Retrospective: Wynn Palace and Design DNA
Most hotel operators, especially those in the hospitality world, are known for touting the word revolutionary. Revolutionary new designs, services, offerings, and amenities are all the rage in the PR buzz word dictionary for hoteliers today. Is Wynn Palace Design revolutionary?
Bally’s Atlantic City | The Glamorous Past, Building Onward, and Thriving not Surviving
Before we get to discussing Bally’s Atlantic City, I feel a need to step back to my first impressions of the casino resort city by the Atlantic Ocean. The Boardwalk in Atlantic City is something like all of Vegas’s tourist attractions wrapped into one.
Living the Mlife: An Introduction – MGM M life Rewards Loyalty Program
This is the first in a series that will introduce you to MGM Mlife Rewards Program. How to earn points, how to use points to your advantage, and even some things..
Treasure Island | A Vegas Story for the Ages
Our destination…the place we could fit the most for the least. That place was the all new Treasure Island at the Mirage. (AKA The OG Encore). And for a splendid night of debauchery, myself and 21 of my peers piled into a room for the night. Buffets and my first slot experience later, Las Vegas became ingrained in me just as it had with my family before me.
Vegas Fees Gone Wild | MEGARESORT™©® NEEDS MORE MONEY!
Vegas Fees Gone Wild | It seems that we are living in an age of travel “fees gone wild.” Is ancillary revenue becoming the cornerstone of financial success for hotel operations in Las Vegas?
Steve Wynn | The King Has Fallen, But The Kingdom Will Thrive
Steve Wynn took all the lessons learned with the Golden Nuggets, both in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and turned them into the Mirage, the resort that became the model for themed resorts for years to come. That success has driven us through the wild success of Bellagio, Wynn and Encore, Wynn Macau and Cotai, and the wildly inventive ideas coming to this day with Wynn Paradise Park, Wynn West, and Wynn Boston Harbor.
In Memoriam – (Un)Lucky Dragon (2017-2018)
But part of the trip that was critical to me was to check out, now that it was finally open and seemed to be a gem in the rough, the Lucky Dragon. I talked up the visit to the joint the entire trip to my friend. Intimate casino, catered crowd, boutique hotel, food that might rival the best Asian in the country (wrong…Arcadia always wins), and best of all…free parking. He shrugged (trust me, not a casino geek) and said sure. And along we went.
Living the Mlife: World of Hyatt Partnership
Living the MGM Mlife – World of Hyatt Partnership | What it means for the frequent traveler is that you don’t necessarily need to gamble to get Mlife perks as high as Gold.
Will Hard Rock Atlantic City Rock The Boardwalk Back To Life?
With the brand already successfully operating a signature Cafe in the shuttered resort, and the money ready for investing, the synergy happened and the result has been announced formally to the world as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City.
(W)hy Is No One Talking About The W Las Vegas?
But after a lengthy amount of time since opening, no one is really talking about the W at the SLS. While friends will always rave of the latest hotel openings, experiences and the like, no one in my direct contact has mentioned more than a whisper or two about the W.
At Wynn Las Vegas, Your Room Has Ears – Amazon Echo
Wynn has plans in place to install a white Amazon Echo in every room in his Las Vegas property, starting with the Tower Suites and working down to every last room. The purpose, not your everyday household Echo skills, but specialized tasks to operate curtains, lights, and the TV and AC. All things that the touch panels in both Wynn and Encore already do. The thought it amazing, voice control of your room for the ultimate luxury experience. Here’s the Steve himself talking about it.
Las Vegas | Wynn Black Friday Sale : (AKA How Much Money Can You Burn?)
Black Friday, as we all know, has become a tradition. Waking up at the crack of dawn to freeze to death waiting in line for a discounted digital camera you’ll likely never use, or something to that ilk, only to realize how miserable you are after the whole day is said and done. But for the Vegas-phile, this often means pretty good deals on rooms for a short period of time at some great properties in Vegas. So of course, this little beauty pops into my inbox… Wynn Las Vegas Black Friday Sale ..
Hotel Review | The Executive Suite At Wynn Palace Cotai – Part 2
The casino game today is a mix of different things. In Vegas, it’s corporate policy streamlining the house advantage while tossing out treats. In Macau, it’s one-upping your opponent, who can be bigger, flashier, better. In Atlantic City, it’s simple survival of the fittest, even if that means grinding your business from month to month. […]
Las Vegas | Aliante Station Is Now B-Connected
With all the growth, luxury and attention splurged on the Strip, we shouldn’t fail to forget there are a few really beautiful properties that are considered “locals” joints dotted around the Las Vegas valley. The M to the south is one such hotel, as is Red Rock to the west, and Aliante to the north. […]
Las Vegas | The Lucky Dragon Rises (For Real This Time!)
