Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

I'm watching The Ultimate Game from Wynn Las Vegas on my Tivo now, for those that missed it, it aired on Fox this past Saturday. Wynn did get some good press, there were several shots of the inside of the hotel, there was also a short interview with Steve Wynn. Wynn does know how to get press, from that old Treasure Island CBS movie, to things like Oceans Eleven. Anyhow, its pretty cool to see the whole course, since I don't play golf. It is nice to see it before its gone someday.

Here is a subject...The last episode of the Soprano's SUCKED!!! Oh well, here comes the movie.

Posted by mike_ch

Fact: Elad spelled backwards is Dale.

Discuss.

Posted by detroit1051

Mike, it's very simple. Tshuva had a thing for Dale Evans when he was growing up.

Brian: Please don't become too depressed over this (I don't want to ruin your day) - there's always hope for your boy Stevie, so keep your chin up! WYNN downgraded, future looks pretty grim.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070611/wynn_resorts_mover.html?.v=1

I watched parts of the Ultimate Game as well. The Wynn course looks beautiful. I wonder if you can walk the course if you have not paid or are not staying at the hotel. The good news for me is that I am actually GOING TO VEGAS from Jun 27-Jul 6 to go to a class and visit friends and of course see all the wonderful changes that have happened since I was last there in 2003. Man is there alot to see. I can't wait to go.

Posted by detroit1051

Tom M, you won't be able to get on the course, but you should go to Wynn and have lunch at Country Club Grill. It's a beautiful view, and you can sit outside (overlooking the 18th hole waterfall) if it's not too hot.
Also, even though the monorail is a flop, it gives a good view of the course from two sides. It runs between MGM Grand and the LV Hilton.

Leonard, It will be a lot higher than it is now a year from now, that's basically all I care about. Stocks go up, stocks go down, bottom line is, Wynn's best days are ahead of him. Wynn stock can sure go a lot higher percentage wise in the next 5 years than a company like LVS can. In fact I'll just put it on my calander now. Stock closed at 94.33 today. We'll see where it is on 06/11/2008, and I post again back on this page.

Posted by mike_ch

Actually, it runs all the way up to the Sahara

Posted by mike_ch

Question: Has anyone on this site ever reserved a room for somebody else? I suppose it largely depends on how well you trust your guest but does it generally work out well?

I have someone coming to visit me and just got something shot my way from Mirage showing me rates identical to Treasure Island's during that time period, which is nice, but it's a casino marketing offer.

On one hand, I think "no, you're not supposed to do that" but on the other hand Players Club has my address data and knows that I live here, and what other use do they have to sell me a room? Are they expecting me to pack up my bags and drive 20 minutes to the Strip for a summer vacation or something?

Mike, I do it all the time and will do it again for my next trip. Of course, you have to be the one to check them in.

Make sure you trust your guest completely and don't let them charge anything to the room. Don't bother with settling anything more than the room rate.

Posted by detroit1051

Mike_ch, of course you're right. This proves I've been away too long (seven months.)
Wynn still wants me (my remaining money) to return. Weekend before 4th of July for cash giveaway and "Earth, Wind & Fire" concert.

Posted by mike_ch

Thanks for the advice, Mike. I believe room charges can be addressed if the other guest presents a credit card for room charges. I'm not totally sure of this and it could be a policy that changes from hotel to hotel, but I've had a personal experience with that when I was old enough to reserve a room in a hotel-casino but not old enough to think about setting up for credit.

DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF STEVE HAD HIS EYE SURGERY YET, AND IF SO, IS THERE ANY WORD AS TO HOW IT WENT AND HOW HE IS DOING ?????

Yes, I think his surgery was a few weeks ago now probably. I don't know what the results were, if any.

"The Venetian Macau's 1,800-seat Cirque du Soleil theater is not expected to open for several months. About two-thirds of the retail stores will also not open right away."

This quote is out of a article today in LVRJ about the Venetian Macau. This is typical LVS for you. Lets open a property half done! That's a great idea! Lets do the same thing with Palazzo.

http://www.lvrj.com/business/7993167.html

Posted by detroit1051

Brian, I agree with you. Adelson is following the half-ass approach that he used at Venetian Las Vegas. He's already demonstrated in Vegas that over the long run, people will forget the inconveniences, all the while LVS is making lots of money. It's purely a financial decision. I don't like it, but that's the way he operates.

This one's for you Brian: The Motley Fool lists WYNN as one of three stocks to "run from":

http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/06/13/3-stocks-to-run-from.aspx

Regarding Steve Wynn's eye surgery that he announced on May 11th during his mandatory meeting where he made apologies to dealers two days before the voting in of union:

Wynn told them he had picked that date due to "the government telling him he needed to go to Boston's John Hopkins" the following week for eye surgery.

