las vegas

The Opening of the Veer Residences, CityCenter Las Vegas

Last week, on July 14th, the Veer Towers, an integral part of CityCenter, Las Vegas, opened for business. It is one of the most, architecturally avant garde buildings within an exceptional array of edgy, urban structures, Veer Towers is designed by Helmut Jahn and is the only full residential development at City Center. The Towers incline toward each other at 5 degree angles from the center, and are 37 feet high, home to 335 contemporary condo residences, ranging from 500 to 3300 square feet, from studios to 3 bedroom residences and penthouses. Pricing begins from the mid $300,000s to a few million, depending on size, location and interiors. Turnkey interior packages are available, where potential members can move in with only their toothbrush, if desired. At present, in honor of the Veer opening, at some of the Veer towers studios owners can receive a complimentary turnkey interior design/living package, worth up to $20,000 -- an interesting deal, and might include a toothbrush.

I have written about City Center on Luxist before in an article entitled: City Center: The New Urban Vision, but had never been to Veer Towers, as they had not been completed. Now, walking into the residential towers from other areas of CityCenter, I was reminded how much of a city within a city CityCenter really is. Everything is within close proximity. From seeing a studio with exceptional views of the a portion of the Las Vegas skyline, plus multileveled rooftops of Crystals,the 500,000 square floor retail/shopping area, to a residence on a higher floor, ( see image above), the Veer residences offer a sense of sanctuary and peace, all within a city NOT known for such things. Looking out a Veers Towers window at this city of constant. colorful movement can be a peace-inducing experience.

Tags: citycenter, CityCenter las Vegas, Crystals Las Vegas, Las Vegas, las vegas hotels, las vegas real estate, las vegas real estate market, luxury condo hotel residences, Opening of Veer Towers, Veer Towers

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Riviera Hotel Files For Bankruptcy

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

The owner of the Riviera Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip has filed for bankruptcy protection. Riviera Holdings Corp. filed Chapter 11 under a pre-negotiated deal that will end up transferring the ownership of the company to secured lenders. The reorganization plan has the approval of a majority of the lenders holding parts in it's nearly $248 million in debt. The filing has no impact on the day to day running of the Riviera hotel and casino in Las Vegas and the Riviera in Black Hawk, Colorado which remain open.

Riviera Holdings lost $4.5 million as revenue fell in the first quarter. While room occupancy was up, the average room rate in Las Vegas continued to fall as the hotel competed with other Strip properties which have also been dropping their prices.

Like many Las Vegas properties, the Riviera has been affected by the drop in tourism. The property itself has also suffered because of its north Strip location. Many of the casinos on that end of the glittering boulevard have been torn down or sold to make room for new resorts. Unfortunately the economic turmoil has meant that many properties haven't been built or, like the Fontainebleau project, have been delayed. Visitors to the Las Vegas strip tend to cluster in certain areas, most likely visiting other properties that are a short walk away.

Tags: Las Vegas, las vegas nevada, las vegas strip, Riviera, riviera hotel

Luxist Guest Post: Poker Player Beth Shak's Favorite Las Vegas Spots

by Unknown (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Poker player Beth Shak gives us her view of Las Vegas in this special guest post.

This year when I returned to the 2010 World Series of Poker for my 5th tournament, I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations waiting for me. I decided to stay at the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which opened in December 2009. It is important to note that I did not stay in a suite, because the amenities were better than some of the nicer suites I've stayed in.

The Mandarin Oriental was beautiful and quiet; I didn't feel like I was in Las Vegas after leaving the World Series of Poker.

Highlights:
Push-of-a-button accommodations: the room is completely plugged in, including electronic curtains to hide the gorgeous, lit-up view when it's time to rest.
Amazing closet: This is not just a closet; it is more like a dressing room, completely separated from the actual room.
The bathroom: The bathroom has an entire make-up area, Bulgari products, gorgeous Eastern design and – get this – a flat iron. Nobody does that! I was beyond impressed.
Gamble-free. I was able to sit back and relax, and save the games for WSOP.
The best concierge, Joe: maybe he can move to the East Coast and be my assistant!

