Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

July 26, 2007 11:47 AM Posted by mike_ch

Some opinions from the past few days:

Imperial Palace: My Deluxe room was in a further back tower, but not the WAY back tower. The legends are true: The IP has terrible elevator service. The redesigned rooms are decently comfortable. The TV gets meh reception. Outdoor balcony. Room tower elevators were right near the shopping promenade so I often took the Monorail route out and went through Harrah's to get to my pal at Mirage/TI. At my promotional rate of $38 a night, it was certainly acceptable. At the original rate of $66, it would not be. Also, while they can't do anything about the size of the bathroom, changing the shower heads when they renovated would have been nice. In fact, using the shower is a science of adding hot+cold since the hot knob only produces very hot water and the cold knob only produces very cold water. Never heard a neighbor unless they were running their shower, as all the showers are loud.

Treasure Island: Still a very nice property IMO. Never saw a room here before, but spent plenty of time in one crashed on the floor the night before my friend's departure. Plenty of pillows, bathroom is big and nice but could use a fan, as the mirror would fog up and all you could do is wipe a porthole with your hand. Despite not being able to get any kind of requested upgrades or anything, the view was a wonderful bottom-floor view across the pool and down the strip, looking all the way down to Mandalay. Very thin walls.

MGM Grand/KA: I must really pull back my recommendation for KA from previews years ago. It's been clearly cut for time and budget, with the most physically impressive acts pulled away from the show and a narrator explaining things at the start for people who can't figure this stuff out for themselves. Sitting on the far left edge of the theater for $125 a person isn't very fun either. My companion was so out of it he regularly checked his cell phone for the time any messages and once dozed off near the end. A few of the remaining feats of stuntwork failed as the performers couldn't get it right. What happened here?! Seriously, I wish I could air loud complaints at someone for such a bomb here. All I can say is avoid this.

Palazzo: Looking very "done" up front, still a lot of hard hats and construction lighting in back. Framework of the hotel tower should be covered up soon.

Fonta-whatever: Took pictures of it's construction from Stratosphere. There's a footprint now at least.

Cosmo: A big ugly elevator core rises from the ground. Not much else to report.

PCC: Nothing to report since last time.

Echelon: Nothing.

Encore: It's really getting up there. Wynn and Encore look nice together from the airport terminals. Nothing new on the ground that I could spot.

Luxor: As I mentioned before, Flight (Nile Bar) is uncovered. Liquidity (center bar) is still under walls. I think LAX's entrance will be that little tunnel area that used to be between the RA entrance and the Nile Bar, and once upon a time held some trinket shops. That area is a tunnel now, with blank walls on either side, and there's scaffolding and work over the hieroglyph effects nearby. No changes to report upstairs.

Mirage: Temporary walls are now up around an area near the buffet. Didn't really see any changes near the sports bar area where they had been before.

Mandalay: Walls around the Island Lounge in the middle of the casino are still up. I saw that new building in the pool area with the casino that was discussed here a few months ago and took a picture.

PH: More strip facade work is up.

Trump: They're putting letters up one day at a time. They should be up to TRU right now.

Monte Carlo: Diablo's now looks mostly there from the outside, although I still have no idea how it hooks into the main complex.

July 26, 2007 1:27 PM Posted by detroit1051

Mike, thanks. Your comment on Monte Carlo made me think of a trip report I read recently:

"Monte Carlo --...Something tells me this hotel does not cater for the masses and is full of luxurious private suites."
Not for the masses; full of luxurious private suites???" LOL. Actually, the entrance was always the best part of the entire property. I hope it's not obliterated by Diablo. Maybe I saw the link to the report here; I trust I'm not repeating a previous comment.
http://chowtimes.com/2007/07/las_vegas_vacation_walking_the.html

Is California Pizza Kitchen still open at The Mirage?

July 26, 2007 4:29 PM Posted by mike_ch

Yes, CPK is still running. I think it got slightly remodeled lately. Same space, less theming decoration.

Most of the MC entrance is intact, Diablo occupies the corner entrance closest to NY-NY, the other two strip-facing doorways are unchanged.

July 26, 2007 7:27 PM Posted by Nate

Hi everyone! Mike, hope your party went well! I was depressed the whole day haha. Just wanted to let everyone know I had my phone interview for front desk with Palazzo. One of the questions was, "What do you expect from a five-star resort?" I'm curious, if they just said five-star because four-star doesn't sound as great, or if LVS is really wanting to make this property better? I'm going to Vegas in a month for a person to person interview, wish me luck! Also, you think they'll comp my room? If I have to pay for my own travel, I think it's the least they can do. lol.

July 26, 2007 9:20 PM Posted by detroit1051

Nate, I'm expecting Palazzo to be five-star quality, a noticeable improvement over Venetian. I think Adelson wants to out-do Wynn with Palazzo.

July 26, 2007 9:57 PM Posted by Hunter

Adelson wants to *think* he's aced out Steve Wynn but from what I have seen, he's not willing to dole out the capital required to really achieve the distinction.

Of course I'm sure he'll somehow get the Travel Channel to pimp out his hotel with some special hour feature about how it's a 10 star hotel or some other bullshit.

July 26, 2007 11:55 PM Posted by motoman

Hunter, thanks for that distinction. From what I saw this week, the glass on Encore's tower is almost as high as the facade on Palazzo, and the ground-level buildings at P are still bare framing outside and hollow inside. Yet the stated opening dates are a year apart?! Hmm...

