Yay!

Looks like I'm making it to the opening of CityCenter. I'll be sharing what I can with you guys through here. I'm going to check out the Mandarin Oriental and Crystals on my visit in mid-December. Then I'll ramp it up with a two day stay at Vdara, followed by the grand opening and first night to the public stay at Aria.

I'll share all the deets as I get 'em. Exciting times!

Review: The M Resort

So being a way too frequent Vegas visitor, and having had a short stop there in August after a horridly hot trip to Hoover Dam, I decided to heed the call and actually plan a stay at the M Resort, a new billion dollar development on the south end of the Vegas Valley.

Developed by the Marnell family, who work extensively in Vegas and built the Rio, pre-Harrah's ownership, the resort exemplifies modern, with an Italian flair. Materials in the casino are rich deep woods and glass, with backlighting and rich colors. Based on this alone I was anxious to stay here. Reviews and word of mouth sold me on the deal.

The Casino

Upon entering the resort, the first thing you encounter from most entries is the casino. Choosing to avoid the port cochere, I quickly grabbed close surface parking and entered from the west side of the casino. Every attention has been paid to making the casino intimate yet not confined. The materials and rich colors, afore mentioned, make everything look high value (think Club Privé.) Limits however let you know this place is for locals, with an abundance of 5 and 10 dollar tables around the joint. The casino is centralized around a media bar, although think squares not circles when you think of around.

Ringed around the casino are the more intermediate restaurants, including Red Cup Cafe, Vig's Deli (24-hour) and other outlets like Baby Cakes and the Drugstore. Along the axis of the tower is the main hall, a grand space containing the high end eateries, access to the pool and spa, registration, and access to the elevators to Velocé, the top floor eatery. On axis with the pool is the main registration lobby, with travertine walls with flowing water creating a serene and very relaxing place to get away from the games and go straight to the hotel.

Take no more than 25 steps to the hotel elevators and you know you're in for a treat. Four elevators service the entire place, letting you know this is an intimate affair.

Room 15121

The elevator sets the tone for a relaxing stay, a large mirror lit around the edges at the rear, low deep yellow lighting and quiet as you ride to your floor. Exit your floor into a windowed lobby with newspapers and a modern take on a floor lamp, showing you the view of the desert to the south of the building. Head down the hall and you'll meet wood versus wallpapered sections, with paintings where there are no doors. Suites are on the end of each hall, each room has it's own DND sign, reminiscent of the models from the Bellagio suite levels. My only complaint here is the choice of LED lighting for the paintings. The harsh blue-white light distracts from the dark wood and rich tone that is around it and typical of the hotel.

Enter the room and you'll notice nothing works. There is a slot next to the door for a keycard. Insert and voila, power! The owners added this to save energy when not needed. It is a bit of a loss for those who need to charge up things when not in the room, but this can be bypassed if needed and or not for the environment by dropping a second room key in the slot.

The layout is typical, bathroom adjacent to entry hall leading down to the main room. The room is dark, but not cavernlike. A pleasant dark wood tone punctuated by earth colors and warm tones that makes the whole thing modern, without being cold.

The entry hallway has one large mirror with a stainless rim, a modern piece that fits in perfectly with the rest of the decor. While I'm at it let me say EVERYTHING is well built and sturdy. The furniture, knockoffs of famous pieces from the Bauhaus and designers like Mies, is wonderfully comfortable and functional. The layout and design reads needs, not fluff like the Palazzo or Venetian. Head into the entry and you'll find...

The main room, in this case a Resort Room with a strip view (although so far off it's like looking from Seattle to Mt. Rainier) with two queen beds. The beds are pillowtop affairs with comfy down duvets and pillows. One of my pillows was missing a pillowcase, although I just yanked another off the second bed, no harm no foul. The headboard is a built in affair encompassing the whole wall and part of the ceiling with padding, mirrors, and two VERY bright reading lights. Also handy is a built in nightstand with a Bose Wave radio, a nice touch although it needs an aux in jack for your iPhone/iPod, or MP3 player of choice. My only complaint here is that nothing is in reach to kill all the lights in the room, the nearest switch being on the wall shared with the bath. As a window-side sleeper this made me a bit annoyed, but the extra exercise reminded me of how comfy the bed was. Sleeping was sound, although not as comfy as a Wynn dreamer but close.