The day after and the entire week after Wynn was seen daily at WLV.

So unless eye surgery (including the trip to Boston) only takes 1/2 a day, this was just another pitiful plot to gain sympathy.

And since when does the government order anyone to have eye surgery?

The man's delusional, if he hasn't already lost his mind.

As for Garrity dealing with Bally's in Atlantic City, this past week he was asked by an employee there if he had anything to do with the Wynn unionization.

He replied, "How could I? I've been HERE for 8 weeks. Another lie. The vote was May 13th and Garrity was HERE up to that point- NOT Atlantic City.

Molly

These two never cease to amaze me.

Posted by detroit1051

Shanghai Daily on Wynn:
"WYNN Resorts Ltd has increased the size of a loan for its casino in Macau, the world's biggest gambling market, by 24 percent to US$1.55 billion, three people with direct knowledge of the matter, told Bloomberg News yesterday.
The company, controlled by billionaire Steve Wynn, boosted borrowing from US$1.25 billion after more than 50 banks and funds offered to lend more than it sought, said the people, who declined to be identified because details aren't public. Bank of America Corp, Deutsche Bank AG and Societe Generale SA are arranging the financing, they said."
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2007/200706/20070615/article_319652.htm

MGM Mirage is definitely having financial problems telling by these special effects:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4164922439011345539

Mike E: Honestly, when are you going to give this nonsense up once-and-for-all? MGM is so well capitalized by Kerkorian's personal interest alone, anything to the contrary is absolutely ridiculous. It's really up to Kerkorian at this point, in how much moeny he wants to "throw" at MGM, clearly that appears to be his primary focus + objective right now so I would assume, considering he has proven himself to be a forward-looking thinker in the past, unlike Wynn, I would bet the farm on Tracinda anyday. WYNN closed down once again 1.5 pts. lower today while MGM continues to maintain a consistent all-time record share price since the "announcement". At close of trading today, it was a mere 1.8 pts. below their 52 week high. Several analysts that I have spoken to continue to be bearish on WYNN for the long-term When Adelson's mega-resort, Venetian Macau opens in August with something like a 550,000 s.f,. casino alone, we'll see what happens to WYNN's bottom line, now won't we? Steve is pissing his pants right now because he knows that he will be beat to the ground, once again, by his formidable competitors. GMAFB + get a clue!

Great article that just came out today in City Life on what the work environment is like at Wynn.

How can you possibly admire someone who treats people like this?

Read "Bad Hand", cover story.

http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/

Molly

HE'S BACK WITH A VENGEANCE! McKee's anti-Wynn article is featured front + center on the cover of the current issue of City Life. Now, I forgot who the misinformed 'genius' was that earlier reported on this very forum that there were NO morale issues at WLV, you had better think again! I have been saying this over-and-over all along, guests are reporting deteriorating + declining service within ALL departments, not just casino floor personnel, throughout WLV over recent months. Steve's campaign of retaliation towards those dealers that supported, or were major figures in organizing the union, are being punished for the most ridiculous offenses. I can assure you, if the dealers end up walking out, the Culinary (Local 226) have already agreed to join in a strike along with them. If Wynn were somehow able to manage to "steal" housekeeping's meager gratuties, this greedy f*ck would definitely find a way to do so, fortunately, they are protected under contract with the Culinary Union.

http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2007/06/14/news/cover/iq_14907208.txt

When are you Wynn fanboys going to wake up + smell the coffee?

Leonard, Yeah, I'm running alright. I've made so much money on Wynn stock I'm running all the way to the bank! You got about 6 months to make something happen, or stop talking! You and Molly get on here and talk smack about how horrible Wynn is. And you more smack you talk the better things get. I mean Wynn getting a 5 star rating! Come on, If bad service and horrible management get us this, I say, Keep up the great work Steve Wynn! Now the profits are coming also. I just have one question...At what point will you give up? How much bigger or more successful does Wynn have to get, for you to realize you are wrong? Wynn will get bigger, and so will the profits. So you and Molly can just keep on hating, and keep on fighting. You're gonna lose the war!

McKee is back! If you want to know the reason why the morale at WLV is deteriorating, just read his recent cover article in CityLife:

http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2007/06/14/news/cover/iq_14907208.txt

Since this is an open column, I'm going to just merge several of my opinions on one post.

1. When is the broadway show trend going to be over?

My friend ushers at "Phantom" and they've gradually cut back production to 8 shows a week.

Some of the shows are so poorly attended the count is about 400.

I doubt "Spamalot" is doing much better.

