Human Nature moving to Venetian

Just as it looked like Human Nature might be leaving Las Vegas, they signed a new deal to remain on the Strip.

VegasChatter is reporting that Human Nature will be starting a two year residency at the Venetian in January 2013.

The Australian Motown singing group had just performed their last show at The Quad this past weekend. They will hit the road for shows in Florida and Australia before beginning their new gig at the Venetian.

Human Nature consistently gets good reviews, so it's not much of a surprise they were able to move up to a more prestigious hotel.

Bill's Closing for Remodel on February 4, 2013

Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon will be closing on February 4, 2013 to undergo an extensive renovation and transformation into a luxury boutique hotel.

A Caesars Entertainment press release described the $185 million dollar project:

"The complete remodeling of the guest rooms, casino floor and common areas, the addition of a new second floor restaurant, and the construction of the 65,000 square foot rooftop pool and dayclub/nightclub."

Ever since Caesars acquired the former Barbary Coast in 2007, they've had plans to do something with it. At first they were thinking about demolishing it along with Flamingo and Imperial Palace to make room for their version of CityCenter. When the economy tanked they scrapped that idea and settled for modest renovation projects.

I'm always in favor of property improvements, but it's going to be sad to see Bill's go. It was always a fun place to stop in for cheap drinks and low table minimums, just like O'Sheas. Those two closing leave Casino Royale as the premier low rolling joint on the Strip.


Photo: Larry D. Moore

The Quad

Imperial Palace is now officially named The Quad.

If you go to the Imperial Palace website you will be redirected to TheQuadLV.com. The Quad is also now used in all of the Total Rewards and Caesars Entertainment marketing materials. The Quad even has it's own Facebook and Twitter pages.

With the new name also comes new entertainment. Singing group Human Nature recently performed their last show at the property. They will reportedly be replaced by Recycled Percussion. No surprise the Imperial Palace theater will be renamed Showroom at the Quad.

Wynn Funhouse Show and Billy Joel Rumors

With Garth Brooks recently ending his run at Encore, Steve Wynn has revealed plans for a new show to take his place at Encore Theater. Wynn told Robin Leach about the new "Funhouse" show, which he claims will be different from anything else on the Strip. The way Wynn described the show makes me think it will be somewhat similar to Le Reve, but Wynn claims it will be different from that and similar Cirque du Soleil type shows.

Casting and rehearsals for "Funhouse" are beginning immediately, with the show likely to make a late 2013 debut.

That time-frame leaves Encore Theater rather empty for the next year or so, which might give the following rumor some legs. Robin Leach is also reporting that Billy Joel might be taking over Encore Theater for New Years Eve, and could possibly stick around for a longer residency similar to what Garth Brooks did. This seems to be a good fit for the Wynn clientele, and would give Joel a nice one year run before "Funhouse" starts.

Slotzilla Zipline on Fremont Street

The zipline on Fremont Street is getting upgraded. What had been a temporary platform will be transformed into a huge faux slot machine called Slotzilla where thrill-seekers will begin their descent.

The new permanent attraction will increase the zipline height to approximately 100 feet and the length to 1700 feet. The slot machine structure will have two levels of four ziplines each, and will also feature safety doors and the ability to "launch" riders.

The new zipline is scheduled to open during the first half of 2013.

This video from coastercrew has a good explanation of the attraction from a project consultant, along with a model of Slotzilla:

Ice Skating at Venetian and Cosmopolitan

Visitors will be able to ice skate on the Las Vegas Strip this holiday season, as The Venetian and Cosmopolitan have both constructed temporary rinks.

The synthetic Venetian rink is already open right in front of the hotel. Skating will continue until January 6th from 11 to 11 each day. Prices range from 9.95 to 14.95 and include free skate rental.

The Cosmopolitan Boulevard Pool will be transformed into a skating rink from November 30th to January 20th. Normal hours will be 3 pm to 11 pm with extended hours on Holidays. Prices range from $10-15 plus an additional $5 for skate rental. The Cosmopolitan will also offer themed skating nights on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays.

Ice skating seems like a good way to bring some holiday cheer to these hotels. The rinks are also being used to draw locals into the properties. I wouldn't be surprised to see more hotels add ice skating in the future if these two rinks are popular.

Please contact each hotel for more detailed pricing and hours information.