Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide

OPENING SOON:

Mandalay Bay-opening March 2, 1999. The Mandalay Bay is a massive Hotel/Casino complex owned by Circus Circus Inc., located at the far south end of "the Strip", next to the Luxor and the Excalibur, also owned by Circus Circus. The gold windows reflect the suns blinding glare, as the two Griffin Statues at the front entrance beckon passers by to enter the fantasy world of the imaginary bay. The pool area…or should I say the beach area… will have wave machines operating to create a surfers paradise.

The Four Seasons Hotel, occupying the top 5 floors of the Mandalay Bay tower, brings 5-star elegance to the Mandalay Bay location. The Four Seasons Hotel will have its own non-gaming, 2-story lobby located next to the main Mandalay Bay Hotel/Casino entry. The Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino along with The Four Seasons Hotel will be an incredible resort with all of the luxuries necessary to thoroughly enjoy your Las Vegas visit.

The Venetian-opening April 21, 1999. This huge Hotel/Casino located on the former Sands site at Sands Rd. and "the Strip" brings the canals of Venice to Las Vegas. With 3,036 suites, the Venetian will transport you to another land. The canals wind throughout the hotel and through the 500,000-sq. ft. retail and entertainment-shopping complex with over 140 interesting shops. The Sands Convention Complex is attached to the back of the hotel and has been enlarged to adjoin with the hotels own convention center.

Paris-opening September 1999. The Paris Hotel and Casino will be the newest surprise "hit" on the strip when it opens near the end of the year. With the replica of the Eiffel Tower, and the Arch Du Triomphe in front, to the streets of the "City of Lights" throughout, the Paris Hotel/Casino will envelope you in Parisian luster. With performing mimes and artists scattered about, Paris will capture all hearts with its elegance and charm.

The Resorts at Summerlin-opening April 1999. The Resorts at Summerlin are upscale, 5-star, elegant resort Hotel /Casinos. Located in the northwestern portion of the of Las Vegas valley, these new properties will cater to high- end business and recreational travelers. The $270 million resort overlooks the entire valley from the far west end of Summerlin Parkway, west of the 95 Expressway. Room rates will range from $200 to $600 a night.

WHO ELSE IS BUILDING?

Ramada is building a time-share hotel located on Swenson St.. across from the UNLV Campus, and one block east of the Hard Rock Hotel, located at Harmon and Paradise.

The Hard Rock will complete its 350-room expansion to the existing 350-room tower this summer. The expansion will include an enlarged pool area with sandy beaches, several new restaurants, and a larger health club and spa. The Hard Rock Hotel retail store has already been enlarged to over 8,000-sq. ft., and is open for your HR logo buying pleasures!

Embassy Suites is building a 300-room non-gaming hotel on Paradise near Twain, geared towards the business/extended stay traveler.

The Mansion at the MGM is due for completion this spring. The Mansion is a "castle" with luxury suites for "high-rollers", located on the northwest corner of the MGM tower, behind the Showcase Mall.

The La Piazza Suites at the Rio are scheduled to open this spring as well. These are high-roller suites, with 900 to 1600 square feet of lavish luxury. Located behind the Rio towers and attached to their new convention complex.

Three major condominium complexes are being built on Paradise Rd. One located behind the Sahara Hotel, another behind the Riviera, and the third at the Hughes Center Business Park. All three will offer condos for sale ranging from over $350,000 to over $4,000,000! Anyone interested?

The Race Rock Café will be opening downtown this spring. The 20,000 square foot motorsports theme restaurant is owned by several major auto, boat, and motorcycling personalities. The restaurant will be located on the bottom two floors of the "Big Red Garage" parking structure at Fremont St. and Las Vegas Blvd.

Neonopolis, a $99 million theater, restaurant, and retail complex will break ground this year, and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2000. There will be a Manns 18 screen theater, several "café" style restaurants, and interesting and unusual shops throughout the complex. Neonopolis is located on Fremont St., across from the Race Rock Cafe, between Las Vegas Blvd. and 3rd street.

WHO PLANS TO BUILD IN VEGAS?

Harveys has purchased property for a $300 million hotel/casino at the corner of Harmon Ave. and Koval Lane, where the Drink nightclub currently stands.

The Playboy Co. is in the process of purchasing a huge piece of property on Koval, behind the Aladdin, and across from the Drink.

Billy Bob Burnett, owner of restaurants in Texas and Louisiana, and partners, are in the midst of negotiations to purchase the large vacant lot across from the Sahara Hotel, to create a western theme hotel/casino, located at Las Vegas Blvd. and Sahara Ave.

Mark Advent, designer of the New York, New York Hotel/Casino is planning to build a San Francisco theme hotel/casino. I would guess that his prime choice is the corner of Sands Ave. and Las Vegas Blvd. across from the Fashion Show Mall, and beside the Desert Inn.

Universal has purchased the entire 'Wet 'n Wild Water Parks' chain across the nation, including the one in Las Vegas, that is located next to the Sahara Hotel. Will Universal build a movie theme hotel beside the water park at the ready to be imploded El Rancho site?..or will Countryland USA finally become a real hotel, after 3 years so noted on the marquee?

The New Frontier will undergo major renovation in '99 as will the Stardust, and the Tropicana.

1999 will be an incredible year in Las Vegas!...but wait 'til you see 2000!!!! I will do my best to keep you informed!

Thank you for your loyal readership. I look forward to a New Year filled with peace, joy, and lots of good luck for all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from FABULOUS LAS VEGAS!!!

WE LOVE THIS TOWN!

Gary Jacobson

With contacts in all facets of the hospitality, construction, entertainment, and convention industries, Gary Jacobson gives you an inside look at Las Vegas, as it was, as it is, and as it will be!!! Be sure to check back here every 2 weeks for a new column.
Do you have a question about Las Vegas that you would like to see Gary answer in this column? Email your question to Gary at: gj_agt@mailexcite.com