Tags: aria, beth shak, lanvin handbag, las vegas, luxist guest post, mandarin oriental, mandarin oriental hotel, mandarin oriental las vegas, wsop, wynn

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Macanudo & Playboy Launch $2 Million Vegas Contest

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Events, Wealth

Macanudo, America's number-one-selling premium cigar brand, is teaming up with Playboy to launch the Macanudo Millionaire contest, offering a shot at winning a cool $2 million in Las Vegas while surrounded by some of the world's sexiest women. Consumers of legal smoking age can visit their favorite U.S. tobacco shop between now and August 31 to purchase a specially-marked four-pack containing Macanudo Café, Maduro, Robust and Gold Label premium cigars. On the pack are details about how to enter the contest via brief essays expressing a desire to win the trip to the strip and the chance at the $2 million prize (you can also enter the contest just by visiting macanudomillionaire.com). Two lucky winners and their guests will get an all-expense paid, three-day, two night trip to the Palms Hotel and Casino in Vegas. While in Sin City, they will be treated to a VIP evening at the Playboy Club at the Palms, where they will be accompanied by three Playboy Playmates who will stand in for Lady Luck when the contestants and their guests are dealt a hand of poker. If either the contestants or their guests receive a straight flush, they will win the $2,000,000 prize. Click here to see the official rules.

Tags: cigar, cigars, contests, gambling, Las Vegas, Macanudo, Playboy, Playboy Club, Playboy Playmates, poker

TripAdvisor's Top Ten Hotel Pools

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

If your thoughts are already vacation-centered let me help you on your way. Travel site TripAdvisor has created a list of the top ten most amazing hotel pools from around the world as ranked by TripAdvisor editors and travelers. What makes a pool a top ranker? The view is a major factor, an infinity edge is a help, basically the pool has to transport the lucky swimmer into another world.

The top spot went to the Hotel Caruso Ravello in Ravello, Italy shown above. The hotel is situated on top of the mountains on the Amalfi coast. The 11th century palace has a heated infinity pool that offers timeless views.

Tags: atlantis, bahamas, bali, banyan tree, best hotel pools, Blue Lagoon, golden nugget, hotel pools, Iceland, las vegas, oman, santorini, seychelles, six senses, thailand, the library, turkey

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Las Vegas' Artisan Hotel is Ready for its Close-Up

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

At the beginning of the year we wrote about the Artisan Hotel finally having found a savior in The Siegel Group. Before Stephen Siegel's company stepped in, guests wanted to like the boutique, non-gaming, off-Strip digs but couldn't get around the service and persistent maintenance issues. Stephen Siegal, who personally oversaw the makeover, said "we've focused on every detail-from the check-in to the lounge experience to the dining, events and the entertainment."

The six-month renovation is complete, with "intense" still being a satisfactory way to describe the 64-room hotel's decor. Added to the Artisan mix, though, are Mood at the Artisan restaurant that's open until 11 pm Sunday to Thursday, and serves nonstop from Friday at 8 am to Sunday at 11 pm. Between dishes – but at least an hour after eating, natch – there are now poolside daybeds and cabanas. And workouts can come courtesy of Artisan AfterHours with DJs on the turntables from 10 pm until dawn on Friday and Saturday. All of which makes us think it might be time for another Vegas run...

Source

Tags: artisan hotel, Las Vegas, stephen siegel, the siegel group

A Photo Tour Of The Bellagio's Fantastical Conservatory

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

There are are some things you can only do at midnight in Las Vegas. One of them has to be wander around in a conservatory full of flowers, giant insect sculptures and mushrooms. But that's where I found myself tonight, at the Bellagio checking out the sculptures of artist Susan B. Cochran in the Conservatory's summer display. The conservatory is open 365 days a year and is always in top manicured shape no matter what is being displayed. It takes 140 horticulturists to keep it that way. This particular exhibit will be in place until September. More photos are after the jump.

Tags: Bellagio Hotel, bellagio hotel and casino, las vegas

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Gold Vending Machines Land In Las Vegas

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Gold vending machines are coming to Las Vegas. At JCK, the jewelry industry's premiere trade event this weekend, the Hon group is introducing the Gold Rush Kiosk. The Kiosk is a 42-inch touch screen machine that lets customers purchase solid 24K gold bar cards of their preferred weight and size using cash or credit card. Bars are available in six weights, 0.5g/ 1.0g/ 2.0g/ 3.0g/ 5.0g/ 10.0g and will be available for purchase inside of Las Vegas Hotels, casinos, cruise lines, airports, malls, department stores and jewelry stores. Customers can select and alter the design on the card and also create personalized messages and the kiosk comes equipped with a shipping function. Users of the kiosk type in the shipping address they wish to send the gold to by utilizing the touch screen and the gold bar card ships within 1-2 days after purchase. Prices for the gold bar cards vary with the global market price of gold. The kiosks have been launched in large-scale shopping malls and jewelry stores in Korea and now Hon Group looks to duplicate this success in the U.S. market.

