OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
VEGASRESOURCE.COM NEWSLETTER=================================OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS, HERE IN LAS VEGAS, DURING THE LAST TWO MONTHSby billhere, Publisher.CLOSED DURING THE PAST TWO MONTHS:====================================++++++++++ALGIERS HOTEL: Located across the street from Circus Circus is closed. ++++++++++ATA AIRLINES: With flights from Chicago Midway Airport, Indianapolis and Tampa/St.Petersburg is now closed and all assets sold to AirTran Airways.++++++++++BOURBON STREET: Mostly Magic show closed.++++++++++CASTAWAYS: Station Casinos bought the casino from the mortgage holder to make sure no casino reopens and rivals their Boulder Station.++++++++++COMDEX: Convention is canceled.See story at: http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,116671,00.asp++++++++++DESERT INN: The last two towers of the old Desert Inn; St.Andrews and Palms Towers have been imploded to make way for Wynn Las Vegas Phase 2.++++++++++FLAMINGO: The afternoon Bottoms Up Show closed.++++++++++GOLDEN NUGGET: Spirit of the Night Show closed.++++++++++GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM: Closed.++++++++++HAWAIIAN MARKET PLACE: Closed its food court.++++++++++IMPERIAL PALACE: Hawaiian Luau Show closed for the season.++++++++++LA CONCHA MOTEL: Demolished by wrecking ball.++++++++++MGM MIRAGE: Teatro Bar closed for remodeling. Will reopen December 31st as the Teatro Euro Bar.++++++++++MIRAGE: Renoir Restaurant has closed and will reopen in the new Wynn Las Vegas.++++++++++MONORAIL: Closed indefinitely pending safety tests. Three times, parts have fallen off moving trains since the opening. [Two pound washer; 60-pound wheel assembly and a drive shaft. Also one instance of an exit door, with passengers on, opened on the wrong side.]++++++++++PALACE STATION: The Lippin' to the Hits Show closed.++++++++++RIVIERA: [1] Escape-The Magic Show with Dixie Dooley closed.[2] Hail Hail Rock 'N' Roll Show opened and closed.[3] The Dirk Arthur part in the Splash show has been closed.++++++++++ROYAL RESORT: Dinner With Mama Show closed.++++++++++SAHARA: Saturday Night Fever Show closed.++++++++++VENETIAN: Venus Bar closed until end of December for remodeling.++++++++++WESTIN CASUARINA: [1] Two shows opened and closed immediately: "Divas" and "Exposed".[2] The Collin Foster Magic Show closed.++++++++++WESTWARD HO: Grubstake Jamboree Show closed.++++++++++WET 'N WILD WATER PARK: Closed permanently to make way for a 3,000 room high rise hotel/casino, with a nautical theme called Palace of the Sea. Lot has 27 acres and can be built as high as 750 feet. No further details or financing announced by ARCHON GROUP, the new owners.++++++++++WHISKEY PETE'S: Hail Hail Rock N Roll Show closed.++++++++++==========================================================================CLOSINGS COMING UP====================++++++++++Nov.28, 2004= Harvest Festival floral display closing - Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.++++++++++Dec.10, 2004= SPLASH closing until Feb.1, 2005 with new production numbers - Riviera.++++++++++Jan. 9, 2005= Monet Art Exhibit closes at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts.++++++++++Jan.9, 2005= Virgin Records Megastore closing - Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, Phase 2.++++++++++Jan.16, 2005= The Pursuit of Pleasure: 17th Century to Present - art exhibit closing in the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in the Venetian.++++++++++Jan.17, 2005= The Key Largo Hotel and Casino, on Flamingo, just 2 blocks east of Bally's, is closing permanently. A developer has bought the property and will demolish the Key Largo and proceed with their residential construction plans.++++++++++Jan. 17, 2005= MonteLago Village closes their public ice skating rink.++++++++++Sep.15, 2005= Blue Man Group closes at the Luxor and opens at the Venetian.++++++++++==========================================================================OPENED IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS:===============================++++++++++AAA AWARD RATINGS: [1] Five Diamond ratings to hotels: Bellagio, Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas.[2] Five Diamond ratings to restaurants at: Bellagio (Le Cirque and Picasso) and Mirage (Renoir).++++++++++ALADDIN: [1] Reopened under Planet Hollywood management as a Sheraton hotel. Operations will continue to be normal while the changes are made in the next two years. No further details available for now but expect major changes.[2] Opened a 12-table Poker Room.