I understand the popularity of headliners (Jerry Seinfeld, etc.), though for the life of me I don't understand the appeal of Celine Dion.

I used to use this analogy when I would argue with my ex about our New Orleans-themed piano bar in Key West.

We employed some of the most talented pianists at the time but at the end of the day some dirty, barefoot, hippie-type who could barely strum a quitar would sing "Margaritaville" over and over on some street corner and take home more tip money than our musicians.

I would tell my ex, "Look. People who travel to Key West are a completely different group than people who travel to New Orleans. They expect two very distinct and seperate experiences."

I think the same applies here. People come here to gamble. If they wanted to see Broadway shows they'd go to New York.

2. Mirage used to be my very favorite casino to dine and game UNTILL it became one giant Los Angeles nightclub with a fews slots and table games peppered throughout.

I was there recently on a FRIDAY night at 10 pm and the casino floor was dead. I have two friends who work there- one in cocktails and one's a dealer.

I've asked if this new nightclub environment has affected their tips and both answered, "Very much!" Not to mention all those bartenders who had been there for years lost their jobs when they pulled out all the seperate bars.

What in God's name were these people thinking? Does one nightclub's revenue really make up for the loss of gaming revenue????

3. I think the economy in Las Vegas is suffering more than we're led to believe by people like Mayor Goodman.

There are 30 casinos alone in Oklahoma and one made $20 million last year. That was on top of a huge embezzlement throughout it's first year.

Poker dealers earn about $800 on any Fri/Sat night.

And that's just in one state. Last year's Indian gaming revenue was in the BILLIONS!

Las Vegas has priced itself out of most American's budget. Why fly to Vegas, pay $200 to stay at a hotel, buy a $12 beer and suffer triple digit heat when you can drive 4 hours to Dallas, stay at Doubletree for $90 and buy a beer for $2.00?

I think this situation is going to get worse. I live by two major condos on the Strip and haven't noticed much progress in the past 6 months. Are they on "hold"?

Did Vegas REALLY think thousands of Americans would buy either their primary home (or rather apartment, considering the space of the units) or a vacation home here for a half a million dollars?

There are only so many Ben Afflecks and Paris Hiltons out there.

You won't hear anyone admit it but between Macau and Indian gaming, unless you're interested in seeing a fake volcano and dancing fountains, we're in trouble.

4. There is one thing I'll credit Wynn for, thank God. He doesn't allow screaming kids to ruin a person's meal.

Is Vegas ever going to address this problem? Being single, I dine out nightly. I only eat one meal a day and so I choose places that are a bit pricier, not because I WANT to but because the odds are better that I can have a stress-free hour of dining.

I gave up anything considered fast food long ago. I realize kids have to eat somewhere.

Then I moved up a notch to the Macaroni Grill/Chili's range. Then those places became over-run.

Last night I ate at a steakhouse where my entree/salad/wine and tip is normally $70+.

In my opinion, that should entitle me to a stress-free meal.

The host sat me next to 4 adults (I imagine 2 grandparents and 2 parents) with TWO TWIN BABIES that are obviously in their teething phase.

I told the server, "Sorry. This isn't going to work." He promised me they were almost through and he had already left the check.

Well, they kept sitting there and the babies kept screaming. I could tell by the looks on the other diner's faces that they were as pissed as I was.

My salad and wine arrived. They still sat there, babies screaming. I just stared at the server and asked if the manager could please DO SOMETHING?!

The server said, "They're almost through. I think they're leaving now.

I have lost count of how many times I have addressed this issue with restaurant management after I pay my bill. I have written corporate headquarters of many restaurants over the years. And I have heard the same statements made by countless wait-staff.

These parents are totally oblivious, as if they're walking zombies or something.

Well, last night I finally reached my breaking point.

I told the server to cancel my entree (it was almost done) and please give me my check. I left my business card and told him to give it to the manager in case the manager would want to contact me regarding my pending actions.

I then got up from the table as the server stood and watched and placed my check on the offending table saying, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to enjoy my meal tonight but I believe the entree can be boxed if you'd like to take it home since you're in charge of the bill."

Bitchy? Yeah, I admit it. But when are managers going to stop sacrificing the enjoyment of 100+ diners due to 4 very selfish individuals?

This has been going on for at LEAST 10 years because I remember in 1997 dining at the Atlantis Buffet in Reno on a Friday night. The cost was $30 and the occupancy of the room was 300 and it was PACKED!

Same thing happened. One couple with one screaming baby ruined 298 other people's meal.
(The acoustics in that place were horrible so you could be clear on the other side and STILL hear the screaming).