The Lucky Dragon, the mysteriously intimate property near the now developing corner of Sahara and Las Vegas Boulevard, has teased us with wonderful renderings and beautiful design for quite some time. When I was last in Vegas a few months ago, I snapped a handful of shots showing the progress that had been made, looking as […]
Hotel Review | The Executive Suite At Wynn Palace Cotai – Part 1
In this first part of our Wynn Palace executive suite hotel review I was going along for the ride that was arguably the biggest casino resort opening of the decade.
A Reflection On Wynn Design And Development: Roger Thomas And Wynn Palace
I, as an architect, can’t help but look back on Roger Thomas and Wynn Design and Development. Wynn D&D, and Roger Thomas, have been the driving force behind Wynn’s properties dating from Atlantic City through the newest venture in Cotai
“EXCITING” Borgata Atlantic City Changes Are Coming
But with MGM’s complete acquisition of Borgata Atlantic City from Boyd we here at TZ were left pondering what exactly would happen when it came to Mlife..
MGM Buys Out Boyd, Becomes Majority Owner Of Borgata
Despite not having a major presence in Atlantic City, MGM has always owned a stake in the Borgata, a collaborative operation with Boyd Gaming which is still the highest-grossing casino resort in the Atlantic City area. As of Monday however, MGM shook things up just a bit. MGM Buys Out Boyd In a deal completed […]
A Walk Through The Park Las Vegas
..And with this anchor as the grand plan, The Park was born, and on my recent trip to Vegas during a severe bought with the hangover demon, I got to explore this little piece of open space nestled between New York New York and the Monte Carlo..
Delayed Abroad, It’s Full Speed Ahead For Wynn Las Vegas Property Changes And Upgrades
Despite the pushback of Wynn Palace, Wynn continues to tinker and change up his Las Vegas properties in line with his recent public announcements regarding several major changes to the properties.
Wynn Palace Puts Off Her Debutante Ball…Again.
Just like a young woman who is not quite ready for primetime, so goes the way over at Steve Wynn’s new crown jewel Wynn Palace. Set for an early 2016 opening date, the date was pushed back again to June 25th.
SLS Update | W Las Vegas Is Coming
After speculation and somewhat of confirmation from the SLS and Starwood, it appears as though the transformation of the Lux tower into the first W Las Vegas is well underway with construction walls up and certain rooms not available.
Hotel Review | The D 2 Bedroom Suite – Part 2
After last week’s part one of this hotel review, t’s time to show you the rest of the surprises that we found within the D’s 2 Bedroom Suite!
Hotel Review | The D 2 Bedroom Suite – Part 1
The D 2 Bedroom Suite: Unless you’re sleeping (or booking) beneath a rock when in Vegas as of late, there’s no way you’ve not heard about the revival..
Las Vegas | The (Some) People VS The Cosmopolitan Lawsuit: An Update
Cosmopolitan Lawsuit: Who’s Guilty? A while back I wrote about a case that had been brought up as class action against The Cosmopolitan. The suit, Mirkarimi v. The Cosmopolitan, was one that was purely about one thing. Cosmo recorded phone calls without consent. A San Diego attorney went after them. As a guest, I was […]
Wynn Palace Update | Most Importantly: The Rooms
Wynn Palace update: the rooms. And surprisingly, there’s some motifs here we’ve seen experimentation on, but taken to another level.
Wynn Palace Update | More Delays But Eyecandy To Tide You Over
Another month, another delayed opening of the much anticipated newest addition to the Wynn Resorts portfolio, Wynn Palace on the Cotai Strip.
Las Vegas | Derek Stevens Claims More Frontage on Fremont
The resurgence of downtown thanks in no small part to the vision that Derek Stevens has for his properties and how they affect those around him.
