Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

June 15, 2005

What's Next For Caesars Palace?

Posted by Hunter

Now that the Harrah's/Caesars merger is complete, many are left wondering how Harrah's can handle Caesars Palace. The venerable Strip casino has been a high-rolling icon since the 60s - a business segment that Harrah's has not reached in the past.

A piece in today's RJ looks at some of fear that circles the changing of the guard in the Empire.

What's Next at Caesars (LVRJ)


Categories: Caesars/Harrah's


Comments

Read archived comments (9 so far)
June 15, 2005 1:03 PM Posted by Mike

It's unfortunate to read, but maybe with this merger, Harrah's can put a stop to the ridiculous pricing on Caesars' subpar rooms and suites.

June 15, 2005 8:19 PM Posted by tom

I don't get how the CEO for Harrah's lives in Boston. How does a guy running a gaming company get away with living away from the center of his business empire, Las Vegas? To me this is arrogant and stupid behavior. Harrah's has a terrible reputation, but seems to get its share of the gambling pie. I have said before that I think Ceasar's is heading for a long term decline and will not maintain its high end in such a competitive market with Harrah's business model.

June 15, 2005 8:24 PM Posted by Hunter

Don't harsh Loveman too bad... He's a smart dude. When Phil Satre was recruiting from Harvard Biz School, one of the conditions was that he could be based in MA and commute. His family is established there and Loveman was concerned about their quality of life... Also, Harrah's has properties all over the US - Vegas represents only about 30% of their income (unlike MGM MIRAGE who get about 90% from the Strip). Harrah's secret is diversified properties that focus on the low to mid market. There is a lot of money to be made there (as Bennett found out at Circus Circus)... Now, that certainly doesn't mean that HET knows what to do with Caesars... They very well may run the Empire into the ground.

June 16, 2005 12:37 PM Posted by Dr. B

Caesar's seems to have a lot of dedicated, "old money" customers. Would you characterize this as a fair evaluation? I, personally, have never fully understood the high-end appeal of the hotel; The look and feel of the casino, at least, seems outdated.

June 16, 2005 3:06 PM Posted by Hunter

Well, until 1989 and The Mirage, Caesars was by far the biggest name on the Strip. It is still the best known brand in gaming and they aggressively go after the high end customers.

They have some very nice digs for their high rollers and at this point most of the casino has been rebuilt.

June 16, 2005 3:32 PM Posted by Mike

Rebuild it all they want--still the nicest area of Caesars (and IMO, still one of the nicest "atmospheres" of any casino in the city) is the original area built in the 60s. If Harrah's should go so far as to touch, I'm sure they'll get more than one angry customer.

June 17, 2005 11:58 AM Posted by socalduck

Good point, Mike. The original pit is the place to be. Unfortunately, while the physical structure remains, they have lost the people that made the place truly special. Luckily, if you drive up the street, you will find a lot them now work for Wynn.

June 18, 2005 2:04 PM Posted by Mike

Very true. In fact, during my last stay, I saw that one high roller host that was heavily featured on A&E's reality show "Caesars 24/7" attending a semi-private baccarat game at Wynn.

June 23, 2005 2:19 PM Posted by Mark

Caesar's has the worst indoor air of any of the casinos. It's especially shocking, because of the high reputation it enjoys...
Let me point out the clorox waffing off the pools in the shopping rotunda.
The more intense clorox pouring off the 3 fountains in the shopping halls. I don't really know how people can work daily around all of that clorine gas.
I am not a sensitive person nor an enviromentalist. It's just that I think of high end as not having clorox odor...