July 27, 2007 12:33 AM Posted by Justin

Hunter's comment on Adelson "not willing to dole out the capital" to out-do Wynn is spot-on. Adelson has an enviable track record as a businessman, but has never aspired to design the most inspiring resorts. I'm fairly certain that the Palazzo will be grand and classy and beautiful, but like the Venetian, it'll be all about the money, and only about the money.

July 27, 2007 12:59 AM Posted by motoman

Oops, accuracy check: The P's low-level buildings facing the Strip do indeed have their facades (mostly) completed, but did look like hollow construction sites inside. It'll be interesting to see if they can actually have the retail open for business in just a few short months, to say nothing of the actual rooms....

Trump had the "T" up the night of the 24th/25th, and "TR" by the 25th. So as mike noted, it ought to say "TRUMP" by the weekend.

Some photos on the way....

July 27, 2007 6:53 AM Posted by detroit1051

"Of course I'm sure he'll somehow get the Travel Channel to pimp out his hotel with some special hour feature about how it's a 10 star hotel or some other bullshit."
Hunter, don't hold back. What do you really think? lol.

July 27, 2007 8:18 AM Posted by Brian Fey

Well as some of you know I'm in L V currently. I had the pleasure of meeting MikeE, and though very brief I look forward to talking more with him in the future. But even more shocking to many of you would me lunch meeting I had yesterday. Per my request I had a very lenghty lunch with Leonard Stern at CP yesterday. It went very well, i found Leonard to be very knowledgeable in his field. I also love passionate people, and reguardless of our views about things, i respect him never the less. Im on my iphone, and while i love it, its no PC. I will go into much more detail after i return. BTW i have plenty of pics for you all!

July 27, 2007 9:33 AM Posted by Mike P.

There's a sign at the far end of the Venetian's Canal Shops covering what must be the passage connecting Venetian & Palazzo retail promising a 2008 opening of Palazzo's retail. I also overheard some employee gossip a month or so ago that retail would open around February. The hotel is still supposed to be opening this year.

Seem to be a lot of regulars crossing paths this week. I had lunch at CP yesterday too. I wouldn't have minded refereeing Brian and Leonard's meeting.

July 27, 2007 10:12 AM Posted by detroit1051

Brian, I'm looking forward to your report and photos, and I'm especially interested in any public information you're able to share about your meeting with Leonard. I'd like to sit down with him myself to talk about Vegas' future and the implications of the credit situation on future projects and private equity buyouts. I'm not sure Leonard would be interested in meeting me, but I'd even buy his lunch. lol.
I hope you also expand on your comment that the iPhone is no PC. Enjoy your trip!

July 27, 2007 10:50 AM Posted by Brian Fey

Detroit - I love the phone, but its just slower than using a full size computer. Mainly the keyboard, but also just the connection speed, and simple things like logging into this site to post. It don't save previous logins so each time I want to post its just time consuming. I'm at the Wynn pool now an since I didn't come here to talk to you guys, more when I get home! :)

July 27, 2007 10:52 AM Posted by Hunter

I assume he means that he'd rather not write extensive/long comments on the thing - like any small device, typing is faster on a full keyboard.

July 27, 2007 5:22 PM Posted by mike_ch

Yeah, typing on it sucks but I still plan to get one as soon as I can afford to. Mostly because my trusty phone was lost in a taxi this week.

July 27, 2007 9:20 PM Posted by DavidF

Brian,

I think it was very inconsiderate of you not to invite mike_ch along to your lunch at CP, so he could have given the rest of us the �Play by Play� here on the blog ;-). Seriously I must admit I am enjoying the blog a lot more recently hence my bunch �o� postings right now� I wonder why?

I will agree it faster to type on the BB, but after almost a month on the iPhone, I am almost at the same speed, Surfing is much better, its slower yes, but not noticeably so than my EVDO BB. I only ever checked ratevegas on the BB, if I was *really* bored, as it looked horrible. I find its no problem on the iPhone. You get the feeling I haven�t regretted my purchase at all?

Oh yeah, Vegas, Mike, Thanks for the report, no real questions, as always you are the �eyes� for those of us who can�t make it over all the time, I was hoping to knock out two trips this year, but my schedule is going to probably mean only one, do I understand this will be the last �Trip down the Strip� from you in a while?

As for Palazzo, I am reserving judgment, but I would have thought Sheldy would have learned from the Partial-opening fiasco of Venetian, to do the same with Palazzo, but lets wait and see.

July 27, 2007 10:26 PM Posted by Mike T

I was working at the front desk at Bellagio when the Venetian opened. They had a Blockbuster convention booked, and had to walk all of the guests because they only had something like 3 floors open. They also had no restaurants open, and had their catering staff serving food in one of their ballrooms. Basically, it was the worst property opening I have ever witnessed. I sincerely hope Las Vegas Sands doesn't make the same mistake twice. Why you would open a property with so much construction left to be finished is beyond me.

July 28, 2007 10:37 AM Posted by Pikes

Welcome back Two Way Hard Three, I've missed ya!

July 28, 2007 1:46 PM Posted by Brian Fey

Many of you have been eagerly awaiting to hear comments about my lunch with Leonard Stern. Though some of the things I was told are not for public discussion, I will tell you some of what we spoke about, and some of my general thoughts about him and our conversation.