Does anyone have a suggestion for handling this problem? At this point I've done everything except toss the offending baby out the back door.

Trust me, I LOVE kids, but NOT screaming babies in restaurants, movie theaters, airplanes, museums, etc.

OK. I guess that's all I have to say. Time to go out into the 107 degree FABULOUS LAS VEGAS weather and do some landscaping.

Molly

Mike E, you had me for a moment there; i didn't get it. Too funny!

Molly, thank you.

Thank you for sharing with us the type of writing I've grown accustomed to and enjoy from previous experiences conversing with you. I don't think there was a single point in your statements I disagreed on.

Posted by detroit1051

Molly, interesting post. Here are a few comments, following your numbering system:
1) I also agree people don't come to Las Vegas to see Broadway shows. There is enough theater in the country that a trip to Vegas isn't necessary. I can speak only for myself, but when I'm in Vegas, I like entertainment that is unusual, fast-paced, with interesting sights and sounds. Who fills that bill? Cirque du Soleil for the most part. The number of Cirques may get tiring to some, but the public has voted with its wallets. I also want to see headliners just for the experience. I'd never consider buying a Celine CD, but seeing the show is fun; same with Elton John, Seinfeld, etc. I don't want to see legitimate theater where I have to think about acting, plots, characters, etc during a performance sandwiched between gambling and having dinner. Two shows which I remember most fondly are Tina Turner at MGM Grand Garden about seven years ago. Since she and I are about the same age, it was amazing to watch her energy and talent, It was a fun evening. Same with one of the Andre Agazzi benefit concerts, also five to seven years ago. The guest performers he got to appear in one place were terrific, and I'd never have another experience to see them together again. Another great evening.

2) Las Vegas is all about excess, and the proliferation of nightclubs must be profitable, but it's not for me. That's not the reason I travel a couple thousand miles. I respect MGM's ability to wring as much out of every new trend there is, and their clubs must be doing well. When interest wanes, as it eventually will, MGM and other operators will go on to the next "new" thing. That's the great thing about Vegas; nothing stays the same for too long.

3) There are a lot of people with a lot of money in this world, so I believe the high-end condos, such as at CityCenter, will do fine. But, as the Strip becomes more high-end with CityCenter, Encore, Palazzo, Echelon, Fontainebleau, etc, etc, when will the tipping point be reached? Many of the 40 million visitors a year can't or don't want to spend $300+ a night for a hotel room. Gas prices, mortgage pressures, dropping home prices and everything else hitting typical tourists are beginning to be felt in Vegas. Look at how competitive the locals market is getting. Station, South Coast, Boyd are all offering more and more incentives to get people in the doors.
Casinos are becoming commodities around the country. Although South Florida can't compare with Vegas, I've cut back on my trips to take advantage of things we have here. For example, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hotel (made infamous by Anna Nicole's demise) offers fun without having to fly across the country. Its steakhouse restaurant is certainly as good as Prime at Bellagio (better in my opinion) and almost as good as SW at Wynn. The Seminole Paradise Entertainment Center, connected to the casino, is a great outdoor club scene. There is a 5,000+ seat concert arena with some good performers. Yes, regional casinos have created a whole new market for over-the-hill performers, but they still put on good shows. And, when I sit by the "mini Mirage-like pool", it almost feels like Las Vegas. I, and I believe other mid-market customers will always want to return to Vegas, but maybe a little less frequently.
Here are some two year old photos of the Hard Rock:
http://community.webshots.com/album/530495855EUHUtM

Posted by mike_ch

Ah, McKee is back to rumor, scuttlebutt, and hearsay. I thought this joker was unhappy with his bosses? All someone has to do to see morale at WLV is walk in the joint. I know that's asking too much of at least one person here, but really. Anyone who thinks employees don't wear it on their faces hasn't been to a casino where the morale REALLY stinks. It didn't take long to see that he's still easily manipulated. All these songs of conspiracy about people being "written up" who also happen to be lightning rods in the union drama. As a wise man once said, "GMAB."

Onto the other topic: shows, nightclubs, restaurants, etc are a pretty important part of a casino. I realize some people just want gambling everywhere, but a Wheel of Fortune slot at Bellagio and a clone at Excalibur really aren't that different of an experience. It's these other venues that make each resort individual. I know some people like to think the strip is just this giant gambling mall, but my favorite visits there are the ones where I'm conservative with gambling, as I see the individual aspects of each hotel more.

If all you want to do is drink beer and gamble, sure, the Indian casino will work out for you. There's so much more here, though.

Really, I have statistics and numbers, some of them I can't really share, that proves almost everything in Molly's post wrong. The only thing I can't argue with is children in restaurants, except to guarantee she won't have to put up with any of that if she eats at home. It's what I do.

