Now that we have moved from the “implode and build new” era in Las Vegas, we are firmly entrenched in the “remodel and make what is old, new” era. I’m not talking about the MGM Grand type update with new rooms and casino carpet. I’m talking the complete overhauls. Tropicana got a complete face-lift, Imperial Palace is being completely gutted and rebranded, and SBE will supposedly (alright, probably unlikely) do the same to Sahara, as they are claiming to open SLS in 2014.
While there are several properties on the Las Vegas Strip that could use this type of overhaul, which place should be next? Sure Circus Circus, Riviera, and Bally’s could all use an injection of new life. Excalibur would probably need something even beyond a Tropicana-type renovation to spruce it up. But if it were up to me, I would like to see something happen to Bill’s.
I’m not talking the Drais concept that was leaked a few years ago. When you walk through Bill’s you can realize how the property isn’t that far away from being something fun and unique. Its small footprint creates the feeling of a really active and lively casino, and the decor, if maintained would actually be pretty nice. The carpet is completely worn and it’s clear that Caesars Entertainment hasn’t been putting much if any effort into property maintenance.
Bill’s wouldn’t need a full overhaul like Tropicana, but it also would need more than the MGM Grand renovations. A new paint job, a cleansing and modernizing of the interior, maybe a rebranding, and other basic upgrades would freshen up the place. The size and location would do the rest. Since it sits on the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd (and right up against the sidewalk), Bill’s gets some of the best foot traffic in Vegas and could easily parlay that into keeping the floor buzzing with activity.
I don’t know if Bill’s is in Caesars Entertainment’s long term plans. My hunch is that it’s not. That corner is just too valuable. But if they saw the value in keeping the smaller property open, I would love for them to stop ignoring it and inject some TLC into the property. What was once one of my go-to casinos in Las Vegas is now nothing more than afterthought to me. I’d love to be able to enjoy it again.
I predict Bill’s will be brought into the Total Rewards fold in the near future. And a remodel (after the Linq project is completed) would be welcome as a part of that. I believe Bill’s was originally going to be torn down after it was purchased by Caesars, but now with the Linq, it appears Caesars doesn’t need to implode the old girl. If you go to Bill’s website, it seems they’ve taken the first step toward integration by extending diamond status to TR diamond status members. Plus comp dollars can be spent across all properties. That was the first I’d hear/read about that. Awesome location!