Leonard Stern is my nemesis if you will. Over the last year or more, you won�t find two people on this board that have had more heated discussions that Leonard and myself. So I know at least some of you, think I was crazy for wanting to meet him. A few of you even expressed concern for my safety over our meeting. I was not worried about that, but I just had to meet this Leonard Stern. Leonard knew I would be in town last week, for 4 days, so we set up a lunch at C.P. for Thursday, at 1:00. At 1:00 indeed, Mr. Stern arrived.

I was somewhat embarrassed, though I was on vacation, I wanted to look presentable. I had had breakfast that day about 10 at Bouchon, then walked with my guest down to Bellagio, we then moved on to take pics of City Center, (for you guys  ). Next thing I know we�re in the preview center. I had planned to take a taxi back to Wynn to change before lunch, but before I can say Taxi�.It�s 12:30!!! In just jean shorts, and a Wynn t-shirt, (go figure) I didn�t not have time to go back to Wynn and make my self presentable. I hate to be late, and I can�t stand others who are late also, its just shows a lack of respect for those waiting on you, and its just flat out rude. So I had to go meet Leonard dressed as a average tourist.

Leonard was visually about what I expected. I roughly knew his age, and he looks about like I thought he would look. He was very friendly, and greeted me, and we took our seats. Now a few of you have commented that we should have had a referee, but it really wasn�t like that. Neither of us ever raised our voices, though Leonard does talk more loudly that most people. I found Leonard to be very honest and up front. He told me many personal things, that most people would never divulge to an almost stranger. I have to say I respect Leonard very much, and I listened to what he had to say, and he to me as well.

Without getting into details, which its not my place, Leonard has some deep hatred towards Steve Wynn. That is both obvious and apparent to anyone that has read his postings on this site in the past. After hearing the whole story, I feel Leonard has a valid �beef� with Steve Wynn, and has reason for his hatred and anger. I do feel that it goes beyond the point of being healthy. And I seems to me that Steve Wynn has almost over taken Leonard complete life. Its as if, Leonard spends every waking second trying to figure out how to bring this guy down. I think regardless of what anyone could ever do to me, short of killing my family, I would like to think I could move on down the road. I mean life is too short to deal with things like this, and its almost as if Leonard is completely obsessed with ending the career of Steve Wynn. There are a few reasons I highly respect Leonard, one of which, is that if everything I was told was true, then Wynn did do Leonard Stern pretty shitty. So Leonard has a valid reason for hating Wynn, unlike some other people on this board, who have no real legitimate reason for hating the man, other than the fact that I think they are bored and lonely, and just looking for another band wagon to get on. Some people just hate power, and big business, so they hate Wynn for that reason. That reason is not valid in my opinion. Leonard also does know architecture. There is no question to that, he could tell you more about architecture in a hour, than I could tell you in a year. He is trained, and grew up surrounded in the business. Leonard knows the business, plain and simple. You just point to any building on the strip, he can tell you what year it was built, by who, and who designed it.

Leonard was equally intrigued to meet me as well. He wondered what kind of person could be so opposite of him. What kind of person could be so enamored by Steve Wynn, that he would even go as far, as to name his child after him. Brian Fey was just as obsessed about Steve Wynn as Leonard Stern was, but only from an 180 degree perspective. While Leonard might eat, sleep hating Steve Wynn, Brian ate and slept loving Steve Wynn and Wynn Resorts. Leonard was fascinated as to why and what caused my fascination with Steve Wynn. And I am not sure I ever was able to put into words enough to satisfy him with my answer. I can�t say exactly, I simply think he designs the best hotels in town, and once open, I truly believe he runs them the best in town also. I liken Wynn Resorts to Apple Computer, and I have for many years. They are known not for price, but for their styling, design, and uniqueness. They both have wonderful marketing machines, and keep the hype at its highest level, especially around the launch of a major new product.

Though I respect Leonard, there were many places in which we didn�t agree. To start with, I ask him, if he felt like The Mirage was revolutionary? Mr. Stern quickly answered, NO. He restated absolutely not. This is where I think things get fuzzy for Leonard Stern. I think his deep hatred and anger towards Steve Wynn cloud his view. His hate towards this man both his current and past companies are so strong that he cannot judge things in a fair and honest matter. I don�t think there is a person on this site besides Leonard, that would look me in the eye, and tell me that Mirage was not a revolutionary product. This is not even a question. I have often wondered what the Las Vegas strip would look like today, if it were not for Steve Wynn. I think it would look VERY different, and not for the better either. The Mirage changed Las Vegas for ever, no question. So with that answer, I quickly realized that it was not going to be possible for Leonard to give much realistic insight or knowledge about Wynn Resorts. I just don�t think he can see the forest through the trees.

He mentioned on a number of occasions how �Visionary� Kirk Kirkorian was. I ask him if Steve Wynn was visionary, and I�m sure you can guess his answer. Here is another place we differ. You see, I don�t see Kirk as visionary. Kirk is brilliant, Kirk is a much better business man that Steve Wynn, I don�t doubt that. And maybe we both have different definitions of visionary. Kirk is more like Warren Buffet, he can look at a company, and stock, and see if it makes sense. If he see�s a steal, he buys it. That�s smart, that�s brilliant, but I wouldn�t call it Visionary. I personally, would see Steve Wynn as being much more visionary than Kirk. I think we all agree Mirage was visionary. Nothing had ever been built that elaborate, that over the top. They said it would fail, it would have to take in over one million dollars a day to break even. They thought he was crazy. And today 18 years later, its still on of the top hotels in town. A few years later, Kirk designed and built MGM Grand. Does anyone on this site thing MGM Grand is visionary? I don�t. Lets look at MGM�s portfolio. Oh, I see, all their great properties were built, and designed by someone else. I guess you could call having the cash to snatch them up visionary, but I don�t define that as visionary. I define that as just great business.