Tags: gold, gold bars, las vegas, vending machines

CityCenter: The New Urban Vision of Las Vegas

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) —

Filed under: By Design

On the back cover of a recent New Yorker Magazine, bastion of serious fiction, non-fiction and poetry, was a full page ad that took me by surprise, especially after I had just traveled there for the Luxury Summit conference. It said, " So you're not a Vegas person... " and then in huge block letters, "ARE YOU SURE?" It was an ad for CityCenter, and touted all the great art, great culture, restaurants and cultural atmosphere found there. But that ad stuck with me, as the inference was the theme I was going to explore: could a visionary development on a grand scale change personal tourist attitudes toward a destination? And conversely, could Las Vegas actually be perceived differently because of one grand multi-use venue?

In thinking about this, it is crucial to remember that Las Vegas is a desert city, situated in a barren Mojave desert valley. The city is about 2000 feet above sea level, it rains, on average, less that 5 inches a year. But visionaries have come here before, dreamed big dreams, and built. Historically, Las Vegas's persona is tied to big gaming and play in all its dark and light dimensions. But the building of CityCenter challenges this Las Vegas stereotype, as its vision hopes to resculpt and redesign Las Vegas's neon persona, by creating a design as well as an eco-sensitive aesthetic unseen and untried anywhere else. Here are some basic dimensions.

Tags: ARIA Las Vegas, citycenter, CityCenter Las Vegas, Crystals Las Vegas, Infinity World Development Corp., Jim Murren, Las Vegas, Leed Gold certification, LEED Gold certified, Mandarin Oriental, MGM Mirage, Vdara Hotel

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Viva Vdara!: Exclusive Resorts Adds Ten New Residences in Las Vegas

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) —

Filed under: By Design

Recently, I wrote a Luxist article about the relevance of Exclusive Resorts and their permanent mark on the destination club industry. Exclusive Resorts has announced the opening of 10 new residences for members at Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip.

All are corner units, located high in the building, custom-designed and furnished to suit club member tastes. Each two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath residence features an open floor plan, fully equipped kitchen, and spa-style bathrooms, wrapped by windows showcasing city and mountain views. Amenities include round-the-clock concierge service, gourmet in-room dining, and preferred reservations at MGM MIRAGE restaurants and shows.

Tags: citycenter, destination club, destination clubs, exclusive resorts, las vegas, vdara

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Jose Andres To Open Two Las Vegas Restaurants

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Chef José Andrés, who was on 60 Minutes over the weekend (the interview with Anderson Cooper is after the jump), is headed to Las Vegas. Andrés, who already has even restaurants including one in Washington D.C. and one in Beverly Hills, will open two restaurants at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. One will be a tapas restaurant similar to his Jaleo restaurant. This restaurant will include a wood-fired pit for making paella, the traditional saffron rice and seafood dish made in a large shallow pan.

The other will be a new concept, a take on a Chinese and Mexican menu. This fusion restaurant will have tortilla makers up front and planned dishes like shumai wrapped in mango. The Washington Post reports that Andres has visited China and plans to go back for research several times the restaurant opens. Tonight Andrés is a contender for the James Beard Foundation's "outstanding chef" award in New York City.

The Cosmpolitan will features several other restaurants including Blue Ribbon by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg; Comme Ca by Los Angeles chef David Myers; New York City's Estiatorio Milos by restaurateur Costas Spiliadis; Scarpetta and a new casual wine bar by chef Scott Conant; and the steakhouse STK from The One Group. The Cosmopolitan project is planned to open in December. Many are skeptical about the hotel's viability in a town already packed with luxe options. Fine dining will be a lure but Las Vegas is now host to many fine restaurants including those at the Wynn hotels and at CityCenter. As a recent BNET article pointed out, with tourism down the competition is fierce for less visitors and opening a billion-dollar hotel right now is a risky venture. The popular chef has his work cut out for him.

[via Las Vegas Review-Journal]

Tags: chef, cosmopolitan, jose andres, las vegas, star chef

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Star Trek Memorabilia Auction

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

For those whose inner Trekkies were tickled by the return of much younger, much hotter Star Trek last year, you might want to beam in for Julien's Auctions' sale of memorabilia from the new and old series'. Relics from original creator Gene Roddenberry's house will go under the hammer, as will costumes including outfits worn by Roddenberry's wife in the original series and a parka worn by Leonard Nimoy in the Chris-Pine-led movie reboot. Furniture such as a bridge chair, and weaponry – or things that look like they could be weapons in a show about the future – are also slated for sale.