++++++++++ALADDIN - DESERT PASSAGE: [1] Krave alternative nightclub opened where the Ibiza nightclub and the Blue Note Jazz Club were previously located. Information: http://www.kravelasvegas.com[2] Fashionistas Show opened in the above Krave nightclub. Information: http://www.fashionistastheshow.com/[3] Bruce in the USA (Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show) opened. Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in the V Theatre in the Desert Passage Mall inside the Aladdin.[4] "X" - An Erotic Adventure Show opened in the V Theatre in the Desert Passage Mall inside the Aladdin.++++++++++BARRICK GAMING: [1] New owners of the Plaza, Las Vegas Club (now the Vegas Club), Western and Gold Spike bought the very small Nevada Hotel and Queen of Hearts Hotel.[2] Started the Barrick Play Card which is a slot club for the Plaza and the Las Vegas Club (now the Vegas Club).++++++++++BINION'S HORSESHOE: The very funny "Vinnie Favorito Comedy Show opened. A "billhere" recommended show.++++++++++BOURBON STREET: The Michael Johns Hypnotism Show and the Hypnosis Gone Wild Show have opened.++++++++++BUDDY HACKETT:Read a marvelous interview with Sandy Hackett about his father Buddy Hackett: http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2004/oct/01/517602990.html++++++++++CAESARS PALACE: [1] The fabulous Mesa Grill Restaurant opened.[2] Eliminated box men at their craps tables. Other casinos that have done so are: Bally's, Flamingo and Paris Las Vegas.[3] Extended the Celine Dion show into 2007.++++++++++CAESARS PALACE - FORUM SHOPS:[1] FAO Schwarz toy store, closed due to bankruptcy, reopened, with new owners, after renovations. Huge wooden Trojan horse in front remains. Located in Phase 2.[2] Forum Shops opened a spectacular $139 million, three-story, Phase 3, with an expansion from the existing mall all the way to The Strip and has a three-story grand entrance direct from The Strip across the street from Harrah's. The beautiful mall has inlaid marble floors and specially built spiral escalators for the three floors. There is also classical 35-feet statues, plus a 60-foot-by-30-foot reflecting pond. About 60 upscale new stores such as: Dolce & Gabanna, Jeweler Harry Winston, famous Miami restaurant Joe's Stonecrab & Seafood, Boa Prime Steak, Sushi Roku, high-end shoe and fashion accessory emporium Donald Pliner, Taryn Rose, Guiseppe Zanotti, Casa Fuente Cigars, shoemaker Bruno Magli, Caolina Herrera, Pucci, Celine, Thomas Pink, Custo Barcelona, Peter Max, Davante Optical, Casa Fuente, Agent Provocateur, Villa Reale(Art de Mexico), Il Mulino, Tommy Bahama, Luca Luca, Chrome Hearts, Juicy Couture, Versace Home Collection, Sony Style, Brooks Brothers, Nambé and Valentino. THE NEW MAIL IS BEAUTIFUL BUT THE MERCHANDISE IS VERY EXPENSIVE.++++++++++FASHION SHOW MALL: A Spanish, tapas restaurant, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!; Ra Sushi Bar; Capital Grille Steakhouse and Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant all opened.++++++++++FIESTA RANCHO: Opened a $7 million ice arena and poker room.++++++++++FLAMINGO: Using MindPlay technology at their blackjack tables. All cards and chips are coded for instant computer tabulation. The casinos use it to evaluate the level of comps a blackjack player will get. HOWEVER, the problem is that they stop the game and shuffle the cards when this system tells them that the players have an advantage over the casino. Do not play blackjack at the Flamingo! A gambler has filed a legal action against the Flamingo and others. Full story on the legal action and full description of MindPlay at: http://www.hotel-online.com/News/2004_Oct_19/k.LVC.1098295284.html++++++++++FOUR QUEENS: Their slot club is now called the Royal Winners Club. Formerly the Reel Winners Club.++++++++++HARRAH"S: Renamed the Playa Lounge to The Piano Bar featuring karaoke and dueling pianos.++++++++++HAWAIIAN MARKET PLACE: The free Birdman of Las Vegas show opened.++++++++++HOTEL ROOM RATES: Are up over 20% from last year.++++++++++IMPERIAL PALACE: [1] Has lost a $400,000 verdict to a blackjack counter who was wrongfully detained by Imperial Palace security personnel. Hopefully, casinos will now tread lightly when gamblers count cards at blackjack tables. The full story at: http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-05-Fri-2004/business/25149847.html[2] Southern Nevada Physicians opened a medical clinic, located on the 8th floor in the Imperial Palace, which is available to all tourists and locals. They are open a convenient 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and take most insurance plans. Their local telephone number is 309-5144.++++++++++LADY LUCK: OVATION variety show opened.