Another place I think Leonard gets confused, is his strong love architecture. Leonard is 1000% positive that City Center is the 8th wonder of the world. Now he is basing this off of the fantastic team of architects that have come together to design it. But he does not get, that there are so many other facets to running a great resort, than just great architecture. I was also quick to point out, that this �world class team� has never even designed a casino before, which Leonard did not dispute. Now I�m not looking for City Center to be a failure, but just because it is pleasing to the eye, on the exterior won�t necessarily make it the top place in town. For one thing, much of this is just a simple matter of taste. Leonard hates Wynn, on both the exterior and interior. And I think particularly the interior is the best hotel in town, with Bellagio a close second, Oh another Wynn property, imagine that!

Leonard has a love for contemporary design, I personally don�t care for it. This is another place he can�t put his own views aside. I have seen what MGM has done to Mirage, and TI, and I don�t like it. Now there are parts of them I like, I like some of the changes, but not most. If its not contemporary, than MGM can�t design it. I think that�s all they know. I am not sure, if they don�t think they can compete with Wynn, and since he never goes that direction, they do? Lastly on this subject, when I put up this argument, Mr. Stern assured me that nobody on the current MGM design team is doing this project, they have instead pulled in new world class people for this brand new project, and non of these people have worked on past MGM projects, so I should not compare what was, to what will be. I told him, I will enter that hotel in two years with an open mind. I want to love it as much as I do Wynn, but I have to see it, then I will pass judgment.

Leonard is so sure City Center and Palazzo will crush Wynn. I for one disagree. Especially Palazzo will help Wynn, I am just sure. When I walk through Bellagio, the place is packed. No matter what time of day, the place is wall to wall people. Wynn on the other hand almost always feels completely dead in comparison. Both hotels are full, so its foot traffic off the street that�s making the difference. Wynn is way out of the way. Now with Stardust and Frontier gone, its even more off by itself. Palazzo will help Wynn, Echelon will help Wynn. I don�t see City Center taking over Bellagio as the top hotel in town. We�ll see, time will tell. I don�t think I see City Center, doing more business than Wynn/Encore in 2010. Once again, we�ll see.

Lastly we talked a bit about Macau, where once again Leonard says that MGM will crush Wynn. Once again I have to disagree. MGM opens later this year. It has about the same number of rooms as Wynn Macau, I predict in 2008 Wynn Macau out performs MGM Macau, but a large margin.

After about 2+ hours of chatting, we ended our meeting. If was very friendly and I am sure we�ll meet again in the future. It reminded me of and Republican debating with a Democrat, or a Pro-Life person debating a Pro-Choice. There are no clear answers, only time will tell how each company does. Leonard fully believes that Wynn Resorts will not be here in its current form in the next 5 years. I find that very hard to believe. I told Leonard the numbers do not lie. He might hate Wynn, but the public does not. The room rates, and all other indicators keep rising. After Bellagio, Wynn is the top place in town. Its interesting that the only other hotel in Las Vegas bringing in more money than Wynn is Bellagio. Bellagio was ahead of its time, It grew on people. I say Wynn is ahead of its time, and business will keep rising. Despite some thing Leonard did tell me, I will keep my large stake in Wynn Resorts, I think the company has a strong and bright future. If the numbers start telling me a different story, then I won�t think twice about taking my substantial profit and selling this stock. But I do think Wall Street is very short sighted at times. Mirage Resorts stock fell over 50%, everyone said Wynn had over spent, Bellagio would break that company, and never make any money. Man, were they ever wrong. Its currently the highest grossing hotel. But those impatient bastards just couldn�t give Steve a chance, they wanted results over night.

July 28, 2007 3:02 PM Posted by DavidF

Brian,

First of all *Thank You* for this candid and informative account of your meeting, any comment I made about a referee was only in jest, as I am sure you know :-). I will refrain from passing an opinion, as I don't think it would be the right for me to do so. Just take your narrative for what it is.

As I have said before, everyone is entitled to their opinion, I don't think its too much to ask that other peoples be respected, as opposed to "You are an idiot because you disagree with me"

But I am curious on one thing, you mentioned the obvious parallels between Steve Wynn and Steve Jobs. It cannot be denied that Apple leads the way in Technical contemporary design. Did the subject of Apple/Steve Jobs come up during your Lunch?

July 28, 2007 7:56 PM Posted by Hunter

Check out these great new construction shots from Brian's trip:

http://dangie.com/fey/vegas0707/

Thanks Brian!

July 29, 2007 4:59 AM Posted by detroit1051

Brian, your pics really brought me up to date on construction. Thanks! I thought I knew WLV, but I never knew Wynn had corner Resort Rooms with windows on two walls. That really adds to the appeal. Also, the Palazzo photos gave me pause. I do like the podium level, but the tower reminded me of the tall, stark apartment towers in Moscow. Well, that's an exaggeration, but I was disappointed. I was glad to see that construction is moving along at Echelon. Bellagio's Conservatory exhibit looks like one of their best ever.

