I don't want to believe what I am hearing.
Presumably, the "next big thing" in Vegas is something I personally don't want to see happen there...EVER. At the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this week, the Powers That Be debuted video slot machines on the iPad. This way, you'll be able to play quietly in restaurants and bars instead of at the big, noisy machines you play now. Wait...what? Whatchoo talkin' bout, Willis?
Here's a link to the article: Nooooooooo!
That's part of - heck, that's MOST OF the reason I go to Vegas now. The bright, shiny overdone-ness of it all. I don't want to play video slots on my iPad; I already have games on there. I like those games for when I'm NOT in Vegas, when I'm NOT surrounded by complete strangers that I can high-five for a great slot win, or that I can NOT eye enviously when they get the bonus round I so desperately covet every time I sit down at a machine.
I want a machine that makes lots of noise, something that makes me look UP and watch the wheels spin, or watch the videos play, or feel the vibrations in the cool Bose chairs that put me in the game. I DON'T WANT TO PLAY THEM ON MY iPAD IN THE RESTAURANT!
Are the Powers That Be somehow trying to take the slot machines out of Vegas? Make it back into the table game mecca it once was? If they do that, they're going to have to get rid of 6:5 blackjack on the Strip and take the table minimums waaaaaay down, or they will be losing some serious business. The Club Crowd doesn't care about the slot machines or the table games for sure, but what about all those people who lurk others while they play their favorite games? That's part of the fun! That's part of the drama! That's part of Vegas!
Yes, changes to Vegas happen all the time, but seriously?!?!?! I won't go to Vegas to play on a iPad in a restaurant or "in a stadium". I'd much rather visit my nearest Indian casino and get a (somewhat realistic) fix there, instead.
So the restaurants are making more money than the slot machines now...that doesn't mean the slot machines aren't making money; it just means the focus is changing a bit. But don't take away the machines!
The day they take the last slot machines out of Las Vegas casinos will be the day I (sadly) head home from my last trip to my favorite city.
And there will be tears.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
10 Best Buffets in Vegas? (Link to article, and a few comments of my own...)
LasVegasDirect.com has an article titled "The Top 10 Las Vegas Buffets" on their website. It (obviously) lists their opinions of the top ten Las Vegas buffets, as well as a buffet 'survival guide' that has tips on everything from waiting in a buffet line to tipping the buffet waitstaff for service, and it includes a listing of Las Vegas buffets at the end. Here's a link to the website: Nom nom nom!
Of the top ten buffets listed, I've eaten at six: The Bellagio Buffet, The Buffet at Wynn, Le Village Buffet at Paris, Cravings at The Mirage, The Wicked Spoon Buffet at Cosmopolitan and Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood. I have reviews for each of these buffets already listed on my blog if you'd like to read them (click the "buffet reviews" link on the right to check them out). My favorite two of those - by far - are The Bellagio Buffet and The Buffet at Wynn. I have been to both of them multiple times, and I would definitely go to either one again.
It seems to be a slightly weighted buffet listing by some, since it lists mostly Caesars Entertainment and MLife properties, but it makes perfect sense to me because I stay on the Strip and I don't venture far away. Maybe the author of the article does the same, and therefore hasn't ever tried the M's buffet, or the MSS buffet downtown, both of which I hear are very good, but I don't know.
The article does mention the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars but states that it's just "too new" and that it needs time before they determine if it should be on the list. From what I've heard about it - and what I hope to experience myself - is that the Bacchanal Buffet is, indeed, very good and should be at the top of the list. Time and tasting will tell...
For the record, buffets are hard things to review in general, because there are so many choices, and a reviewer (such as myself) may not like certain things, like veal or lamb, or even seemingly innocuous vegetable items like beets and yams - which I call "God's mistakes" because I really don't like the flavor, smell or texture of either one of them - and they won't give what everyone would consider a well-rounded review because they avoid these items altogether. In addition, I think people who have dietary restrictions or allergies of any kind can't really enjoy buffets the way most people can, because they have to limit themselves when it comes to things like salt or sugar intake, gluten, or even shellfish, dairy and nut products. Still, I do my best to sample a bit of everything because I really DO like to try new things, and I certainly have a hard time passing up nice buffet presentations...or desserts.
