It was at the Westward Ho that I first was introduced to The Vibe. The lights, the sounds, the action, the mood, and the swing. The Casino. As a boy of age 9, I was addicted. Ever since then, The Vibe has been my religion, and Fabulous Las Vegas has been its Vatican. Let me emphatically state that gambling alone is NOT The Vibe. The Vibe is an existential state that is borne from a myriad of factors. Gambling is just one. Booze follows closely behind. Mood cannot be wrong. Find the right combination of these and other inexplicable factors, and you have The Vibe. Frank, Dean, and Sammy knew The Vibe. Frank, Dean, and Sammy *were* The Vibe.
Here, presented for your entertainment and erudition, I humbly offer my reviews of casinos visited on present and past Viva tours. Enjoy.
For anyone with a slow modem, here is a quick summary:
There can be only one. Caesar's carries weight. The casinos (there are actually two: the Palace and the Forum) are elegant and majestic. Dark and richly appointed, this place exudes vibe. The dealers are notoriously stoic. You are expected to know your game. I have set next to the Empress of Japan (well, at least I think I did) at a blackjack table, who was spitting out purple checks like watermelon seeds. The casinos, though, do have a bit of wear. I anxiously await the remodeling scheduled for 1999.
The Desert Inn has heart. A very pleasant surprise on the Viva 98 itinerary, the recently remodeled casino was visually stunning. Done in a Palm Springs motif, the casino is situated in a spacious two-story atrium (a pleasant departure from the typical bunker-style casino design). My only criticism of the Desert Inn concerns their checks which are too light of weight and design, and not worthy of the history and grandeur of the Desert Inn.
A pyramid in the desert. Hmm, what a novel idea. Okay, so it's new school. It's still got a good vibe. Maybe it's the subtle spice fragrances they pump into the A/C. The casino layout carries on the understated, yet visually impressive, architectual design using an Egyptian motif. Luck has *always* been our lady at the Luxor.
Mirage (A)Another new school entry, but by far the most intriguing casino of its contemporaries. The tropical theme is well-executed within a generally dark setting. Elbow space, however, is at a premium. If you drop a $25 chip on the floor when Siegfried and/or Roy are walking by, don't bend over to pick it up. It will be the best $25 you ever spent. Steve Wynn is a genius.
Dig, if you will, the orange, pink, and mango color scheme. The Hilton Corporation, probably for the worse, has sanitized Bugsy Siegal's vision. Still though, the Flamingo has always been a home for us. The dealers are quite friendly, and the waitresses are always quick with a refreshing beverage.
The casino is as visually impressive as the complex exterior. Has good potential for establishing a vibe, but we have yet to give NYNY enough of a session to gauge such.
MGM Grand (B)Well, it's "big", and that's about it for a theme. Points are given though for having a lounge named the "Flying Monkey Bar".
Rio (B)
Situated off the Strip on Flamingo Blvd., Rio is well worth the visit, as it works hard to get patrons in through the casino doors. The Carnival theme is well executed, and the layout is comfortable. The annoyance of the overhead "parade" production show, is somewhat abetted by the very attractive cocktail waitresses in thongs.
Riviera (C)
When I was younger, the Riveria could swing. But now, just seems a little too worn.
Treasure Island (C)
Yo-ho-hum. Don't be fooled by the sidewalk pirate ship battle gimmick. The casino falls extremely short of living up to the potential of the exterior. Inside, the layout is anemic with few surprises. If you do find yourself somehow in the casino, immediately seek the tram that takes you next door to the Mirage.
Monte Carlo (C)Zzzz. Hmm? What? Huh? Oh, okay. Zzzzz.
Imperial Palace (C)It's cramped and crowded, and the long rectangular layout offers little in terms of visual excitement. But, nevertheless, it does have some style and glitz.
Bally's (C)Not much excitement, but still nicely refined.
Excalibur (C)For all the work that goes into the presentation, the casino fails to generate much of a spark. Still, the two-deck BJ is a nice diversion.
Tropicana (C)Old school girl tries, but fails to establish an identity.
Low min table games and nickle slots. The only casino with convenient access to a Burger King.
Slots O'Fun (D)Is this someone's idea of a joke?
Barbary Coast (D)I actually like the layout and environs of the casino. However, the marketing weasels who run the place have nary a clue how to properly promote their property. Too much of the cut-offs and tank top element here.
Stratosphere (D)It's a shame that Bob Stupak's gaudy vision of Vegas World died when the shameless corporate weasels bailed him out and took control when he ran out of money. What remains is a casino short on theme and bereft of Vibe. DON'T even be tempted to go to the Stratosphere to visit the top of the tower. Dullesville Ohio, baby.
San Remo (D)We had the unfortunate experience of being stuck in the casino for 30 minutes while waiting to get into "The Showgirls of Magic" (side critique: a "must see" for connoisseurs of topless showgirls/magicians and unctuous midgets). A 7-Eleven has a better Vibe.
Circus Circus (F)If there is such a thing as the Boulevard of Broken Dreams, this is the dumpster in the back alley of the medical waste processing plant that sits on that boulevard. Here's a theme: CLOWNS! From the garish red, blue, and yellow lead paint that covers the sweaty bunker-like walls, to the oleaginous stench of free POPCORN! that wafts about the casino, this place exudes Loserville like no other. As a shrewd marketing plan, Circus Circus encircles the casino with carnival midway games and attractions for the kids, thus making the casino a convenient loitering ground for the pre Gen-X crowd. Avoid this place like cancer.
Missourian (?)Did not get a chance to visit, but would like to in the future to experience the opulent Mark Twain/riverboat gamblah theme. If we can afford the high roller table minimums.
Scheduled to open in the Fall of 1998. Definitely on the itinerary for Viva 99. This could be good.