Across from the bed is an all in one unit, featuring two cabinets and drawers for clothes, a built in desk with drawers, and a large LCD tv. This is similar to the units in the upgraded Mirage and TI rooms, only with no connector ports, although several plugs and the all in one phone system are handy. Internet is wireless and included in the resort fee, a nice touch in the day and age of a la carté services. The phone is very handy for navigating the resort services, with a large LCD screen and menu to get you to where you want and connect you with who you want. There is ample light from an overhead lamp, similar to the beds, again my complaint being that is too bright for any computer with a glossy screen. Otherwise kudos on a great setup.

Open one of the cabinets and you'll find the typical hangers and other assorted goodies for keeping yourself organized on a long trip. The light in the unit is on all the time though, which is kind of the opposite of what it seems they are going for, but as it's LED I'll let it slide. Open the other side of the unit and surprise!!!

In lies the minibar. Weight sensitive, you'll find a selection of typical nosh and drink, although in a prettier container setup with lighting. This seems well though out and it works. My only complaint again is placement, with the refrige being on top of the unit, hard to reach for shorter folks. Good assortment of booze and drink and moderate prices. Not bad for a hotel ripoff machine.

Adjacent to the windows is a small sitting area, with two modern chairs and a table. Comfy but I never used it other than to test out the chairs. The room is so smushed there is really very little use for this other than decoration, so I guess it's nice for that. Behind is floor to ceiling glass offering great views on the strip and Vegas valley. Gorgeous at night. There are combination curtains and drop shades, all controlled electronically from a box by the window. My complaint again is no bed control, but I need exercise so I'll drop that complaint again. Daylight doesn't stand a chance of getting in, these things are great.

Turn around and you'll get a nice surprise, a view straight into the bathroom. The idea here is to open the space by allowing views out and into the city from the bath when you're soaking, neat but a bit exhibitionist no? Well no actually. But we'll get to that in the bathroom.

The Bathroom

Off the front door you'll head into the bathroom. This one is a knockout, with texture, material and color that matches everything else, but in a more calm nature. Think mini-spa. The main space has an open closet space, handy but a bit unsightly as you can see it from the room (the window previously mentioned) as well as a dual sink vanity, with large mirror, built in lighting and television similar to the Mirage and GO rooms at flamingo. There's also a stool and mirror a la Wynn|Encore for more long term primping. Bath goodies are sparse but good, with your typical cotton assortment, soaps, shampoos and conditioners in the shower, and handy bath salts with the tub.

Adjacent to both sides of the vanity are two smoked glass/striped doors. On the left is the shower, a large stone deal with ample pressure, built in stone ledge for bath goodies, and seat against the wall, a plus for those of us who don't like pressing our backs on cold glass for showing off.

On the right is a doppelganger door, but behind this one is the WC. A comfy chair, with, amazingly, no phone. That's right, no chatting on the crapper. I'm amazed but actually happy here. I think those things are gross, and unnecessary. A call can wait til the call is answered right?

The star of the show is the tub, located near a large window looking into the room. It's deep for soaking and comfy even for my large self. Now, don't worry those of you who want to hide, there is actually an automated drape, like those for the main windows, for the window by the tub, it's nice if you want some privacy, or just to close off the world and light for a dark soak. I spent two hours in here, it's that good. Or maybe I'm just a lazy ass. A lot of thought has gone into making this place compete with what you'll find on the strip's higher end joints, and it's evident from the casino down to the aforementioned tub.

Summary

If you're a true diehard Vegas warrior or even just a part time or one time visitor, give the M a chance. If you can live without the strip and the hustle and bustle, you'll be treated to a world class resort that's intimate yet with many opportunities to explore and find something new and cool to do. The Marnell's have made a place for locals to gather, and those who visit to be pampered quietly. It's really a treat and I have to say for the cost, starting in the 80s mid week, you can't go wrong at the M.

