My Holiday Wish List

Hi Vegas Fans,

I'm very fortunate this year, and I really can't think of things that I need or want for the holidays. I realize how lucky I am.

So, I'm making a wish list for Las Vegas this year. If I had three wishes for my favorite city, here's what they would be:

1. CityCenter opens to great fanfare and thrives for years to come. I think this city within a city is going to be a lot of fun, create a lot of excitement, and be profitable for a long time. Best wishes!

2. Harrah's sets an example for excellence in hotel/casino properties. They certainly have the potential. They have a lot of real estate in the city. Right now, I don't find them particularly appealing (see my Open Letter in the SLV Forums). Now I've stayed at the Flamingo, and I think it's a nice property at a good price, especially considering it is mid-Strip. However, if they want to be world-class, they can do much more for their guests. Think customer service. Think hard. And, finally, please bring back 3-2 blackjack. Please.

3. Property owners realize that Las Vegas is a mix of old school, new school, and hip cool, and they embrace these differences. There's no need to continually rebuild a resort to look like everyone else's. Now pulling up the old carpets and refurbishing the hotel rooms is fine. But don't put a nightclub in your joint that resembles the one down the block, especially if that's not your style.

For example, the Riv is a great old place with good rooms and low-minimum gambling. If they put in a rooftop bar or a fancy-shmancy restaurant, it wouldn't look right. What if instead they did something like an old saloon (think swinging bar doors, player piano, bar tenders with the old West costumes, etc.). Or an old saloon with a new twist (think swinging bar doors and gas lamp lights, but hot bartenders, a big dance floor, etc.). How about an elegant restaurant with black-and-white pictures of the Strip and good steaks instead of an ultra-modern eatery with Pan-Asian cuisine?

Embrace who you are and your clientele will respect that.

Only 10 more shopping days till Christmas, so get hopping, Las Vegas!
Viva,
Mike