Posted by detroit1051

"Really, I have statistics and numbers, some of them I can't really share"
Hah,ha,ha,hah. Mike, you crack me up!

Since this is an open column, I'm going to just merge several of my opinions on one post.

1. When is the broadway show trend going to be over?

My friend ushers at "Phantom" and they've gradually cut back production to 8 shows a week.

Some of the shows are so poorly attended the count is about 400.

I doubt "Spamalot" is doing much better.

I understand the popularity of headliners (Jerry Seinfeld, etc.), though for the life of me I don't understand the appeal of Celine Dion.

I used to use this analogy when I would argue with my ex about our New Orleans-themed piano bar in Key West.

We employed some of the most talented pianists at the time but at the end of the day some dirty, barefoot, hippie-type who could barely strum a quitar would sing "Margaritaville" over and over on some street corner and take home more tip money than our musicians.

I would tell my ex, "Look. People who travel to Key West are a completely different group than people who travel to New Orleans. They expect two very distinct and seperate experiences."

I think the same applies here. People come here to gamble. If they wanted to see Broadway shows they'd go to New York.

2. Mirage used to be my very favorite casino to dine and game UNTILL it became one giant Los Angeles nightclub with a fews slots and table games peppered throughout.

I was there recently on a FRIDAY night at 10 pm and the casino floor was dead. I have two friends who work there- one in cocktails and one's a dealer.

I've asked if this new nightclub environment has affected their tips and both answered, "Very much!" Not to mention all those bartenders who had been there for years lost their jobs when they pulled out all the seperate bars.

What in God's name were these people thinking? Does one nightclub's revenue really make up for the loss of gaming revenue????

3. I think the economy in Las Vegas is suffering more than we're led to believe by people like Mayor Goodman.

There are 30 casinos alone in Oklahoma and one made $20 million last year. That was on top of a huge embezzlement throughout it's first year.

Poker dealers earn about $800 on any Fri/Sat night.

And that's just in one state. Last year's Indian gaming revenue was in the BILLIONS!

Las Vegas has priced itself out of most American's budget. Why fly to Vegas, pay $200 to stay at a hotel, buy a $12 beer and suffer triple digit heat when you can drive 4 hours to Dallas, stay at Doubletree for $90 and buy a beer for $2.00?

I think this situation is going to get worse. I live by two major condos on the Strip and haven't noticed much progress in the past 6 months. Are they on "hold"?

Did Vegas REALLY think thousands of Americans would buy either their primary home (or rather apartment, considering the space of the units) or a vacation home here for a half a million dollars?

There are only so many Ben Afflecks and Paris Hiltons out there.

You won't hear anyone admit it but between Macau and Indian gaming, unless you're interested in seeing a fake volcano and dancing fountains, we're in trouble.

4. There is one thing I'll credit Wynn for, thank God. He doesn't allow screaming kids to ruin a person's meal.

Is Vegas ever going to address this problem? Being single, I dine out nightly. I only eat one meal a day and so I choose places that are a bit pricier, not because I WANT to but because the odds are better that I can have a stress-free hour of dining.

I gave up anything considered fast food long ago. I realize kids have to eat somewhere.

Then I moved up a notch to the Macaroni Grill/Chili's range. Then those places became over-run.

Last night I ate at a steakhouse where my entree/salad/wine and tip is normally $70+.

In my opinion, that should entitle me to a stress-free meal.

The host sat me next to 4 adults (I imagine 2 grandparents and 2 parents) with TWO TWIN BABIES that are obviously in their teething phase.

I told the server, "Sorry. This isn't going to work." He promised me they were almost through and he had already left the check.

Well, they kept sitting there and the babies kept screaming. I could tell by the looks on the other diner's faces that they were as pissed as I was.

My salad and wine arrived. They still sat there, babies screaming. I just stared at the server and asked if the manager could please DO SOMETHING?!

The server said, "They're almost through. I think they're leaving now.

I have lost count of how many times I have addressed this issue with restaurant management after I pay my bill. I have written corporate headquarters of many restaurants over the years. And I have heard the same statements made by countless wait-staff.

These parents are totally oblivious, as if they're walking zombies or something.

Well, last night I finally reached my breaking point.

I told the server to cancel my entree (it was almost done) and please give me my check. I left my business card and told him to give it to the manager in case the manager would want to contact me regarding my pending actions.

I then got up from the table as the server stood and watched and placed my check on the offending table saying, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to enjoy my meal tonight but I believe the entree can be boxed if you'd like to take it home since you're in charge of the bill."

