Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

May 22, 2010 1:32 PM Posted by Paolo

When all other things are equal, I would happily choose a room that's "green" as opposed to not. The problem is, I think companies are using energy-efficiency to try and command a premium price. I can't blame them- but I think that if a company is saving money by being energy efficient, then they should pass this savings on to the customer, thereby creating a competitive advantage.

May 22, 2010 5:18 PM Posted by parchedearth

When I hear Green, I think low flow toilets, weak showers, rough sheets and towels, sheets that don't get changed, reduced airflow and weak air conditioning. It may not be politically correct, but I don't want to think about these things when I'm paying to be pampered in a luxury resort. I have stayed several times at Aria and none of these has been an issue, so I would also say Green can be done right.

May 24, 2010 1:17 AM Posted by Ted Newkirk

At the end of the day, has anyone researched how many Las Vegas visitors are GREEN?

People who care about being green?

I use the new light bulbs because they put off less heat (important here much of the year). But... we have a very cold winter in the U.S. and yesterday was barely 60 degrees here in Las Vegas when it is normally 90 this time of year. IE Global warming is probably falling off the radar unless someone is really, really concerned about it. And.... those concerned about it are probably not the kinds of people who visit Las Vegas.

Having said that, I do believe that in other cities (especially those that cater to conventions or visitation targeted at younger, "green" people who are all wrapped up in the "earth first" concept), green hotels could certainly have an advantage.

And if it saves the hotel money, that is a huge bonus for the property. So... the concept certainly has merit.

May 24, 2010 10:51 AM Posted by socalduck

"Green" plays no part in my buying decision when it comes to selecting a resort. I totally agree with parchedearth, although to his list I would also add compact fluorescent bulbs, which I find to give off a harsh, unpleasant light.

If a hotel wants to be green, I would suggest they do it in ways that are invisible to the guest (e.g., more effecient laundry equipment, use of solar power to supplement electrical needs, better insulation, better use of natural light, etc.)

May 24, 2010 5:13 PM Posted by atdleft

Hunter-

Well, "green hotels" may not be fully mainstream yet... But I think that's changing. SF & LA have had green hotels pop up in the last few years, and with CityCenter now open here I think the trend is catching on here in Vegas. MGM Mirage has instituted green programs like energy efficiency and recycling at all its properties, and Harrah's is now doing the same.

Ted-

"At the end of the day, has anyone researched how many Las Vegas visitors are GREEN? People who care about being green?"

Admittedly not many in the past, but again I think this is changing. More and more businesses want to be seen as "green", so it helps them to do conferences in green hotels. And when I let my "enviro-hippie-nut" friends in California and Oregon know about green projects like CityCenter, it makes them reconsider their notions of Las Vegas being an "environmental nightmare", and makes them want to visit.

socal-

""Green" plays no part in my buying decision when it comes to selecting a resort."

I guess I'm the exact opposite. I don't like staying somewhere that will make me feel incredibly guilty when I leave (other than the typical eating, drinking, and partying too much). My conscience feels at least a little better staying somewhere that recycles and uses those CFL bulbs you don't like... But I like for the brighter burn and less "yellow lighting".

parched-

"When I hear Green, I think low flow toilets, weak showers, rough sheets and towels, sheets that don't get changed, reduced airflow and weak air conditioning. It may not be politically correct, but I don't want to think about these things when I'm paying to be pampered in a luxury resort."

Actually, that's what I like about good green hotels... I don't have to think about these, as the hotel is already taking care of everything.

"I have stayed several times at Aria and none of these has been an issue,"

And I guess this is the hallmark of a good luxury green resort, that they institute the green practices in a way that keeps guests feeling luxuriously pampered, as opposed to feeling deprived of some wanted privilege.

May 25, 2010 8:55 AM Posted by mike_ch

The casinos care about the green stuff as it gives them a tax break and makes the place cheaper to operate.

The government cared because, I guess, more resources to go around.

The customer doesn't really care. Location, price, et al.

May 25, 2010 3:47 PM Posted by Ted Newkirk

@atdleft As someone who was born and raised in PDX, please tell the tree-huggers to NOT come and visit. Next thing you know, they will be moving here. Then we'll end up with Oregon-style taxes and regulation. Nanny state laws. The stuff I fled from. The stuff people flock here to flee from during their vacation.

May 25, 2010 8:28 PM Posted by atdleft

Ted N-

Well, the problem is that all those problems have followed us here. Lake Mead is shrinking. Smog is becoming more of a problem. And as climate change becomes more and more of a climate crisis, the weather pattern here is becoming more erratic and extreme.

And IMHO if Vegas doesn't change, we may go the way of many other past Nevada ghost towns. Sustainability isn't just a nicety, but a necessity for us in The Desert Southwest. Our natural resources aren't unlimited, so in the near future it will be essential for the casinos to take environmental impact into account AND for tourists to consider how they can reduce their carbon footprints so Las Vegas will still be around next time they want to come back.

Mike C-

See above. Customers may not care now, but they will if room rates, restaurant bills, and other fees rise exponentially due to worsening droughts and walking The Strip becomes a horrifying experience due to worsening pollution levels. Air and water pollution have already become serious problems here, and past unchecked and unmanaged development has led to the many environmental problems we face today.

IMHO for the long-term success of Las Vegas, the casinos AND the consumers will need to care more about going green and actually take some serious action. Hopefully, MGM Mirage's and Harrah's actions are just the start.

May 25, 2010 11:52 PM Posted by mike_ch

atd : didn't say sustainability isn't unimportant, I wanted to do an OffStrip Walk visit to Weston's new eco hotel chain, which opened one of like ten hotels for the brand right here on W Desert Inn. But the Strip is largely about excessive practices often just to flaunt your cash. Wynn doesn't mind flying in fish from somewhere else every day of the year if the practice pays for itself. Since he's still doing it, I guess it does.