Do yourself a favor and try one of these buffets on your next trip to Vegas so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
Of the top ten buffets listed, I've eaten at six: The Bellagio Buffet, The Buffet at Wynn, Le Village Buffet at Paris, Cravings at The Mirage, The Wicked Spoon Buffet at Cosmopolitan and Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood. I have reviews for each of these buffets already listed on my blog if you'd like to read them (click the "buffet reviews" link on the right to check them out). My favorite two of those - by far - are The Bellagio Buffet and The Buffet at Wynn. I have been to both of them multiple times, and I would definitely go to either one again.
It seems to be a slightly weighted buffet listing by some, since it lists mostly Caesars Entertainment and MLife properties, but it makes perfect sense to me because I stay on the Strip and I don't venture far away. Maybe the author of the article does the same, and therefore hasn't ever tried the M's buffet, or the MSS buffet downtown, both of which I hear are very good, but I don't know.
The article does mention the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars but states that it's just "too new" and that it needs time before they determine if it should be on the list. From what I've heard about it - and what I hope to experience myself - is that the Bacchanal Buffet is, indeed, very good and should be at the top of the list. Time and tasting will tell...
For the record, buffets are hard things to review in general, because there are so many choices, and a reviewer (such as myself) may not like certain things, like veal or lamb, or even seemingly innocuous vegetable items like beets and yams - which I call "God's mistakes" because I really don't like the flavor, smell or texture of either one of them - and they won't give what everyone would consider a well-rounded review because they avoid these items altogether. In addition, I think people who have dietary restrictions or allergies of any kind can't really enjoy buffets the way most people can, because they have to limit themselves when it comes to things like salt or sugar intake, gluten, or even shellfish, dairy and nut products. Still, I do my best to sample a bit of everything because I really DO like to try new things, and I certainly have a hard time passing up nice buffet presentations...or desserts.
Do yourself a favor and try one of these buffets on your next trip to Vegas so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Link to article: Imperial Palace will become "The Quad"
Caesars Entertainment posted on their blog today that Imperial Palace's face lift will certainly not be the only thing "new"about her; she will be renamed "The Quad". Here's a link to the story, with a concept photo of the interior-to-be: IP to Quad in 4 letters
Now, I'm not sure what I think at all. As I've said before, IP was my Vegas 'home away from home' for quite awhile before Caesars Entertainment engulfed most of the mid-Strip properties and I got comped elsewhere, but it's going to look more like something that belongs in City Center - not unlike the Cosmopolitan - instead of the Vegas themed hotel I've loved.
I might love it, and I might not. I love the Cosmopolitan's casino and Aria's rooms, but I really don't care for City Center as a whole and I HATE Crystals shopping complex because it's too high end, spread out and confusing to navigate.
But I digress. The thing is, as friends of mine have already said, I have a feeling that one of the biggest changes is going to be that they are no longer the affordable choice in the Caesars Entertainment group.
According to the website, the changes will begin with the revamping of the casino (in addition to their facade, which are both already undergoing changes), then the restaurants and shops, and so on. The article also notes that the Auto Collection will remain, although I'm sure the name will change somewhat. That's good, because they have a great collection of vehicles that makes for an entertaining and diverting afternoon for a low price. Or even free, if you can find a coupon.
Still, it will be interesting to see the changes, and I am looking forward to checking out the entire property from top to bottom to see how things come together. Whether I will like them or not - and spend time in the casino and hotel or not - remains to be seen.
If you visit, let me know! I'm curious about the changes as they take place and hope to post updates as I hear about them.
Now, I'm not sure what I think at all. As I've said before, IP was my Vegas 'home away from home' for quite awhile before Caesars Entertainment engulfed most of the mid-Strip properties and I got comped elsewhere, but it's going to look more like something that belongs in City Center - not unlike the Cosmopolitan - instead of the Vegas themed hotel I've loved.
I might love it, and I might not. I love the Cosmopolitan's casino and Aria's rooms, but I really don't care for City Center as a whole and I HATE Crystals shopping complex because it's too high end, spread out and confusing to navigate.
But I digress. The thing is, as friends of mine have already said, I have a feeling that one of the biggest changes is going to be that they are no longer the affordable choice in the Caesars Entertainment group.