Bitchy? Yeah, I admit it. But when are managers going to stop sacrificing the enjoyment of 100+ diners due to 4 very selfish individuals?

This has been going on for at LEAST 10 years because I remember in 1997 dining at the Atlantis Buffet in Reno on a Friday night. The cost was $30 and the occupancy of the room was 300 and it was PACKED!

Same thing happened. One couple with one screaming baby ruined 298 other people's meal.
(The acoustics in that place were horrible so you could be clear on the other side and STILL hear the screaming).

Does anyone have a suggestion for handling this problem? At this point I've done everything except toss the offending baby out the back door.

Trust me, I LOVE kids, but NOT screaming babies in restaurants, movie theaters, airplanes, museums, etc.

OK. I guess that's all I have to say. Time to go out into the 107 degree FABULOUS LAS VEGAS weather and do some landscaping.

Molly

Mike E,

Thank you. Those words coming from someone I respect (even though we disagree about many things) meant a lot to me.

You made my night.

Love, Molly

Posted by detroit1051

Mario Gabelli is one of the "experts" interviewed in the June 18 Barron's. He recommended Aruze, Wynn's partner. He believes Japan will have licensed gaming within three years. Gabelli says Aruze's greatest asset is 24 million shares of WYNN and that WYNN will be a big beneficiary of Japanese casinos. He noted Goldman Sachs just bought a 9% stake in Aruze.
Barron's is available to subscribers, but here's the link:
http://online.barrons.com/article/SB118137025769030157.html?mod=9_0001_b_this_weeks_magazine_home

McKee had a well written article, it was anything but pro-wynn. What made it read-able was that it did not come with the endless name calling that makes me lose interest in another someones posts.
The dealers have fought the good fight; i have tons of respect for all of them and the position this has tip mess has put them in, but this is costing them more than it should. It is time for the dealers to get in line and accept there fate or find a new job.

If Mckee's words are true, which i would imagine some of it is. This won't stop until everyone's lost there jobs. And what is the point in that?! Why work in fear? Why make no money instead of making a decent living because you've been blacklisted as a trouble maker in the industry?

I can't imagine the TWU is in a position to reverse the tip pool issue but i am anxious to find out. I see the dealers with increased minimum wages and better benefits but for my two cents i see the tip pooling going on well after the TWU has reached an agreement.

Brian: Maybe you need to read the "3 Stocks to Run From" once again.

http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/06/13/3-stocks-to-run-from.aspx

Maybe "running" is the wrong choice of words, perhaps "sprinting" as fast as you possibly can would be more appropriate. LOL

Leonard, all you have given me so far is talk. Lets see Wynn at 40, won't happen, and you know it. Their assets alone are worth far more than that. How long will you fight Wynn? At what point will you give up? How many more hotels does he have to build? How much higher does their stock have to go, for you to admit, you got it wrong?

Well Brian, I promise that I WILL honestly start listening to you in good faith when WYNN breaks 100 and keeps steadily advancing. So far, the share value of Wynn Resorts, Ltd. has been on a continuous downhill decline while MGM has maintained close to 2 points or so from their 52 week high. Brian, I really don't want you to suffer from a panic attack, or even worse, significant financial loss. I have never claimed to be a soothsayer, but I know the hurdles that Wynn Resorts is facing in the coming months + it doesn't look promising. However, you may be absolutely right in the long run that WYNN will once again become an "attractive" investment once it declines to 40, so you might be better off not taking my advice since I apparently am considered to be nothing more than an immature, illiterate, juvenile with nothing more than an "axe to grind" against Steve Wynn. If you only knew what I know (sorry for the overused cliche) you would have a completely different POV at the end of the day, because I can almost guarantee you that I have access to inside information that NO ONE else on this forum can even begin to relate to. Now, Before "JW"YNN (or whatever his new screen name is, Mike E + you continue to pound on me, let's just wait + watch your "idol" bite the dust all by his lonesome...

Leonard, I don't know exactly where Wynn stock is going, or where it lands, but I can guarantee you, it will see $100 long before it ever sees $40. $80's maybe, possibly even $70's, but 40's no way! You just don't understand the math, Wynn could go to jail for life, and the stock won't see $40's. Like I said earlier, the assets of Wynn Resorts, far exceed that. They have almost $8 per share just in cash alone.