++++++++++LAKE LAS VEGAS: MonteLago Village opened a public ice skating rink until Jan.17th. Information at: http://www.letsgoiceskating.com/information.htm++++++++++LAS VEGAS CLUB: Changed its name to Vegas Club.++++++++++LAS VEGAS HILTON: [1] David Brenner show opened.[2] Aussie Angels topless revue show opened.[3] The Nightclub is now called the "Shimmer Cabaret".++++++++++LAS VEGAS STRIP TROLLEY: Now available for charter.++++++++++MANDALAY BAY: [1] Forty Deuce, an L.A. hot night club, with a burlesque show, opened in the Mandalay Place Retail Mall: http://www.fortydeuce.com/[2] Fleur de Lys Restaurant opened next to the Aureole Restaurant.[3] MIX Lounge (very exclusive) opened on the top floor of the new THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.[4] House of Blues opened Monday night karaoke with a live rock band.++++++++++MCCARRAN AIRPORT: Boarding pass or official ticket and a government-issued ID (drivers license, military ID or passport) are now required to pass any security checkpoint. E-ticket receipts, itineraries (travel agent or airline) and vouchers will no longer be accepted. Boarding passes will no loner be available at the gates. Boarding passes may be obtained on most airline internet sites, ticket counters, SpeedCheck kiosks (at the airport and Convention Center) or at skycap curbside stations.++++++++++MGM MIRAGE: [1] Construction started for the RESIDENCES AT MGM GRAND a huge 40-story, 576 suite, new condominium, which is being built where the MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park was located, in the back of the MGM Grand property. Turnberry & MGM Mirage are partners in this multi-building project, Completion for the first tower is March, 2006. Tel.:1-888-891-1688 or (702) 891-5555. Beautiful internet site is at: http://www.mgmgrandresidences.com The second tower is 50% sold and construction is to start July, 2005.[2] MGM Mirage announced a multi-phase, master planned community called Project CityCenter stretching from the Bellagio, all the way to the Monte Carlo. The Boardwalk Hotel & Casino will be demolished in 2006. No other definite details, timetable or financing have been announced for the project.[3] You can stay at the Mansion at MGM Grand for $5,000 per night!++++++++++MIRAGE: Announced that a new 90-minute show created by Cirque du Soleil, featuring a celebration of Beatles music, will replace the closed Siegfried & Roy Show. A new $100 million theater replacing the Siegfried & Roy Theater and seating 2,000, with 360-degree seating, is already under construction. The stage will be a theater-in-the round. Cirque performers will appear from below as well as above the stage. The new show is tentatively called "The Boys" and is estimated to open around May, 2006. This will be the fifth Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas after "O", Mystere, Zumanity and KA.++++++++++ORLEANS: Opened a new $40 million, 460-room, 21-story Tower, facing Tropicana Avenue. Total rooms are now 1,886 after this latest expansion.++++++++++PALMS: Started construction on the second tower, just behind the existing one. This 40-story tower to have 300 rooms (making a total of 720 rooms) and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Completion in January, 2006. Playboy will open a nightclub, lounge, retail store and sky villa.++++++++++PLAZA: [1] New Italian restaurant Larry Manetti's opened.[2] Larry G. Jones, impressionist show, opened.[3] The Comedy Zone reopened.++++++++++RIO: [1] The All American Bar & Grill reopened after renovations.[2] The I-Bar Ultra Lounge opened after renovating of the old Ipanema Bar.++++++++++SILVERTON: [1] Opened Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World with a 40,000-gallon aquarium, waterfall, a stream stocked with fish meandering through the store, climbing wall, NASCAR display, archery and pistol ranges and a marine and boat showroom. [2] Opened the free AZURE live mermaid show, which will be on every two hours and takes place in a huge saltwater fishtank sharing the waters with mermaid friendly fish. Adjoing is the Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge.++++++++++STARDUST: [1] Bought 13 acres of land adjacent to its southwest side, for $43 million. Increases the site's size to 63 acres owned. It also has 9 acres leased to Budget Suites motel. The lease expires in November, 2006 but has an early cancellation clause. Stardust is obviously planning a huge project.[2] Ba-Da-Bing Show opened.++++++++++STRATOSPHERE: Opened the world's highest topless, indoor pool on their 25th floor, called Beach Club 25. Its restricted to Stratosphere hotel room guests.That's the third topless pool in Las Vegas after Caesars Palace's Venus Pool (outside the Palace Tower) & Mandalay Bay's Moorea Beach Club (beside the main pool area). The one at MGM Grand is no longer in operation.