According to the website, the changes will begin with the revamping of the casino (in addition to their facade, which are both already undergoing changes), then the restaurants and shops, and so on. The article also notes that the Auto Collection will remain, although I'm sure the name will change somewhat. That's good, because they have a great collection of vehicles that makes for an entertaining and diverting afternoon for a low price. Or even free, if you can find a coupon.
Still, it will be interesting to see the changes, and I am looking forward to checking out the entire property from top to bottom to see how things come together. Whether I will like them or not - and spend time in the casino and hotel or not - remains to be seen.
If you visit, let me know! I'm curious about the changes as they take place and hope to post updates as I hear about them.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The face of the Las Vegas Strip continues to change...
I've been visiting Las Vegas since August 1997, and I have seen several of the current Strip hotels built from the ground up during that time: The Venetian and Palazzo, Bellagio, Wynn and Encore are the biggest and the brightest of that bunch. The Boardwalk - along with its giant, creepy clown out front - was torn down and replaced by the gigantic, confusing mish-mash that is City Center. The Aladdin got a face lift, and then it got a new name along with yet another face lift when it was purchased by Planet Hollywood.
I've also seen classic hotels torn down, not to be replaced; namely The Frontier and Stardust. A partially completed hotel skeleton stands where the Stardust once did, instead of something new. Will its replacement ever be finished? No one knows for sure. For now it stands as just a sad, empty testament to what once was.
Here's what's left of the Stardust - now located at the Neon Boneyard:
Now Caesars Entertainment is trying to one-up the competition by re-doing the Imperial Palace and giving it a new name to go along with a new face on the Strip. The name has yet to be determined, and I have no idea what it will eventually be called.
In addition to that, Caesars Entertainment has already torn apart the O'Shea's Casino - along with its parking garage - in order to prepare for construction of the boardwalk shopping area that will eventually connect the giant Linq wheel to the Strip. They have also torn down everything they own on Koval Avenue behind the Strip to start building the huge Linq wheel itself, as well as more of the boardwalk entertainment area. The whole thing is supposed to be a destination with an Atlantic City-like boardwalk feel. The Linq project is scheduled to open sometime during the Summer of 2013. Here's a good blog entry about the project, with great photos: Link to the Linq
If you'd like to see what's already happened to Imperial Palace's neighbor (and some of Imperial Palace's own insides), check out the Caesars blog entry here: Goodbye to you
I am sort of excited to see what will happen to Imperial Palace on the inside, because she was certainly getting to be a tired old girl. Even the vanilla upgrades made by Harrah's Entertainment (before it became Caesars Entertainment) weren't enough to keep it going forever, and she was badly in need of a makeover. Even though I have many good memories of my beloved IP, I hope she is prettier after her makeover.
I've also seen classic hotels torn down, not to be replaced; namely The Frontier and Stardust. A partially completed hotel skeleton stands where the Stardust once did, instead of something new. Will its replacement ever be finished? No one knows for sure. For now it stands as just a sad, empty testament to what once was.
Here's what's left of the Stardust - now located at the Neon Boneyard:
 |
| Gone, but not forgotten... |
In addition to that, Caesars Entertainment has already torn apart the O'Shea's Casino - along with its parking garage - in order to prepare for construction of the boardwalk shopping area that will eventually connect the giant Linq wheel to the Strip. They have also torn down everything they own on Koval Avenue behind the Strip to start building the huge Linq wheel itself, as well as more of the boardwalk entertainment area. The whole thing is supposed to be a destination with an Atlantic City-like boardwalk feel. The Linq project is scheduled to open sometime during the Summer of 2013. Here's a good blog entry about the project, with great photos: Link to the Linq
If you'd like to see what's already happened to Imperial Palace's neighbor (and some of Imperial Palace's own insides), check out the Caesars blog entry here: Goodbye to you
I am sort of excited to see what will happen to Imperial Palace on the inside, because she was certainly getting to be a tired old girl. Even the vanilla upgrades made by Harrah's Entertainment (before it became Caesars Entertainment) weren't enough to keep it going forever, and she was badly in need of a makeover. Even though I have many good memories of my beloved IP, I hope she is prettier after her makeover.