July 29, 2007 12:58 PM Posted by Brian Fey

I forgot to mention. I heard Encore will only have 2 pools, but that they would be a 5 Star pool area, not 4 Star like Wynn whatever that means. But more interesting, I was told again, that Encore would have a Steak House and that it would be ran by the current head chef of Tableau, I would like to point out, that yet again, I was told that place would be on the top floor of Encore. I can't say if this is true or not, but that would be amazing. Lastly, they even said look for either an open air area on top, or a sliding roof. I would love for this to be true. But we'll just have to see.

July 29, 2007 3:04 PM Posted by Hunter

Man, I wish I could say definitively on the rooftop thing. Nothing that I saw in the high-rise plans made that seem very likely though... As far as an open air pool - the top will have a crown just like WLV with the swoosh - not sure how they would make that all work. Top floor looked to be all mechanical stuff for the elevators, HVAC, etc...

July 29, 2007 4:30 PM Posted by brian fey

Just to clarify, I was not suggesting that there would be a roof top pool, but rather this outdoor area would be part of the dining experience up top.

July 29, 2007 9:49 PM Posted by Molly

Brian, I was just skimming through some of my favorite forums on the Internet when I ran across a post you made on the open topic forum of Rate Las Vegas regarding your recent lunch meeting with Leonard Stern.

I would like to respond to some of the things you posted and as always I am hoping this correspondence between us can remain respectful, as it has in the past.

I hope you had a good time in Vegas and that your family is happy and healthy.

Molly.

You wrote,

"Many of you have been eagerly awaiting to hear comments about my lunch with Leonard Stern. Though some of the things I was told are not for public discussion, I will tell you some of what we spoke about, and some of my general thoughts about him and our conversation."

*** Brian, if you had intended the whole time to post such a thorough report on your lunch with Leonard Stern, may I ask if you informed him of that in advance? Did you tell him you would be posting this info on the Internet?

I feel it is one thing when two people who are prominent posters on a web site argue their differences in cyberspace but once you've crossed the line by inviting a poster to lunch (in person and with the intention of reporting what I assume Mr. Stern felt was a conversation shared by only the two of you) I think you've crossed a major boundary.

Frankly I'm surprised Hunter allowed this to be posted without first asking Leonard Stern's permission.

I have been busy preparing for Wynn's NLRB case which begins tomorrow and have not spoke with Mr. Stern in some time but I did write him last night and ask if he knew these details had been posted and he said that he had not been following or posting here lately for reasons he did not get into and I did not feel it any of my business to ask.

After he read your report, he wrote back and as they say, there are two sides to every story.

I find it only fair that Leonard Stern be allowed to post a rebuttal. In the mean time I would like to comment on some of your points.

1. Leonard Stern is my nemesis if you will. Over the last year or more, you won�t find two people on this board that have had more heated discussions that Leonard and myself. So I know at least some of you, think I was crazy for wanting to meet him.

*** I'm curious as well. Why would you spend valuable vacation time with a person who's opinions you not only don't respect but are even appalled by? I guess to each his own, but I am with the others on this one. I don't understand your interest in doing this, either.

2. A few of you even expressed concern for my safety over our meeting. I was not worried about that, but I just had to meet this Leonard Stern. Leonard knew I would be in town last week, for 4 days, so we set up a lunch at C.P. for Thursday, at 1:00. At 1:00 indeed, Mr. Stern arrived.

*** I think Stern knew you would be in town this week because you told him so, is that correct? Brian, a Thursday afternoon lunch here in Vegas is viewed much differently by a vacationing tourist as opposed to a local, working businessman. The fact that he agreed to meet you during the middle of his work day should have been viewed with respect.

As far as the safety concerns, I am totally confused. You two agreed to meet in a very public restaurant at Caesar's Palace? Where is the safety threat? I must be missing something. Seriously, I had to laugh at this concern for safety. Beginning tomorrow I will spend the week face to face, opposing Mr. Wynn. Frankly, I'd feel more at ease in the safety of Stern's presence, having lunch.

3. I was somewhat embarrassed, though I was on vacation, I wanted to look presentable. I had breakfast that day about 10 at Bouchon, then walked with my guest down to Bellagio, we then moved on to take pics of City Center, (for you guys  ). Next thing I know we�re in the preview center. I had planned to take a taxi back to Wynn to change before lunch, but before I can say Taxi�.It�s 12:30!!! In just jean shorts, and a Wynn t-shirt, (go figure) I didn�t not have time to go back to Wynn and make my self presentable. I hate to be late, and I can�t stand others who are late also, its just shows a lack of respect for those waiting on you, and its just flat out rude. So I had to go meet Leonard dressed as a average tourist.

*** I could be wrong about this, but I doubt Mr. Stern cared much about your appearance. He understood you were on vacation. Perhaps you might have felt bad because he may have been dressed in business attire. But I don't think he would hold that against you so don't be so hard on yourself due to the fact you didn't have a chance to change. I imagine it is bothering you more than Mr Stern, who probably didn't even give it a second thought.