Well Brian: From my perspective, EVERYTIME that I glance up at my side-by-side flat panel real time (dedicated stock quote) display I see WYNN continuing its retreat downward on almost a daily basis while MGM, right NOW, is trading at a 52 week high! I don't know about Wynn going to jail for "life" but let's wait about a year or so + we'll see if, or how long, Stevie + friends will be in the not so comfy custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. You're right, I really was never that proficient at math. :-)

Leonard, to respond to the email you sent me... I find this pretty interesting. Morgan Stanley downgraded Wynn today, which is why Wynn Resorts was down 2%, yet MS owns 4% of Wynn Resorts. It is my feeling that, this was just another ploy by the another wall street firm to improve their bottom line. They downgrade, a stock they own a substantial amount of, and they they just buy more. It must be nice to have that power, it should be against the law!

Posted by Michael Lu

Just got back from the Mandalay Bay. Stayed in a 600 Spa Suite. The room was done in deep browns with some nice lime green accents. It really reminded me of a room @ Redrock only not as detailed. But then again, it must be hard to renovate 3,000+ rooms.

Michael: From your description of deep browns with "some nice lime green accents" it certainly sounds like Roger Thomas might be doing some moonlighting on the side. LOL

Brian: Based upon the recorded legislation outlined in the recently enacted Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, whereby WLV contiunes to allegedly operate anonymously, unckecked + when considering Morgan Stanley's fiduciary obligations which fall within [their] purview by downgrading WYNN regardless of their minority interest in the company, smells really "fishy".

Currently, each + every "questionable" change in direction by Wynn Resorts corporate management to-date, in what apperas to be nothing more than a feeble attempt to boost its earnings strategy + share price, which could easily be considered, by any reasonable person's objective definition, to possibly be criminal in nature. This would explain why the FBI have allegedly begun an investigation into the business practces of Wynn Resorts, Ltd. in connection with "possible + potential" federal criminal violations within the Wynn senior managemnet organization that has allegedly attracted the attention of, not only the U.S. Attorney's office in the District of Nevada, but the FBI + SEC as well.

Posted by Michael Lu

LOL. I only think the 600 SS looks like a knock off of Redrock. The standard room is done in orange and teal colors and the 750 GR is done in yellow and red. Anywho, I feel that the walls in the rooms are a little too naked for me and definitely need more artwork or something. I also feel this way about The Signature, the bedrooms there just feel so stark and empty. Note: MGM Mirage Casino Marketing can't credit anything back to your room if you stay @ Signature, different computer network or something. So you gotta go old school and get a hard comp while you are at the tables to use for the restaurants. Somewhat of a pain in my opinion...

I don't know how old this is since I hadn't heard any news anywhere, but Executive Chef Philippe Rispoli has left Daniel Boulud Brasserie according to Boulud's own website menu. He is replaced by Wesley Holton, although the menu remains largely unchanged. Rispoli is no longer pictured alongside Boulud on Wynn's website, either.

Posted by detroit1051

Hi Mike, I see Rispoli is developing his own website:
http://www.philipperispoli.com/
Also, Boulud at Wynn is making some changes:
"Daniel Boulud Brasserie will be closed for renovations to our outdoor terrace and private dining and event spaces from June 4th through July 3rd. Reservations are available beginning from July 4th. Chef Boulud invites you to take in the Lake of Dreams from a newly enhanced vantage point at Las Vegas' quintessential brasserie."

Posted by detroit1051

Leonard, in your message time-stamped on 6/19 at 8:25PM, you use the word "allegedly" three times.
That's what I like, a man of conviction! LOL.

detroit: If you happen to have read my earlier post here addressing this specific issue, I explained that my attorneys INSIST I use this specific language when making any assertions or claims on a public forum such as this, whether or not they are confirmed or unconfirmed, therefore at the advise of my legal counsel, all future posts that fall within that descriptive will now be preceded with "allegedly" from now own for my own protection. You really don't want Stevie to sue me AGAIN over some frivolous negative post, do you? Actually, I gather that you probably would relsih the thought. :-)

Posted by motoman

Michael Lu, interesting to hear mention of The Signature. Been waiting here with bated breath for a review / TR and was even considering a stay there myself in late July for that very purpose.

I wonder if the comp situation has more to do with a business distinction rather than merely different computer systems, The Sig being a condo hotel without a gaming component.

Posted by Michael Lu

Technically isn't THEhotel, a boutique hotel without a gaming component? Anyways, that was what casino marketing told me was the reason. As for The Sig, I can't make up my mind about the place yet. I kinda have a love/hate relationship with that hotel and I think I'll need to stay in all 3 towers before I come up with an opinion about it. I will say it is good for conventioners and people who don't mind walking a lot.

Posted by motoman

Michael Lu: please, do enlighten us as to your impressions of these various places you've stayed! I sense an interesting review waiting to be written. You seem to have gone relatively high-end, and it is interesting that you've stayed at Red Rock. (You can tell most of us here are Strippers, so to speak....)