Las Vegas | Wynn Shows Us Paradise in Paradise
If you’ve not been under a rock, you’ve no doubt seen our articles on the shifts, slides, changes and happenings at Wynn that have been going on for quite some time now. Dining and chef changes, restaurant closures and openings, new gaming and nightlife concepts. The evidence is that now that Wynn Palace is coming […]
Seattle | Snoqualmie Casino | Brief Casino Overview
Surprise Casino Visit In Seattle When I was invited by a friend to celebrate the New Year’s in Seattle (something I highly recommend, despite the challenges of flying non-rev on New Year’s Eve) I said yes before the words were out of his mouth. Seattle is an amazing city on it’s rainiest days, and having […]
Las Vegas | How Wynn Is Shuffling The Nightlife Deck
Steven Wynn is bipolar in mood. He’s happy with one thing, namely Wynn Palace, and that happiness leads to unhappiness with existing properties, namely Wynn and Encore back stateside. Need evidence? Look around. New art, chefs shifting around, restaurants closing, renovating, reopening. It’s like someone’s playing Wheel of Fortune in his brain and he’s hoping […]
Hotel Review: Embassy Suites at the LVCC (aka A Gamer In A Non-Gaming World) – Part II
If you caught part one of our review of the Embassy Suites at the LVCC you saw a little bit of everything. Interesting decor, a spacious room, a just removed location, and a hotel with not a single gaming fixture throughout. But as I know you’re avid readers of our reviews, I’ll spare you the […]
Need A Ride In Vegas? This Is What You Need To Try!
So Long Cabbies, I’ll Find My Own Lyft (Or Uber) One of the reasons I’ve preferred for years to drive myself to Las Vegas rather than taking a cheap flight is the fact that I’d prefer to spend my bankroll on the goodies and not in town transport. That’s not to say that grabbing an […]
Las Vegas | Update: Recent Changes at Mirage
Mirage Las Vegas Finds New (Yet Old) Ground Don’t be fooled by the article’s headline. The thatched pits are still gone, the ceiling is still stark white and the carpet electrically colored tropical madness. But much like the good things The Mirage Las Vegas has been doing with their restaurants, including reintroduction of a 24 […]
Las Vegas | Wynn Cooks Up Something(s) New
Anyone who knows Steve Wynn, the personality, knows that beyond being a perfectionist when finishing a project, that same drive continues as his properties operate and are broken in. Public spaces are fine tunes, stores are changed to better perform, the casinos are reorganized for better flow and use. But most importantly, Wynn stays on […]
Hotel Review: Embassy Suites at the LVCC (aka A Gamer In A Non-Gaming World) – Part I
I am never one to say no to a last minute trip to Las Vegas. And especially seeing as how I’ve recently decided that driving that long beautiful stretch of highway to Sin City may not be all its cracked up to be thanks to the addition of parking fees and the reduction of intercity […]
Las Vegas | Finding A Classic: Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesars Palace
Cleopatra’s Barge – Caesars Palace Las Vegas It would be fair to say that if you walked into Caesars Palace Las Vegas after a nearly 50 year hiatus, a lot would be different. The softly lit exterior of the building is gone, replaced by intricate and heavy Roman colonnades and balustrades. The intimate lounges and […]
Las Vegas | I Survived (Barely) The TI Super Bowl Party
*Disclaimer: I was an invited guest to this one of a kind sports spectacle by another attendee. Thanks to that guy for the weight gain. I think? I never really need much of an excuse to go to Vegas. Someone’s getting hitched? Sure. Bachelor party? Yep. Event? I’m in. The sun came up and I’ve got […]
Las Vegas | Death of the Road Tripper
I’ll never forget the first time I rolled into Vegas. I was in a Ford Windstar full of college kids from my architecture studio, it was 1998.