4. Leonard was visually about what I expected. I roughly knew his age, and he looks about like I thought he would look. He was very friendly, and greeted me, and we took our seats. Now a few of you have commented that we should have had a referee, but it really wasn�t like that. Neither of us ever raised our voices, though Leonard does talk more loudly that most people. I found Leonard to be very honest and up front. He told me many personal things, that most people would never divulge to an almost stranger. I have to say I respect Leonard very much, and I listened to what he had to say, and he to me as well.

*** I appreciate you writing this, Brian. When I met you, you were very respectful to me and I imagine you showed that same respect to Stern. Personally I can't see either of you misbehaving in public and as far as him speaking more loudly than most people, I think most of us in Vegas speak more loudly than those you're used to conversing with back home. It's NOISY here and we tend to overcompensate in this area. I feel certain he probably wasn't doing it on purpose.

5. Without getting into details, which its not my place, Leonard has some deep hatred towards Steve Wynn. That is both obvious and apparent to anyone that has read his postings on this site in the past. After hearing the whole story, I feel Leonard has a valid �beef� with Steve Wynn, and has reason for his hatred and anger. I do feel that it goes beyond the point of being healthy. And I seems to me that Steve Wynn has almost over taken Leonard complete life. Its as if, Leonard spends every waking second trying to figure out how to bring this guy down. I think regardless of what anyone could ever do to me, short of killing my family, I would like to think I could move on down the road. I mean life is too short to deal with things like this, and its almost as if Leonard is completely obsessed with ending the career of Steve Wynn. There are a few reasons I highly respect Leonard, one of which, is that if everything I was told was true, then Wynn did do Leonard Stern pretty shitty. So Leonard has a valid reason for hating Wynn, unlike some other people on this board, who have no real legitimate reason for hating the man, other than the fact that I think they are bored and lonely, and just looking for another band wagon to get on. Some people just hate power, and big business, so they hate Wynn for that reason. That reason is not valid in my opinion.

*** Well, first I must commend you for attempting and perhaps understanding why Leonard Stern feels towards Wynn the way he does. You are right. What Wynn did to him was awful. In fact it wasn't awful. It was down right despicable.

Though he and I feel the same animosity towards Wynn I doubt that he has let it taken over his life, as you suggested. After all, your lunch only represents two hours out of his life. For all you know he went golfing afterwards or is sailing as I type this.

As for the other people on this board whom you claim share these feelings, not because we have a legitimate reason, but because we are bored and lonely, I realize I can not speak for any others out there but I have a very rewarding life outside of my commitment to holding Wynn accountable for an injustice he has inflicted on many people this past year.

I dine out, attend the theater, go shopping, take my pets to the dog park and enjoy many other activities daily. But I HAVE and DO commit a certain portion of my life to tomorrow's hearing because I have always been active in various causes. If I lived elsewhere my involvement would be in something relevant to THAT area where I reside.

I happen to respect power and big business because that's what this country is all about. But I also believe in the integrity and responsibility that comes with big business and Wynn has repeatedly fallen short in this area for several years now.

This cause will never affect me personally but my compassion for those it HAS affected is what has kept me involved.

You say that short of someone killing your family you could pretty much "move on". I find this comment disturbing.

What if someone didn't actually kill your family (And I do believe they're precious to you Brian You are fortunate to have such a beautiful wife and child) but perhaps yanked your house out from underneath you? Certainly material things don't matter as much as human life but they still matter.

Your baby still needs her crib at night and your wife still needs to shower before going to work.

I think people STILL don't realize the extent to which these employees have been affected due to one man's greed. I will be taking notes through out the hearing this week. If any of you would like me to post them I will. Though media will be present I doubt you'll get more than the usual sound bites.

6. Leonard was equally intrigued to meet me as well. He wondered what kind of person could be so opposite of him. What kind of person could be so enamored by Steve Wynn, that he would even go as far, as to name his child after him. Brian Fey was just as obsessed about Steve Wynn as Leonard Stern was, but only from an 180 degree perspective. While Leonard might eat, sleep hating Steve Wynn, Brian ate and slept loving Steve Wynn and Wynn Resorts.

*** If this is truly the case then EACH of you are crazy. Brian. I'm curious, does Wynn even comp you? I find it amazing that a devoted individual such as yourself is not handed out a freebie, from time to time.

Perhaps you might want to think about that. You've certainly earned it at this point and Wynn is certainly in a position to offer it. So why not? He did with every taxi driver in Vegas and yet he won't spring for you after all the times you've stood up for him?

I think this speaks volumes of what Steve Wynn considers a priority and I'm sorry, but you are not one of them.

7. I simply think he designs the best hotels in town, and once open, I truly believe he runs them the best in town also.

*** You are not the only one who has stated this view. But somehow the people who have always said this have never been employed by him. I think your mind would quickly change if you were to be offered employment and actually worked for Steve Wynn.

8. Though I respect Leonard, there were many places in which we didn�t agree. To start with, I ask him, if he felt like The Mirage was revolutionary? Mr. Stern quickly answered, NO. He restated absolutely not. This is where I think things get fuzzy for Leonard Stern. I think his deep hatred and anger towards Steve Wynn cloud his view. His hate towards this man both his current and past companies are so strong that he cannot judge things in a fair and honest matter. I don�t think there is a person on this site besides Leonard, that would look me in the eye, and tell me that Mirage was not a revolutionary product. This is not even a question. I have often wondered what the Las Vegas strip would look like today, if it were not for Steve Wynn. I think it would look VERY different, and not for the better either. The Mirage changed Las Vegas for ever, no question. So with that answer, I quickly realized that it was not going to be possible for Leonard to give much realistic insight or knowledge about Wynn Resorts. I just don�t think he can see the forest through the trees.