I doubt there'd be anything to gain from staying at all three Signature towers. From what I gather they are to be identical, merely operated independently for a more intimate or boutique feel -- and perhaps for liability limitation for the condo owners. Haven't heard anything to the effect that the towers are to be distinguished stylistically or otherwise.

Posted by motoman

Just a general comment on background music in the casinos.

We've discussed/debated here about WLV's choice of a trendy new-age Jazz track vs. old Vegas standards from the Rat Pack era. And I sense a general agreement on the dumbification of the Bellagio fountain and casino music from its original Rat Pack and opera to the bubblegum pop and (sheesh!) country we hear today.

But have you noticed the music that's increasingly showing up on TV commercials? Has a familiar ring to it....trendy, jazzy....cool.

I think I am the only one on this site, that likes Wynn's music overall. That does not mean I love each and every single song, but as a general rule, I very much enjoy the music at Wynn. I have even made a Wynn playlist on my ipods! :)

Brian Fey: I wouldn't mind getting a hold of that playlist, i love the Wynn music. That jazzy trendy stuff speaks to me. I'm into house and trance music anyway so it's cool to walk through the hotel and hear stuff closely related. I have a few friends that work there, mabey i'll ask them if they have a copy of the playlist.

When i walked through the Bellagio, shortly after MGM had taken over and i heard Britney Spears on the PA. I almost threw up, at that time i thought that this is the beginning of the end.

Brian: Well you won't have to wait much longer. From what I understand, the Wynn marketing geniuses are hard at work + planning to introduce "Wynn's Greatest Hits" on iTunes later this summer. Unfortunately, you won't be able to buy single tracks, only the entire album which could actually become a coveted playlist all on its own. Brian, if you were truly a totally devout Wynn fanboy, in the true sense of the word, you MUST purchase the "Wynn bed" + linen package. I hear that the tread count is made from the finest most sumptuous Egyptian cotton. Sounds really comfy. :-)

Posted by mike_ch

As I've said before, the music there is ten variations of the same song.

BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM ba da BUM

Occasionally, for effect, throw in a woman singing nothing but vowels. "Aaaaheeeeehhellleyaaaaahhhohhh"

marlymarr, I would love to have that playlist. If you get it let me know, or even just a copy of what's on it would be great.

King Leonard The Great, that would be great on Itunes, I think you're joking, but i'd buy it. I did look at the sheets, and might get a set for my bedroom.

As to the Diablo's... MGM just has all these ideas, and they don't know what to do with them. Even if Diablo's is a great place, it looks totally out of place, lets just put it in the corner or MC. What? That like they did at TI, they totally screwed it up, and I agree with you about Mirage. City Center at least looks uniform.

Posted by detroit1051

Leonard and Brian, Bellagio started selling sheets, beds, towels, bathroom trays, etc, etc when Steve opened B in 1998. MGM still continues the practice as does Wynn at WLV.
Wynn gave me a gift card last November which inspired me to take my last trip to Las Vegas. I figured I had already paid for the stuff many times over, LOL, so off I went. I now have two sets of Wynn sheets and the Diamond-pattern towel/bathmat sets for the two full baths. They're great. I'm no expert on sheet thread-count, but some of the ultra high counts are so tightly woven they're hot and suffocating. Wynn's are perfect. Having said that, my Kirkland sheets from Costco are just as good and a helluva lot cheaper!

Maybe we should all pitch in some money, and we could get Leonard a set. :)

I hope we get a new open topic section this weekend, this one is getting kinda long! I think last week's got skipped somehow. :)

Hey Brian: I think that's an absolutely excellent idea. Why don't all of you guys pitch in and, not only get me a set of Wynn's sumptuous linens, but the whole mattress/bed package while you're at it. (make sure it's in a Queen size). Maybe after sleeping + experiencing the "Wynn bed" for myself in my own home, I just might become a convert. :-)

P.S. Part of the deal will require that it also include a FREE iTunes download of the entire "Wynn's Greatest Hits" collection, since that would be an integral part of the complete Wynn "experience." (I need to make an objective decision after all)

Posted by mike_ch

Pah, my Simmons that I bought a couple years ago from a shop on Charleston is more comfy than those Wynn beds. I can barely get a few hours sleep max on them.

I suppose this is proof that Leonard and I can't agree on anything. Heh.

It's not as bad as a few nameless hotels, whose sheets are so dirty and mattresses so old that I take my free room offer and go home at night to sleep in my own bed. It's just something not right. It's all about the bathroom there, and specifically the tub + TV combo. I've only ever seen one more enjoyable tub, at THEhotel, and it couldn't play the Simpsons while I soak.