The Stardust Hotel & Casino long ago bit the dust, and I do mean that literally as well as figuratively — it was imploded on March 13, 2007.  The implosion was accompanied by a big extravaganza, complete with fireworks, prior to the building crumbling down. The casino-hotel complex was nearly completely rebuilt in 1991, meaning that it was a fairly new building at the time of its demise.
The Stardust opened in 1958, and had a rather checkered existence.  There were numerous rumors that it was a front for mob activities, and several managers and associates has criminal histories that …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday is from Paris.  Not the one in France, but the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Paris is located on the Las Vegas Strip, and, as it’s name suggests is patterned after the famous French city after which it takes its name.  It include a 540 foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, making it easily identifiable in the Vegas skyline.  The property also includes a two-thirds sized Arc de Triomphe, a replica of La Fontaine des Mers, and a neon sign shaped like the Montgolfier balloon.  The front of the hotel is designed to look …read more

Today’s Matchbook comes from the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.  I seem to have a lot of matches from Las Vegas as it remains one of the cities where smoking in public areas is still allowed.  I’ve always liked the golden glow that seems to surround this hotel.  It’s caused by using golf leaf on the windows.
Mandalay Bay was built on the site of the former Hacienda (hands up if you remember that hotel and casino), opening in 1999.  The hotel has 39 floors, the top five of which are used by the Four Seasons Hotel …read more

The Muckleshoot Tribe, part of the Coast Salish culture, owns and operates the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, Washington.  Like many Native American casinos, the gaming and related industries provide jobs for many tribal members.
This casino operates the expected games, some new twists on old favorites, and has a separate smoke free facility.  It is located at 2402 Auburn Way South, in Auburn, Washington.
Several restaurants are on property, and one of my favorite menu items is the pho offered at the Pho Noodle Bar.  It may be because the high Asian patrons have been demanding good noodle soup, but there …read more

I first visited the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino when it was in a soft opening in 1999.  It’s an all-suite, Venice-themed hotel and casino, and like most things in Vegas, it is over-the-top.
A few current features of the Venetian include the art exhibit Modern Masters from the Guggenheim Collection, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, gondola ride, the Grand Canal Shoppes, and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club. 
There are 17 restaurants, from high end to a food court, and even an upscale grocery store.  Things have come a long way since that soft opening.
Entertainment and relaxation options include a production of The …read more

Is it a nightclub?  Or is it a pool?  If you’re visiting the MGM Grand Las Vegas you’ll find both with its new Wet Republic!
Wet Republic is an adult-only 53,000 square foot water playground featuring lots of room and opportunity to swim, lounge and play.  It’s a way of taking that hip Las Vegas night time vibe, and moving it to the sun.  DJ’s spinning music, pampering staff, decadent food like frozen grapes served poolside, private cabanas for rent (with, among other upscale amenities, plasma screen televisions, wi-fi access, custom stocked mini-refrigerators), comfortable lounge chairs, and lots of other …read more

A Matchbook Monday from a little closer to my home, this week, with the Emerald Queen Casino.
The Emerald Queen is operated by the Puyallup Indian Tribe, and is one of the largest in the state.  When the Emerald Queen originally opened in 1997 it was on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat (called the Emerald Queen) berthed in the Port of Tacoma.  The Emerald Queen developed its reputation of a total entertainment venue, offering a restaurant, buffet, nightclub, and location for headline entertainment and boxing matches. 
Although the casino and its related operations were relocated as part of the Port of …read more