If you can sleep here...
Written: Jun 02 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Vegas camp at it's most
Cons: Louder than it needs to be
The Bottom Line: So LV that it parodies itself.
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| rhizu's Full Review: New York New York Hotel And Casino |
Don't get me wrong. I love a good theme casino, and heaven knows that's what New York New York is. From the fake trees with birds, to the skyline and the Statue of Liberty, it's all about the feel of a fantasy New York. Located toward the south end of the Strip, across from the MGM Grand and the Excalibur, it is close to the heart of LV action.
The exterior of the casino gives you a good hint as to what is inside. The skyline is awesome,the towers are named for appropriate neighborhoods and landmarks, and the water feature with the mini lady, Brooklyn Bridge and fireboat are very well done. When you get down to it, it's a fun place. At least to look at.
Inside there are mini neighborhoods, with delis, shops and appropriate graffiti. In a way, the whole set up reminds me of West Side Story. The decor is Art Deco, and in this, they may have gone a tiny bit far. I don't think there is a single unadorned surface in the entire building.
Waiting to check in is a hassle. You have to plow through a maze of slot machines, only to get in a line that makes some of the waits at Disneyland look like a cake walk. The front desk clerks are nice enough, but definitely harried. After worming through another maze of slot machines, you find your elevator, and go on up to your room. Brace yourself. There will be a minimum of three deco style prints in the room, in complementary colors, but not in complementary designs. The rooms are small, and with all the decorating, a bit claustrophobic. However, the bath goodies in bottles shaped like the skyline are fun.
The floor is busy. Crowded. A bit too intense for my taste. Part of this may have to do with the arcade upstairs, there is a never ending stream of kids and people wanting to ride the roller coaster. And speaking of the roller coaster... You can hear it darn near everywhere. On the floor, in the arcade (which is logical, I guess) in the restaurants, and yes in your room. It doesn't run all night, but there is no mistaking it. Maybe the designers wanted to recreate the sound of the elevated railways, but I think not.
Oh, yes the floor. It's a little confusing, the entire layout takes some getting used to. Mazes of slot machines are everywhere, and getting to a table through that jungle takes a single minded person. Perhaps more of the intended New York feel? I don't know. The dealers vary from being very friendly to just this side of surly. Remember the dealer in Las Vegas Vacation? He was based on some of the staff here. As with any casino, if you don't like the dealer, gt up and find another table. You're paying to play, you may as well enjoy the experience.
The food is awesome. A bakery near the elevators has darn near every known type of baked good, fresh and delightful. There is a Krispy Kreme stand upstairs, but I would just as soon cross over to the Excalibur and get them while they are hot. Good Italian, and better than good Chinese are available in house. There is a Nathan's upstairs, behind the arcade, and that is probably one of the least expensive places you can eat. I like that there is a lot of variety in the foods available.
The arcade is a bit overpriced, but the kids seem to enjoy it. They like the little ticket eaters that give receipts for tickets won, that can then be converted into prizes. The staff there is actually some of the nicest on the strip, and considering the number of hyped up kids they deal with, that is saying something really spectacular. Do not attempt to meet anyone near the escalators that lead up to the arcade and roller coaster around show time for Lord of The Dance. The crowd gathers there, and it is an utter madhouse.
If you are the sort of person who likes some tension, and can sleep through darn near anything, this is the place for you. If you want to be more or less centrally located, and plan on only returning to your room to pass out until you hit the Strip again, this may work. But for relaxation, or a good place to keep the kiddos busy, you can get a better deal someplace else.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
rhizu
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Member: Liz
Reviews written: 222
Trusted by: 29 members
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