no asbestos)