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  #7721  
Old Posted Dec 3, 2009, 6:26 AM
justdefended justdefended is offline
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Originally Posted by Krases View Post
I remember hearing a report saying that people actually like a dark, more confined environment for gambling. It sort of feeds off that early-human want for a cave like environment. It is also nice when people feel like they have their backs to something or can focus heavily on the game without worry of being taken by surprise.
I bet that's true. Pretty certain that in addition to nice fixtures the casino team had to retain all the casino psychology - no clocks, busy carpet around slots to keep eyes straight ahead. The networked slot machines will be a bit scary - they will get A LOT of info from that.
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  #7722  
Old Posted Dec 3, 2009, 3:02 PM
mac78130 mac78130 is offline
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The Crystals Retail opens today..

http://www.lvrj.com/business/bigger-...-78400282.html
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  #7723  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 3:13 AM
mac78130 mac78130 is offline
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I knew only a few stores would open today, but man it looks really empty.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009...istrict-today/

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  #7724  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 3:29 AM
Bob Lablaw Bob Lablaw is offline
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Perhaps it's just me, and in all fairness I've seen just a few interior pics of The Crystals...but I am distinctly underwhelmed by it. It looks cold and sterile, and very very bland. Perhaps it's the sheer whiteness of the walls, I guess, that throws me off. There are lots of edgy angles and curves, but it's not too hard to find something similar in any large metro surburb.

The Forum Shops, by contrast, always seem alive, and it's not just because of the crowds. Just about every architectural aspect of the Forum Shops is interesting to look at, whereas this place (based on what little I've seen thus far) may hold my interest for perhaps one trip, if that.
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  #7725  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 4:01 AM
mac78130 mac78130 is offline
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Louis Vuitton Light show

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  #7726  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 4:34 AM
mac78130 mac78130 is offline
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Low quality pics of Mandarin.. Hopefully better pics will come out tomorrow.

http://www.travelagentcentral.com/ho...as-vegas-18666
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  #7727  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 4:53 AM
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CharoogAjram CharoogAjram is offline
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Louis Vuitton Light show

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That's really cool! Deff. brings some life to the Crystals.
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  #7728  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 4:55 AM
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Never mind.
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  #7729  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 5:25 AM
justdefended justdefended is offline
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Originally Posted by mac78130 View Post
I knew only a few stores would open today, but man it looks really empty.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009...istrict-today/

Heard about 40 percent is open now. But all the retail spaces are occupied and will be fully open by July.

Heading there tomorrow to check it out.

Last edited by justdefended; Dec 4, 2009 at 5:37 AM.
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  #7730  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 2:16 PM
mac78130 mac78130 is offline
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Doesn't look like all the rooms are ready. MO will only have 75 rooms open this weekend.

http://www.lvrj.com/business/mandari...-78503087.html

Tea Lounge

Last edited by mac78130; Dec 4, 2009 at 2:29 PM.
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  #7731  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 3:24 PM
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Some is better then none...
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  #7732  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 5:26 PM
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Mandarin Oriental Sneak Peak

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  #7733  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 6:34 PM
Rothwell Rothwell is offline
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Vegas keeps getting better and better

Incredible
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  #7734  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 7:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Lablaw View Post
Perhaps it's just me, and in all fairness I've seen just a few interior pics of The Crystals...but I am distinctly underwhelmed by it. It looks cold and sterile, and very very bland. Perhaps it's the sheer whiteness of the walls, I guess, that throws me off. There are lots of edgy angles and curves, but it's not too hard to find something similar in any large metro surburb.

The Forum Shops, by contrast, always seem alive, and it's not just because of the crowds. Just about every architectural aspect of the Forum Shops is interesting to look at, whereas this place (based on what little I've seen thus far) may hold my interest for perhaps one trip, if that.
youre exactly right, and ill check it out in person next weekend, but doesnt look too exciting right now.
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  #7735  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 7:43 PM
ScottG ScottG is offline
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i went to the pre opening viewing and i am relieved to hear others are agreeing with me.

i was COMPLETELY unimpressed with the crystals, it is actually surprisingly SMALL!

sure only 10 stores where open, and there were no people, but there is nothing there, the white walls are bland, its empty! i dojnt understand why they opened it, why would people want to walk around an empty space?!

i even think when fully operational it will still be unimpressive and small - it is tall tho - its three floors (well two and a half) and you almost get a little vertigo because nothing is horizontal or vertical.

i walked from monte carlo and took the pedestrian walkway towards the porte cochere, and man did i get blow away - it was a little hard to walk with all the towers pushing you down! it was really disorientating having such tall building encapsulating you! i had to look away for a bit to walk normal - looking up and around at the size of it all really makes you dizzy.

- when i left i took the tram back to MC and that was neat going over the main drive way which is HUGE! the fountain is a nice centerpeice - the lights that beam on it are so strong that it really does glow the entire porte cochere aria tower, and even the monte carlo tower!

i was more impressed with the walkway getting off the tram at monte carlo than i was with the crystals,

i went to the 'urban park' (tiny) and looked into the registration desk / casino of aria and that looked awesome! the silver river above the desks is tso big and amazing - i think aria will be great! i was a little taken back when looking at pictures, but seeing it in person blew me away.

crystals tho is a dud - its nice on the exterior but offers nothing inside. and i dont think its because there are no stores open, its just... a miss.
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  #7736  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 9:55 PM
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What you guys are describing with The Crystals seems very similar to most people's reactions to Daniel Libeskind's architecture. Somewhat dizzying, vertigo-inducing due to the sharp angles and lack of right-angles, and of course the white walls. His Denver Art Museum building addition is very similar in design to The Crystals, just taller (4 floors, very, very TALL floors!) and not quite as long. However, of course the white walls of the art museum are taken up by artwork, which tends to subdue the starkness substantially.

Honestly, I much prefer the look of the Forum Shops, even the Miracle Mile Shops to the photos I've seen of The Crystals. However, that being said, Aria, Vdara, etc., look amazing!

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  #7737  
Old Posted Dec 4, 2009, 11:32 PM
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With most malls the varied store fronts are what break up the space and bring life to the building. The majority of the walls will end up being stores resolving the expanses of white.
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  #7738  
Old Posted Dec 5, 2009, 12:11 AM
justdefended justdefended is offline
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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.

Last edited by justdefended; Dec 5, 2009 at 2:05 AM.
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  #7739  
Old Posted Dec 5, 2009, 6:09 PM
justdefended justdefended is offline
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CITYCENTER: Visitors give MGM Mirage's new megacomplex mostly favorable reviews

New article on CityCenter reception:

http://www.lvrj.com/business/visitor...-78588102.html
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  #7740  
Old Posted Dec 5, 2009, 6:35 PM
cbotnyse cbotnyse is offline
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for those of you following this project closely, I'm hoping you can help me out.

I am staying at Vadara next weekend. What are my dining options in the complex. I ask because I know Aria doesnt open until the following week, and most of the dining options seem to be in there.

thanks!
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