Well, we're into the new year and like most people, I'm sure you've all made resolutions, none of which you'll keep, but it makes us feel good to think we're going to somehow better our lives in the coming year. Mine is to try and make more money in the casinos than I did in 2006, which shouldn't be too difficult as I can't imagine me losing more. But with a smile on my face and a song in my heart, I will give it my best shot and I hope all of you fill your pockets as well.
It's going to be another exciting year in Las Vegas as a number of new properties move forward in their construction, new shows open and new owners take over the world's largest casino company -- Harrah's. The much-awaited changes at the Aladdin should be completed and the megaresort finally will become Planet Hollywood. MGM Mirage's $8-billion CityCentre project will be rising like a Phoenix on the Strip. The Stardust will be imploded to make way for Boyd Gaming's $4 billion Echelon Place, plus the three boutique hotels that will occupy the same site.
And next door at the New Frontier, we should see the Trump Tower, a condominium project that I hear has been sold out, coming to the end its construction. The Venetian's Palazzo, a separate 3,000-room resort adjacent to The Venetian, should open its doors late in the year. Then there's a ton of other projects on the drawing board that I won't even mention, but suffice it to say that most of them will get started this year.
Investors obviously have a lot of confidence in the future of Las Vegas and with so much expansion, it looks like we'll continue to lead the nation in growth, much to my disappointment. I'm told we will have a population topping 2 million by 2010 and I can well believe it as some 6,000 people a month come pouring in. Thank God some are leaving or we'd probably reach 5 million. All of this, however, is good news for the economy. Once we get our second airport built just south of the city we will probably see a major increase in tourism, well up from our 40-plus million visitors a year.
And then there's the entertainment. Two major Broadway shows coming our way this year -- "The Producers" and "Spamalot." Both were major hits in New York, but will they fly here? We had high hopes for "Hairspray" and "Avenue Q," two great shows but neither could last a year. It will be interesting to see if these survive. I have high hopes for "The Producers" as it has garnered a lot of publicity, won a lot of awards and was made into a movie, so it has the recognition factor going for it. "Spamalot," on the other hand, which I'm sure is hilarious as it's a Monty Python creation, hasn't had the buzz nationwide, so might be a hard sell. We'll see.
READERS SOUND OFF
Got a bunch of emails I've been saving up over the past few weeks that I will share a few with you. The first from Steve and Sara Wilkins of Chicago, who say: "Lenny, Just want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We will be in your great city for New Year's and will be partying it up on the Strip. Can't think of a better place we'd rather be and we'll be staying with friends, so it should be a great time. Our only complaint about Vegas is that it seems to be getting very expensive to see a show or get a really good meal. Even the room rates are getting way up there, although that doesn't affect us. Still, we're diehard Vegas fans and will keep on coming as long as we can afford it. Love your column."
This one from Sholom Wargon of Toronto, who writes: "Lenny, thanks again for telling us what's going on in Las Vegas and not just the big things. I know some of your column each week is geared towards locals as you talk about local events, but I find that interesting as it gives me a look at what people who live in Las Vegas do other than gamble.
"I certainly sympathize with you when it comes to gambling and your losing streaks as I've had plenty of them myself. As you probably know, we have two casinos in Niagara Falls (about 100 miles from Toronto), but we also have casinos at our racetracks, so I do most of my gambling right here in Toronto at the Woodbine racetrack. Doesn't seem to matter where I go, however, as I mostly lose. Still, it's a fun night out and I don't bet more than I can afford to lose.
"I did have a lucky streak in your city recently when my girlfriend and I visited in November. She won about $1,800, while I was able to walk away a $700 winner. That allowed us to take in a couple of Strip shows (Celine and "O") and dine at a few of your better restaurants. I envy you for living in such an exciting city. Thanks again for the great columns."
And finally from Barry (no last name) of Houston, who is not that happy with our town. "Lenny, I hate to say this, but the more I come to Vegas, the more I'm thinking of not going back. Hurts me to say that seeing that I've been coming there for more than 20 years. I just think the casinos are getting too big, too expensive and the quality of service is lousy in most places. The staff aren't nearly as friendly as they used to be, even downtown where I always found them to be the friendliest.
"I'm used to good old Texas hospitality and I'm not seeing it in Vegas. Add the fact that I can't seem to win anything on the slots and it makes me wonder what the hell I'm doing there. I don't want to sound so negative, and Vegas is still a great city, but, my visits there may be coming to a close. But keep writing those columns. I really enjoy them. All the best."
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com.
If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.