++++++++++TREASURE ISLAND (TI): Remodeled Buffet reopened and is called "Dishes".++++++++++TREASURES TOPLESS CLUB: Closed. Liquor license revoked by the City for allowing prostitution.on its premises. Hello City Fathers - what about every other so called Gentlemans Clubs and those listed in the over 115 pages under "Entertainers" in the Las Vegas Yellow Pages?++++++++++ VENETIAN: Construction has started on their third tower called "Palazzo" on the south-east corner of The Strip and Spring Mountain where the now demolished Tam O'Shanter Motel was located. The meeting rooms for this phase are under construction next to the Sands Convention Center. The 53-stories tower will have 3,025 suites, cost $1.6 billion, with casino (1,900 slot machines and 80 table games), meeting space, shopping mall, restaurants, underground parking and 1,500-seat theater. There will be a 60-foot glass domed entry lobby with a two-story fountain. When completed, it will be part of the largest hotel complex in the world with over 7,000 hotel rooms. All opening in the first quarter of 2007.++++++++++WESTIN CASUARINA: The Forbidden Vegas Show opened.++++++++++==========================================================================OPENINGS COMING UP====================++++++++++Nov.26, 2004= Opening of the new Cirque du Soleil show to replace EFX in a completely renovated $135 million 1,951-seat theater. The show cost $30 million and with all that money spent they will call the show "KA". Not KAKA just "KA". Information at http://www.ka.com ("O" Show cost only $90 million). The show will be Asian-themed and will have an actual story about two brothers who square off after embracing the forces of good and evil. Expect fire and water in the show. Exploding stage. The costumes are "earth tone" in color.++++++++++Nov.27-Jan.15, 2005= The Stars Are Out Tonight Show, on ice and public ice skating - Roman Plaza Center in front of the casino - Caesars Palace.++++++++++Nov.29-Feb.10, 2005= Christmas floral display - Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.++++++++++Dec. 2, 2004= Fab Four Beattles Tribute Show opens in the "V" Theater in the Desert Passage Mall inside the Aladdin. [http://www.thefabfour.net]++++++++++Dec. 3, 2004= Marriott opens The Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel which is a $100 million new 548-room, 14-story, non-gaming, hotel at 3400 Paradise Road. Southeast corner of Desert Inn and Paradise Roads. ENVY Steakhouse and Starbucks Coffee Shop, swimming pool, spa and a five-story parking garage. Located 300 feet from the Convention Center. Information at: http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/lasbr?WT_Ref=mi_left++++++++++Dec.18, 2004= Green Valley Ranch opens their new, 296-room, $110 million Tower. ++++++++++Dec.20, 2004= MIX Restaurant is opening on the top floor of the new THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.++++++++++Dec.23, 2004= Bellagio opens another tower of 928 rooms, costing $375 million, called the Spa Tower, south of the main pool area. Includes spa, retail, convention and restaurant space. Electronic drapes and fully stocked mini bars will be included in each room. One of the restaurants will be called Sensi, serving continental cuisine, and will have its four kitchens in a sunken arena in the middle of the dining room with diners seated around its edge. The European-style pastry shop, The Patisserie, will offer an assortment of chocolates, cookies, cakes, crepes, salads, sandwiches, and more. Sensi Restaurant to open featuring four open kitchens in a sunken arena in the middle of the dining room. The tram from Bellagio to Monte Carlo, which is now closed, will re-open at the same time.++++++++++Dec.31, 2004= Caesars Palace opens a huge two-story nightclub called PURE, where the old Caesars Magical Empire was located. Glass elevator takes you up to the outdoor terrace, facing the Flamingo, with a panoramic view of The Strip. Grand opening to feature Mariah Carey. Three distinct venues will include: Pure Nightclub; Red VIP Room and the Pussycat Dolls Lounge (opening in February, 2005) which will feature a nightly sexy cabaret show.++++++++++Dec.31, 2004= MGM Grand reopening the TEATRO Euro Bar after remodeling.++++++++++Dec.??, 2004= Venus Bar reopening after remodeling - Venetian.++++++++++OPENINGS COMING UP FOR 2005-2006-2007 WILL BE IN THE NEWSLETTER OF DECEMBER 15th.======================================================================Let us know how we can help you further. 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- posted by Michael P. Whelan @ 3:35 PM