And if you need any more convincing, William Shatner will be there personally to regale you with... himself. If you win the Klingon rifle (pictured), please don't point it at him. The auction goes down at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on June 27.

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Tags: juliens auctions, las vegas, leonard nimoy, planet hollywood, Planet Hollywood Resort Casino, star trek, william shatner

Cosmopolitan Buyers Get Big Refund, Will Other Vegas Condo Projects Follow Suit?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

When it comes to Las Vegas real estate a lot of investors want their money back. Some of them, it seems, are getting it. The Las Vegas Sun reports that some buyers who invested in The Cosmopolitan project will be given deep refunds that amount to around 62 percent of their deposit money back, more than $120,000 per unit on average after attorney fees are paid. It's a hefty chunk of change but what really worries Vegas real estate watchers is that the deal could set a precedent that could be used by investors in other projects seeking their own redress. Many say they were led astray in the boom times of Las Vegas real estate a few years back only to find that their promised units aren't worth nearly what they paid.

Buyers continue to do battle with MGM Mirage over the Vdara and Veer projects in the CityCenter complex. The Sun article tells the story of one man who bought a $1 million condo unit at Vdara in 2006 and put down a nearly $200,000 deposit. MGM Mirage has offered some CityCenter buyers a deal to let them out of their contracts and return 25 percent of their deposit money. The angered buyer says that isn't good enough, the plans for the complex have changed since he bought in and he'd like all of his money back but would settle for a deal like the one that the Cosmopolitan buyers got. The Cosmopolitan is projected to be finished this December. Meanwhile Las Vegas real estate continues to flounder and the condo market is particularly vulnerable.

Tags: cosmopolitan, las vegas, las vegas condos

Las Vegas Foreclosure Tours By Private Jet

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Wings

We've seen plenty of foreclosure bus tours but Ken Lowman of Luxury Homes of Las Vegas has a new way to get potential owners to his property. He has partnered with JetSuite Air to host a complimentary "Luxury Home Foreclosure Private Jet Tour" leaving from Los Angeles to tour three bank-owned, luxury homes in Las Vegas. Each of the mansions is more than 10,000-square feet and listed for millions of dollars. The tour will leave Los Angeles on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 10 a.m. and return at 6 p.m.

Lowman says now is the time to buy in Las Vegas. The three homes on the foreclosure tour are all listed at deep discounts. Lowman has seen luxury properties in Las Vegas that are being closed on for reductions up to 50 percent off the original asking price, sometimes below what the replacement cost would be. The first luxury home on the tour is located in Tournament Hills at Summerlin and is listed for $4.65 million. The seven-bedroom home was listed at $9.2 million in 2007. The second home is located in MacDonald Highlands and is listed for $4.9 million. It has six bedrooms and was listed at $6.2 million in 2008. The third home is located in Promontory in The Ridges and is listed for $6.125 million. The seven-bedroom home was valued at approximately $10 million at market peak.

The tour is open for a limited time to qualified buyers who must show proof of funds and net worth sufficient to purchase a luxury home. This is the first of a series of luxury home foreclosure jet tours to Las Vegas. Other departure cities may include Orange County, San Diego, Phoenix, San Francisco and Salt Lake City.
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Tags: foreclosure tour, foreclosures, foreclosures tour, las vegas, luxury foreclosure tour, private jet foreclosure tour

Vince Neil Is Launching A Private Jet Company

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings, Celebrity Design

Vince Neil, the lead singer of Motley Crüe isn't the rock star I would peg to be a successful mogul but he seems to have his fingers in a lot of different businesses. He's launched wine and tequila brands and now he's got his own fleet of private jets. Vince Neil Aviation is launching out of McCarran Airport's Signature Terminal in Las Vegas. Robin Leach reports that Neil has a Hawker 700, a Lear 35 and a Gulfstream which all are tricked out with rock and roll-themed furnishings and painted flames on the fuselage. The plan is to promote the jets for use on luxurious short hops in and out of Sin City. Vince will provide the pilots and flight attendants for the private charter trips. The new flight service plans to open soon and details on price aren't available yet. So, will you be flying the Vince skies?

Gallery: Celebrity Pilots