Las Vegas | Five Things TravelZork Is Looking Forward To In 2016
A New Year means a new Vegas. Well, in reality, things come and go so fast in Las Vegas it would be more accurate to say a New Week a new Vegas. But that’s part of what makes the city, and other gaming meccas around the world like it, so addictive beyond the boozing and […]
Review Redux | The SLS Las Vegas Lux Tower SPG Junior Suite
The SLS Las Vegas Lux Tower SPG Junior Suite One of the first reviews I had the pleasure of doing when I started here at TravelZork was that of the SLS, Sam Nazarian’s reborn version of the Sahara. And the review brought with it many pleasant surprises that I honestly didn’t expect from the final […]
Cotai Macau (Macao) | Wynn Palace: A Primer
Wynn Palace It’s no big news that Wynn, with the wild success of both Wynn Macau and it’s expanded offerings with the addition of the Encore tower, has been digging in deeper into the gaming and hospitality offerings in Macau. And with the addition of new properties along the now booming Cotai strip, it was […]
Preview | The Julius Tower at Caesars Palace
The Julius Tower It’s no secret that Caesars Entertainment has finally been giving its flagship property quite a bit of love recently. Starting with the completion of the Octavius Tower, the opening of the first Nobu hotel, the conversion of Pure to Omnia in order to compete with Hakkasan and XS, and other small renovations […]
Hotel Review | The Cosmopolitan Lanai Suite – Part II
The Cosmopolitan Lanai Suite The Cosmopolitan has always sold itself on being curious, outside the box, or “just the right amount of wrong”. (I apologize in advance for putting any of their commercial songs in your head.) And as we saw in part I of my review, the Lanai suites at the Cosmopolitan blend the […]
Hotel Review: The Cosmopolitan Lanai Suite – Part I
When writing for my previous employer (an amazing opportunity I will never regret or forget) I was fortunate enough to be part of the opening and media tours prior to of two properties that have become landmarks on the modern Las Vegas strip. When Aria opened, I toured the property the night before…casino empty, tables […]
Preview | Mandalay Bay’s Renovated Rooms
Mandalay Bay Although I tend to stay on top of the game when it comes to the newest changes to the Vegas hotel scene, there was one recent bit of news that managed to slip under the radar until an email landed in my inbox. Hot on the heels of the renovation of the Four […]
Gambling | This Is What Happens When The Stars (or Spades) Align
Gambling Gambling isn’t scientific. Sure, its roots and the way the games today are built are mathematically quantifiable. Odds can be calculated, counting can be perfected, and edges can be made when you are a knowledgeable gambler. You can control your bets, take your chances, and use the statistics to maximize your payout not only […]
Hotel Review: The Queen Suite at the Delano – Part II
When MGM announced THEhotel, the all suite hotel tower at Mandalay Bay, would be taken over by Morgans hotel group and rebranded as the Delano, resurrecting plans for the former Echelon property that had been killed off with the great recession, many questions swirled about just how extensive the rebranding would be. Peeks were given […]
Las Vegas | What Is A City Without It’s Culture?
CityCenter added to that roster by creating it’s own carefully curated collection of installations and art meant to capture the Vegas culture moments that make CityCenter truly unique.
Hotel Review: The Queen Suite at the Delano – Part I
Las Vegas has always been a town of casino moguls, or nowadays corporations, doing whatever it takes to one up one another and draw in revenue. From the mundane, like changing paint colors, to the wildly imaginative like total reinventions of entire properties a la the SLS, Vegas is always looking to set trends in […]
Las Vegas | The Dragon Rises
We’ve all seen snippets about the proposed Lucky Dragon boutique hotel on Sahara, near the now transformed SLS and Rock In Rio site at the intersection of Sahara and LVB. But the project is now very much based in reality and not just renderings, with the tower taking shape and nearly topped out structurally, and […]
Las Vegas | Update: The Downtown Grand Still Has A Pulse
A while back, we were tipped off by some VIP high level players of the Downtown Grand that the hotel was set to close. Amidst a bevy of layoffs, schedule changes, and venue closing, the news really didn’t seem too far off the mark from being what could be more than just an extremely viable […]
Hotel Review: The Classic Room at the Borgata – Part II
We pick back on our review of the Borgata where we left off, right as I arrived on the muted but playful carpet of the 31st floor hallway and put my key into the slot. As I heard the familiar bleep bloop and the lock click,
Mlife : The Clock Resets
A new year (so to speak) and a new me. Or rather a new tier. That’s right kids, it’s now October and all those earned Mlife (tier level) credits are about as worthwhile as a turtle in a greyhound race. If you are new to Mlife, be sure to check out the beginning of our Mlife series on TravelZork.
Hotel Review | The Classic Room At The Borgata – Part I
We look at the Classic Room At The Borgata Atlantic City. So it was not a question that I would have to stay at the property that changed Atlantic City’s fame with one word…Borgata.
The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas | Just The Wrong Amount Of Wrong
The accusation is that the Cosmo knowingly recorded phone calls made to and from residents of California, a big big no no on privacy grounds in one of the most liberal states in the country.