*** I have to bite my tongue on this one. Mirage is my favorite casino on the Strip. If Steve Wynn had not revolutionized Vegas, someone else would have. Steve is not the only billionaire in the world and there are certainly others who are just as "visionary". Yes. The history books at the moment record that Wynn is the one responsible for changing Vegas for the better. Just remember there are a couple of chapters to go and nobody knows the ending yet. It may be a surprise ending that begins this week.

As far as Leonard Stern's view of the Mirage goes, I remember emailing him almost a year ago. Despite what anyone thinks, I can count on my left hand how many times we have corresponded.

In the first place Brian, you and I are middle to upper middle class by society's standards. Mr. Stern is so far above each of us, both financially AND intellectually, that I would feel out of my element establishing more than a casual enquiry now and then.

I DO know that if he ever took the time to have lunch with me I would think highly enough of such a generous gesture that I wouldn't abuse it the way I believe you have on this forum.

Anyway, I pulled up a couple of the emails he sent me this past year after I had written him to ask his opinion of a couple of questions I had regarding architecture because honestly, this is not an area I'm familiar with.

Because these are not of a personal nature and because he implied that this was general knowledge to the public, I will copy what he said regarding two areas I was interested in. One was about the Mirage and the other was about Harrah's (whom I had worked for).

He wrote, "As far as architecture is concerned, my interpretation, view points come from decades of experience since, design wise, it was my father that actually changed the face of Las Vegas. When Bill Harrah first started out + until his death in 1978, my father was the ONLY architect he used. Same with Kerkorian, Del Webb, Howard Hughes, etc. As far the Mirage is concerned, it was designed by a former vice president of my father's firm (10+ years), Joel Bergman which was Steve's V.P. of Design + Construction at the time. Joel "copied" the very first tri-form property here, that being the International (Hilton) + back in 1967 he was one of the designers on that very project. How Mirage is "visionary" is beyond me when the International opened TWENTY years earlier as the largest resort hotel in the world."

So I guess I'm a bit confused now about why the Mirage "product" was considered visionary. Instead of the actual building are you talking about the entertainment? I guess a fake volcano might be considered visionary in Vegas, though Disney had created far greater concepts than a Volcano when Steve put in that attraction.

Siegfried and Roy had been around for years before as well. I'd be happy to read your views about why the Mirage was "visionary" if you would care to share. I'm not saying that sarcastically, either. I always like to understand both positions on any matter.

If you do not suffer the same cloudy perspective that Leonard does, then you must agree, Wynn has also made some very POOR choices over the years.

The Fremont Canopy and his push for Vegas to become a family destination were just two of several very poor decisions that had investors about ready to wring his neck. If you can't admit to this, then perhaps you and Stern have this same problem of "seeing the forest through the trees".

9. He mentioned on a number of occasions how �Visionary� Kirk Kirkorian was.

*** I can't get into a debate on whether Kirk or Steve are more visionary. But I stand firm in my belief that neither even BEGIN to touch the vision of Bugsy Siegel placing a top rate resort in the middle of a barren desert.

10. Another place I think Leonard gets confused, is his strong love architecture. He loves it so much, he can�t make good business decisions. Leonard is 1000% positive that City Center is the 8th wonder of the world. Now he is basing this off of the fantastic team of architects that have come together to design it. But he does not get, that there are so many other facets to running a great resort, than just great architecture. I was also quick to point out, that this �world class team� has never even designed a casino before, which Leonard did not dispute. Now I�m not looking for City Center to be a failure, but just because it is pleasing to the eye, on the exterior won�t necessarily make it the top place in town. For one thing, much of this is just a simple matter of taste. Leonard hates Wynn, on both the exterior and interior. And I think particularly the interior is the best hotel in town, with Bellagio a close second, Oh another Wynn property, imagine that!

*** This is the type of statement that can easily get you into trouble, Brian. I seriously doubt that Mr. Stern confided details of his business practices but for you to say that he can't make good business decisions borders on slander.

I'm not trying to be rude here, but this can be serious. You simply don't say something like that on the Internet unless you have proof to back it up.

If I recall, Mr. Stern became quite successful on his own in his TWENTIES, something you, me nor many of us can claim to have done.

I may not like Wynn but you won't hear me saying he's a murderer. Why? Because I don't have proof of that.You WILL hear me say that Wynn is a thief because I DO have proof of that. If I am speculating on my feelings I will preface by saying," In my opinion......" or "allegedly.....".

I have said some things on this board that many people commented were awfully bold for me to say unless I had the proof to back it up. Of course I did or I wouldn't say it. Do you have proof that Leonard Stern makes bad business decisions? If not Brian, then you probably need to retract that statement.

Look how infuriated Steve Wynn was over John L Smith's book and there was no slander in IT whatsoever. It was all backed by truth and witnesses as well. Can you imagine if slander had been involved? Mr. Smith would have been in SERIOUS trouble. That is why I think it's important for you to ask Hunter to edit those comments out of your post. You simply have no idea (nor do I) HOW Leonard Stern handles his business affairs and it's extremely reckless for you to say that "he can't make good business decisions" when that may be totally false.

