Comments on: PSSST. HEY, BUDDY. WANNA SEE SOME ACROBATS?

By: Charlie Stella

Charlie Stella — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:16:52 +0000

I was at Ceasars while the Venetian was going up with wife #3 and based my 3rd book on some of the changes there (charlie opera). Last time we stayed at the Signature behind the MGM … I was playing the horses (a true sign of a moron–flying to Vegas to bet at Aqueduct) and didn’t want to wait for a waitress to come by with coffee (they were sparse to say the least) … it cost me $2.14 for a cup of Joe. I nearly lost it. I stopped playing and went for a cigar (which cost me another $15.00). Forgetaboutit … nothing like what it used to be … I’ll say this for the boys that used to run it, the players were treated a lot better back then than they are now …

Glad I got over it …

By: Mike Dennis

Mike Dennis — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:25:14 +0000

Your observation that the value is gone from Las Vegas is right on, Charlie. In fact, as I write this, they are entirely rethinking the Las Vegas business model, realizing that high-end customers alone will not do the trick. Cirque du Soleil is just the tip of this iceberg.

The nicest hotels in town (Wynn Las Vegas, Venetian, Bellagio) have slashed their room rates beyond the point where they can make a profit off them. I know someone who got a room at Wynn not long ago for $99/night. Now, to put that into perspective, when that hotel opened in 2005, they bragged that their cheapest room was something like $279, and their average rate was around $399. PER NIGHT! In a 3000-room hotel!

City Center just opened up after a 5-year construction period. It’s a new montage of hotels and condos. The hotels are priced clear out of sight, and the condos are mostly unsold. I walked through the casino the other day and didn’t dare stop for a drink, because I didn’t have any Krugerrands to pay for it. In one of their high-end shops, you can buy a men’s suit for a mere $15,000.

The recession has brought them back to earth, and within the next few years, you’re going to see value returning to Las Vegas.

By: Charlie Stella

Charlie Stella — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:15:55 +0000

$250 a ticket? Boy, Vegas has changed (for the worse). Been there many times going back to the mid-80′s. Was even married there once.

Last time was a few years back and it was hard to deal with. We went to sleep no later than 10:00 p.m. Prices were insane and since I’d quit gambling a long time ago, the atmosphere was cost prohibitive. The food was great but it just wasn’t the Vegas I remember from 25 years ago.

By: Mike Dennis

Mike Dennis — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:06:19 +0000

I’m sure it will be a huge success, Brian, just like “Love” is a huge success with Beatle fans traveling from all over to see it at $250 a ticket. You’re right when you say that Elvis personified Las Vegas, but I can assure you “Viva Elvis” will NOT personify Elvis. I fear it will merely be acrobats jumping around to Elvis music pumped through a killer sound systerm. As I said in my post, I’m in a distinct minority here.

By: Brian Quinn

Brian Quinn — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:38:43 +0000

The ‘Viva Elvis’ production will be the most successful to date. Elvis personified Las Vegas and his fans will travel from all over the world just to see this show. Apparently the sound system is the best ever.

By: Vegas Linda Lou

Vegas Linda Lou — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:47:08 +0000

“…genuflect at Cirque’s altar…” BAH-HA-ha! Well put. The emperor is naked, we say!

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:07:04 +0000

But how’s the Cirque du Buffet?

Har, har, I kill myself.

I’ve been to Vegas 3 or 4 times, haven’t ever seen a single “big” show. Just can’t imagine the $$ -to- awesomeness can possibly balance out. But I’m a cheap bastard too when it comes to that kind of thing.