Monday, June 22, 2015

Flamingo Hotel & Casino Spring 2014


The Flamingo. The property that changed everything. The 3rd hotel/casino built on highway 91 introduced luxury to it.  It created one of the cities most famous, all be it the most inaccurate, story of a mobsters involvement in a casino and made Bugsy Segal the cities unofficial father of the strip.  

The Flamingo has grown and expanded to the point that its original exterior design is unrecognizable in its current incarnation. It's said that virtually nothing remains from the original construction however stories of found hidden underground tunnels and bullet proof rooms live on in order to keep the legend of Bugsy alive.  While it is true that the Flamingo has fallen all the way to the low end of the market, it has outlived many properties that came after it including icons like the Sands, the Dunes & the Desert Inn. 

Standing as proof that location, along with a well run property that adapts to its environment and evolves to cater to it, is truly how you survive in the implosion era. 

When you consider the table limits, the low room rates and having one of the best pools in Vegas, the Flamingo is the best option in the market for the thrifty visitor. 

Vegas Mate Rating – 3/5 chips

Mark, Keren & Alastair – 3/5 chips

Monday, June 8, 2015

BLT Burger @Mirage Spring 2013


In 2008, 4 years after Roy Horn was attacked by a tiger and their show ended, the Mirage decided that it made little sense to have a tiger habitat taking up prime real estate in their property.  Enter ESquared hospitality and their BLT brand of restaurants.

Vegas is a city constantly evolving and experimenting.  When trends prove to be successful, they tend to become waves that wash over the strip, changing the landscape.  Right now, we are coming towards the end of the pizza place wave and are currently in the midst of the retail revolution.  BLT burger started the gourmet burger places evolution into a requirement at a quality Vegas property.

BLT’s modern space, unique burger offerings, large beer on tap & spiked milkshake selection are all part of the template each property uses when building their burger place.  Into their 6th year on the strip, BLT Burger is still considered one of the best in Vegas.

Vegas Mate Rating - 3/5 chips

Mark, Keren & Alastair Rate - 3/5 chips