11. Leonard has a love for contemporary design, I personally don�t care for it. This is another place he can�t put his own views aside. I have seen what MGM has done to Mirage, and TI, and I don�t like it. Now there are parts of them I like, I like some of the changes, but not most. If its not contemporary, than MGM can�t design it. I think that�s all they know. I am not sure, if they don�t think they can compete with Wynn, and since he never goes that direction, they do? Lastly on this subject, when I put up this argument, Mr. Stern assured me that nobody on the current MGM design team is doing this project, they have instead pulled in new world class people for this brand new project, and non of these people have worked on past MGM projects, so I should not compare what was, to what will be. I told him, I will enter that hotel in two years with an open mind. I want to love it as much as I do Wynn, but I have to see it, then I will pass judgment.

*** I obviously have my own feelings about what I like and they are different from both you AND Stern's.

I do not like what MGM has done to Mirage either, BUT at least JET has been there and has been successful for the entire period that Wynn has now changed his top nightclub 3 times now, or is it 4?

So I wouldn't be so sure to say that MGM's actions are based upon their fear that they can't compete with Wynn. It appears it's the other way around.

For whatever reason ( I'm not into this whole nightclub scene here), at least with this one example it seems that whatever MGM is doing is working and whatever Wynn is attempting to do is not. I'm not sure but didn't Wynn already close his nightclub in Macau as well?

12. When I walk through Bellagio, the place is packed. No matter what time of day, the place is wall to wall people. Wynn on the other hand almost always feels completely dead in comparison.

*** It is this type of statement that makes me crazy trying to understand what I see, what Stern sees, and what you OBVIOUSLY see but feel is irrelevant to the financial success of Wynn. I just don't get it.

So the rooms are full. So the restaurants are busy. That is NOT where casinos make their money.

I'm just bewildered and speechless at the rationale of investors when they are quite obvious of the very thing you just brought up. Bellagio's floors are booming with business. Wynn's are not.

Anyway, I'm getting tired so let's wrap this up.

13. After about 2+ hours of chatting, we ended our meeting. If was very friendly and I am sure we�ll meet again in the future.

***After this post, I wouldn't be so sure.

14. Leonard fully believes that Wynn Resorts will not be here in its current form in the next 5 years.

*** I agree completely. Except Mr Stern appears to have more faith than I do. I see it crumbling even sooner.

15. I told Leonard the numbers do not lie. He might hate Wynn, but the public does not.

*** The majority of the Las Vegas population does, Brian. And yes, the numbers do lie. And again I know this for a fact.

You should see some of the pay stubs sitting in a pile on my desk. These numbers are nothing BUT lies. And IN MY OPINION, the Q1 report was nothing but lies. And when he gets on the stand I feel quite certain that the numbers coming out of his mouth will be lies.

Fortunately this is US Federal judge and not one of the good 'ole boys Wynn usually appears before.

16. The room rates, and all other indicators keep rising. After Bellagio, Wynn is the top place in town.

*** I explained room rates and other indicators several weeks ago and don't want to repeat that whole mess.

As far as saying Bellagio and Wynn are the top places in Vegas, I suppose that's relative to why any person comes here. Many people would disagree that neither of these casinos are the top place, whatever that even means.

17. If the numbers start telling me a different story, then I won�t think twice about taking my substantial profit and selling this stock.

*** Well, I'm glad to know this Brian. Because I have always told you it is NOT my wish to see you lose money when you have a beautiful daughter to put through school one day.

I would feel terrible if you or ANYONE I know lost money because they believed in a person who was recklessly spending THEIR hard earned money any way he chose and IN SPITE of the advise of his attorneys, accountants and board of directors.

18. Mirage Resorts stock fell over 50%, everyone said Wynn had over spent, Bellagio would break that company, and never make any money. Man, were they ever wrong. Its currently the highest grossing hotel. But those impatient bastards just couldn�t give Steve a chance, they wanted results over night.

*** Brian, what time frame are you talking about when you refer to this? Of course Bellagio is making money. Wynn no longer runs it. Wynn DOES overspend. And he uses your money to do it. If that's okay with you, well, good luck to you.

As I said at the beginning, I hope my views were not offensive to you but rather have been taken simply as a different set of opinions.

I'm glad you had a pleasant trip.

Molly

July 29, 2007 11:10 PM Posted by Devon

Brian, fantastic shots of Encore, and great piece about your lunch.

I've got to ask about the pools at Encore...
With the fairway villas, and garage really blocking most of the golf course frontage, won't they be fairly close to the pool setup? I'd really hate to have the exclusive feeling of Encore's pools be ruined by a poor design...

July 30, 2007 6:41 AM Posted by detroit1051

Sky's The Limit:
"The condominium's buyer is an "international jet-setter who owns property all around the world," including in San Francisco and Hawaii and on the East Coast, Ezra said.
"For a lot of wealthier buyers who own in key cities such as London and New York, Las Vegas is now on the map," Ezra said. "Until they own something in Las Vegas, specifically on and around the Las Vegas Strip, they haven't really kept up with the Joneses, so to speak."
http://www.lvrj.com/business/8804437.html

July 30, 2007 6:47 AM Posted by detroit1051

For all Wynn and Ferrari nuts:
"They seemed disposable, as if they were Steve Wynn�s version of a gumball machine."
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/26/ferraris-in-the-desert/