Bacchanal Buffet opens at Caesars Palace (with a link to some info and delicious photos!)
Oh, my!
The new Bacchanal Buffet opened at Caesars Palace on Tuesday, September 11th. Here's a link to the Caesars Entertainment blog post about the grand opening, along with some great opening day photos, including about 75 of them in a slideshow at the end - YUM!
Delicioso!
What a delicious-looking bunch of food there is on this buffet! Almost 500 choices between breakfast, lunch and dinner? Lots of dishes served in individual serving containers? And three beautiful areas to eat in, each one prettier than the last one? I'm sure the lines will be long at first, but with the buffet open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on a daily basis, I'll bet there will be times when there's no line a'tall...
Current Prices: Breakfast $19.99, Lunch $24.99, Weekday Dinner $34.99, Weekend Dinner $39.99 and Weekend Brunch $31.99. Take $3 off each of those prices if you've got a Total Rewards card and show it when you pay. In addition to THAT, remember that they waive the taxes if you use your Total Rewards points to pay for your meals at Caesars Entertainment properties. Woo hoo!
The new Bacchanal Buffet opened at Caesars Palace on Tuesday, September 11th. Here's a link to the Caesars Entertainment blog post about the grand opening, along with some great opening day photos, including about 75 of them in a slideshow at the end - YUM!
Delicioso!
What a delicious-looking bunch of food there is on this buffet! Almost 500 choices between breakfast, lunch and dinner? Lots of dishes served in individual serving containers? And three beautiful areas to eat in, each one prettier than the last one? I'm sure the lines will be long at first, but with the buffet open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on a daily basis, I'll bet there will be times when there's no line a'tall...
Current Prices: Breakfast $19.99, Lunch $24.99, Weekday Dinner $34.99, Weekend Dinner $39.99 and Weekend Brunch $31.99. Take $3 off each of those prices if you've got a Total Rewards card and show it when you pay. In addition to THAT, remember that they waive the taxes if you use your Total Rewards points to pay for your meals at Caesars Entertainment properties. Woo hoo!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Link to article: Ten must-try happy hours in Vegas
If you're looking for a great way to relax in Vegas while enjoying a drink or two with friends - and possibly an appetizer or even a cigar - then here's a list of Las Vegas happy hours recently posted on Vegas.com you need to check out:
Bottoms up!
I walk past Rhumbar at The Mirage on a regular basis (read: two or three times during every trip) and always want to go in. I have no idea why I've never tried it before.
Another one on my "to do" list is Society Cafe'; I have long wanted to dine there, and combining it with happy hour might just be THE thing to do to get it off of my list!
Bottoms up!
I walk past Rhumbar at The Mirage on a regular basis (read: two or three times during every trip) and always want to go in. I have no idea why I've never tried it before.
Another one on my "to do" list is Society Cafe'; I have long wanted to dine there, and combining it with happy hour might just be THE thing to do to get it off of my list!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Link to site: VegasChatter has great info for the Vegas visitor
If you're looking for a good place to get THE latest updates on all things Vegas (other than the things I specifically point you to), and you like your information a little on the quirky side, look to VegasChatter.com for some fun news reporting on the Las Vegas scene.
The site!
I was recently introduced to the website by a friend from LasVegas4Ever, and I have found TONS of great information there. I like my Vegas news to involve more than the car chases and drug busts that get reported in the typical Vegas news online; I prefer to see what's new in my Favorite Place on Earth and WHY I should go do or see this 'something new' the next time I visit.
In addition, they have some great buffet and restaurant reviews, as well as hotel and show reviews, so that I can see what I REALLY want to do when I visit again and can share my experience and photos with you when I return.
Check it out and enjoy the sometimes cheeky posts!
The site!
I was recently introduced to the website by a friend from LasVegas4Ever, and I have found TONS of great information there. I like my Vegas news to involve more than the car chases and drug busts that get reported in the typical Vegas news online; I prefer to see what's new in my Favorite Place on Earth and WHY I should go do or see this 'something new' the next time I visit.
In addition, they have some great buffet and restaurant reviews, as well as hotel and show reviews, so that I can see what I REALLY want to do when I visit again and can share my experience and photos with you when I return.
Check it out and enjoy the sometimes cheeky posts!
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