(The below was written as a post on the AdvantagePlayer.com site, which I have reposted
here - giving myself my permission to do so, of course - for those who don't visit that
site.)
Well, Red Rock opened tonight and we took advantage of some VIP passes to go enjoy the
pre-opening opening. Immediately upon arrival (before we even shut the car doors), we
ran into HP owner Anthony Curtis and his gal pal. Within three minutes, we also saw
several local casino execs we knew and also "Play to Win" author Ken Einiger and his wife,
who we know through the tournaments Viktor has played in.
I can't give a game report because all tables and slot machines were closed down until the
official opening at midnight. We could actually check the VP machines, but all machines
had large stickers preventing you from putting money in. Other than a few banks of
Optimum Plays, everything was pretty short pay. There were a lot of progressive machines,
though (including a 10-play with a progressive for every line!), so there could be some
good opportunities for people willing to monitor them. At any rate, the VIP opening was
certainly a lot of fun, with free food in all of the restaurants, including the food court (free
Starbucks and Ben & Jerry's!), and open bars everywhere you looked.
We didn't go into any of the restaurants because they were all packed, so we ate at the
buffet, which was excellent. An upscale buffet like Cravings at the Mirage, but less
ostentatious. It had a sushi bar, for example, and no ice cream - only gelato. We checked
out all of the bars, including the latest from nightclub guru Rande Gerber, cherry. It, like
the rest of the casino, was absolutely gorgeous of course, and I loved that it opened up
onto the pool area, with plenty of plush seating and cabanas. The high-limit pit also open
up onto the pool area, but not quite so directly.
The casino layout will be familiar to GVR patrons, with an enclosed circular center bar
(stunning!) surrounded by a ring of table games and machines taking up the rest of the
floor space. It had several hallways extending from the center area, some with restaurants;
one that led to the theater, food court, and kids' areas; and one that led to the gorgeous
poker room (tables inlaid with onyx) and massive sports book.
Overall, I thought it was the most beautiful casino I've ever seen, but I can see where some
people would think I was crazy. They brought in a lot of natural elements, with onyx,
wood, and natural stone and minerals everywhere. It was decorated with modern-looking
retro (or is it retro-looking modern?) lamps, seating, and lines, which I love. My favorite
thing was the absolutely stunning crystal chandeliers throughout the whole place. Be sure
to check out the one that falls from the 2nd story to the first over a bar area, and also all
of the crystals in the center bar. It was astounding.
Oh, and as a lovely surprise, Sting performed a concert poolside prior to the fireworks. The
soud system out there is fantastic, and his voice was crystal clear even as far back as we
were. We didn't stay for the whole thing, but they were showing it on the screens inside
the casino, too, though without the sound. A few local celebrities were nearby outside,
including the local gossip columnist Norm and NV Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt.
As we left (shortly before the fireworks), we passed major crowds lining Charleston Blvd
waiting to watch the display. Turning onto 215, you could see that Charleston Blvd to the
west (a major 3-lane road on either side of the median) had cars PARKED on the side of
the road going both ways, and one guy was actually double-parked!!! Those crowds are
exactly why we left early, humbugs that we are.
I'm looking forward to hearing game reports as people go check it out. It's too far away
bars. Anyway, that's my preliminary report on Red Rock.
Best,
Bettie
···
from my house to visit it regularly, though, which is too bad because I'm bored with GVR's