Las Vegas | Aria’s Continuing Transformation
Aria, MGM’s self-chosen jewel property despite those loyal to Bellagio, is continuing to improve what is broken in all the right ways. Since the property opened, many issues and problems have been continually fixed, with underperforming restaurants swapped out, and boutiques replaced with pressed juicerys and bar names changed. One of the more recent changes […]
Hotel Review | The Golden Gate Suite at the Golden Gate Las Vegas
Hotel Review: The Golden Gate Suite at the Golden Gate Las Vegas Back in 1906, when Las Vegas was just a dusty crossroads in the middle of the Nevada territory, a tiny hotel for travelers through the area opened at the corner of Main and Fremont. The Hotel Nevada, as it was called then, gave […]
L’Atelier at MGM : A Culinary Performance
If you know anything about the culinary world, you should know the name Joël Robuchon. A master of french cuisine, his namesake restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is renowned for service, cuisine, and an experience unlike any other. But that experience also comes at a price. However, there’s another side to Robuchon’s […]
Las Vegas | What Can’t Happen
For years now I have gone to Las Vegas to celebrate my birthday. Much to the chagrin of my friends and family, it’s always my escape, my time to go and…
Living the Mlife: Points, Partners, and Payouts – Earning Outside of Gaming
If you’ve been keeping up with our posts exploring the Mlife program, you’re up to date on what the program is and what exactly it takes to earn points..
Las Vegas | Downtown Grand To Close?
UPDATE 19 October 2015 : The Downtown Grand Still Has A Pulse UPDATE 9 September 2015 : As you may have seen in our other post it seems the Grand is getting yet another shot at life. With a revamp of the players club, modifications to the floor, and some new and updated odds it would seem […]
Living The Mlife: The Basics – Earning Tier Credits
As we mentioned in the first post in our series on Mlife and its benefits, this series will help you as a player utilize and understand Mlife and how it..
Hotel Review | Deluxe King Nobu Hotel At Caesars Palace
Deluxe King Nobu Hotel At Caesars Palace It’s no secret here amongst Vegas regulars that Caesars Palace, once a bane amongst frequents, has been on something of an uptick. With the debut of the gorgeous and modern Octavius Tower, a new buffet, and the creation of the Laurel Collection, Sarno’s first masterpiece has proven that […]
Los Angeles | R+D Kitchen
A recent Saturday found myself and a friend searching for a midweek brunch after a business meeting, and being along the coast, I decided to try R+D Kitchen, a more casual offering from the Hillstone Restaurant Group, best known for their other mainstay Houstons.
The Mirage Cabanas | A Summer Retreat
Summer At The Mirage Cabanas There’s nothing quite like Las Vegas in the summertime. The oppressive heat causes people to stream inside the casinos getting off the 110°F (43°C) pavement for respites at the blackjack tables, shopping or to one of the many differing resort pools located throughout the city. Each one has its own […]
In Memoriam | The Revel Atlantic City Ocean Suite
No more proof of this is needed then my stay in an Ocean Suite at Revel Atlantic City which deserves a revisit both in remembrance of the what was and in hope for the future of a hotel that deserves to be open and operating once again.
Hotel Review | The Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace
Before we discuss The Octavius Tower at Caesars, let’s talk architecture. The concrete and glass forms of IM Pei. The explanatory structural simplicity of Mies van der Rohe’s creations. This marriage of simple, pure, useful design and comfortability has been what is driving this whitewashing of Vegas.
Hotel Review: The Salon Suite at Encore Las Vegas – Part II
The suites, now approaching 5 years old and unbelievably about to be completely renovated, are still the high bar for luxury hotel suites in Las Vegas.
Hotel Review: The Salon Suite at Encore Las Vegas – Part I
The Salon Suite at Encore Las Vegas – Part I The Salon Suite at Encore Las Vegas – Part II Other Vegas Hotel Reviews : LUX King at the SLS Las Vegas Steve Wynn and luxury are a forgone conclusion. Beginning with his days at the Golden Nugget, it was readily apparent that Mr. Wynn […]
Hotel Review | LUX King at the SLS Las Vegas
A Surprisingly Likeable Stay When Sam Nazarian sauntered up to the doors at Sahara and stuck a hand written note saying “Be Back Soon!” in May of 2009, I figured the 59 year run of the property was over. Once a name up with Dunes, Sands, and the big boys, the Sahara had faded into […]
Hotel Review | The Water Club at Borgata
It was no surprise then, that with demand at a high and occupancy kept near full, that Borgata would choose to expand its operations 2008 to accommodate more guests. The result of this choice was The Water Club at Borgata, a standalone boutique hotel attached via walkway to the already bustling Borgata. With 800 rooms and an impressive collection of pools and spa facilities, the Water Club has given a new level to what was already considered the best hotel in AC. It was a no brainer given the circumstances then that on my first visit to Atlantic City I had to try out the Water Club and see if it stood up to my already high Las Vegas standards.