Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

May 5, 2008 6:11 PM Posted by Dave

Cue Simpson calling Columbia Sussex and doing the Nelson-from-the-Simpson's "Ha-ha."

May 6, 2008 1:48 PM Posted by steve_c

Funny, I just got home from Vegas and made a trip over to Titanic and Bodies before they moved over to Luxor (didn't end up seeing either, as the price has gone up quite a bit since last time I was there). So instead, we just kept going to one of the bars that served some of the best Long Islands on the strip. On one of my trips to the bar, I asked the bartender if he was worried about what had happened in Atlantic City. Very quietly he said "I already have a interview with Harrahs next week". I guess the writing was on the wall with this one. I did manage to sneak a few photos of the Trop, and she is looking worse than ever.

http://image63.webshots.com/663/0/90/29/2545090290101391235YOhLQH_fs.jpg

http://image69.webshots.com/469/8/15/51/2750815510101391235OtgluB_fs.jpg

When I was walking all over the property, it struck me with how much potential the place has... and I am not even talking about imploding any of it. The Trop seems like a very ideal place to become a large "boutique" hotel on the strip. There were so many spaces that could be redone to make it into an A class resort, but I have the feeling it will all be going the way of the wrecking ball. That awful "grand staircase" on the Tropicana side could be removed and something similar to the grand foyer of the Forum Shops or Palazzo could be put there on a smaller scale.. I dont know, seems like such a waste of a property. Hopefully whomever comes into rescue them will do SOMETHING with the place.

May 6, 2008 4:14 PM Posted by David McKee

The photo links aren't working (for me, anyway).

Anyway, I'm in 100% agreement with Steve C.'s proposal or a revamped "boutique" Tropicana, particularly where the Paradise Tower, the casino and the pool area are concerned. The place used to have a great "retro" flavor (before the massaging recliners took up residence), something that would make a terrific marketing hook, given the right ownership. The old dame deserves a better fate that has been meted out to her.

May 6, 2008 5:21 PM Posted by steve_c

Here's the link to my webshots account where the photos can be found on the second to the last page.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563294504uUDmlf

Hopefully that link works.

I am glad someone agrees me with David, but I bet we are in the minority on this one. I really found both that render and the model shots of the revamped Tropicana to be really awful. I understand a high room count equals higher profits, but with the Las Vegas tourist market beginning to slump slightly and the general economy going down the flusher, maybe less is more sometimes. If done right, they could re-skin the two towers that are there now, and gut the rooms and start over from scratch. The original garden rooms could be removed easily in favor of expanded casino space and or a retail area near the eastern part of the property. The remainder of the property where the surface parking is between the Trop and Hooters could be converted into a parking structure that could enable a future tower or two to rise on that site. Essentially, the public spaces would all be gutted and rebuilt in a similar, but expanded layout. It would be a very intimate casino, with all the restaurants and bars circling it.

The pool area would be compltely redone, with many of the restaurants and casino spaces overlooking the lush landscaping of the gardens. That long cooridor connecting the back tower to the rest of the casino would lose all the retail kiosks and this space would instead become just a well decorated cooridor with furniture at either side.

There are many different themes you could choose from without having to knock the whole place down. You could do an upscale Bombay theme, similar to that of Mandalay but yet on a smaller scale. Or you could make it more Asian inspired, yet retaining a South Seas quality to it.

Even more original would be a very authentic art deco theme. I am not talking about the generic, loud art deco inspired theme over at MGM, I am talking grand public rooms, very warm yet brilliantly let rooms. If anyone is familiur with old steam ships, I am reminded of the great public spaces aboard the S.S. Normandie.

http://www.beyondcruises.com/sitebuilder/images/normandie.gold.250-370x232.jpg

http://bryking.com/normandie/grand-salon.jpg

The Trop would have to become that small, yet special spot on the strip to survive.

May 7, 2008 1:54 PM Posted by David McKee

Steve, I just found your pictures of the air filtration [sic!] at the Trop and ... OMFG! I was about to have lunch, but I just lost my appetite.

May 7, 2008 6:40 PM Posted by steve_c

David, Those photos are from my room on the 35th floor of Treasure Island last week. After my last trip, I don't know if I will be staying at TI again. The AC worked great once we took the air filter off!!

Sorry that you lost your lunch.