✪✪✪✪

The M Resort

12300 Las Vegas Blvd S

Henderson, NV 89044

702 797 1000

themresort.com

A fresh start...

Hey everyone. Good to see you. No I'm not dead, just hanging on for dear life.

As most of you know, this has been a highly traumatic year for me. Starting with the loss of my Mom in May, there has been a series of increasingly crazy shit going on. Things are slowing down now, and I'm coming to terms with a lot of what's happened (thanks to all of you and my family.)

So I'm going to reboot what DesignCurves was and will be in the future. I'm going to add a lot more of things I enjoy to the mix of architecture, travel and design commentary that I've been featuring here in the past. Everything from television to planning to books and CDs. More fun, less blah.

So I hope to see you all soon, and again thanks for your support and hopefully reading of this.

Happy fall!

EW

Will Aria Succeed or Fail?

From designcurves

In a time of economic hardship there are always those who are trying to prove bright in the bleak.  The daring and daunting project called CityCenter masterminded by MGM/Mirage through the assistance of DubaiWorld adjacent to Bellagio in Las Vegas, one of the single largest privately funded construction projects in the world, claims to be one of these.  But little margin for error in my opinion was left when Aria's website went live today offering those with the cash the chance to book one of the first night stays in the resort.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm glad for this new expansion in such a dead economy, especially being an architect and these being, aside from the Vegas standpoint, architecturally significant buildings.  But as of now, there is no room on the date calendar that starts under $229.  There are also it should be noted, upwards of 10 different room types.  $229 is the bare bones room, what you get rack rate.  

Comparatively sister resort Bellagio is offering rooms as low as $129, as is Wynn, with Encore going as low as $169.  I don't know really what Aria is trying for here.  They are the new kids on the block, and with that comes a higher echelon of recognition for a period (think THEhotel upon opening) that will either survive as the resort gains the same recognition as Wynn/Encore and Bellagio or fall by the wayside.  But do I think it's smart to charge us astronomically high midweek rates during a financial crisis the likes of which we haven't seen in a long time?

I hope for the sake of sake that Aria succeeds, but in my opinion it seems that the starting gun has shot Aria in the foot.  Lower the rates, bring in the masses, show off the project and it's sister resorts (all of which will be MUCH more expensive I'm sure than the anchor resort) and get Aria off to a brisk start.  We don't want to see such a stunning development limp to the finish way before her prime.

(For the record, MGM's stock has gone from a high of 67.94 this year to a close near it's low of 4.27 today.)

Oh f*ck: Bluegrass Edition

From designcurves

Note to the hardworking dedicated news media at the Lexington Herald-Leader:

If you have a project in your city that is already a source of controversy amongst the public, the best way to show them this is not through a photoshop montage prepared by someone blind, inexperienced, or otherwise impaired.

That is all.

Aria's website goes live.

Confirming earlier rumors, Aria's website went live this morning giving scant details on the new hotel, but allowing for a whole hootnanny of selection of room types from $299 and up for reservations beginning December 17, all but confirming the hotel's opening date of the 16th or 17th at the latest.

If you wanna jump in on these new digs, check out Aria's website or call MGM resort reservations directly.

Poll of no end.

From designcurves

So we go nowhere, no decision, just like Lexington.  Personally I know which way I'd vote to tip the scale, but that's just me.

Thanks again everyone for voting.

It's that time of the month...err year...again.

Even mother nature is plotting against us singles.  Happy Commercialized Love Fest Day!

From designcurves

(vomits a little)

For the record.

Before I end up getting any hustle and bustle crap about what I'm writing here, two things I want to note:

This blog is a hobby.  Its not me saying I'm trying to start a career or make any money or anything of that nature.  I see a lot of things, and I like to talk about them, and this site is more or less a way of me being able to do that, share some ideas, and maybe make people laugh as well as not drive myself insane.  Take it with a grain of salt, but if you enjoy it feel free to let me know.

Oh yeah and if you don't like it, number two is shrug it off.  Seriously, its a hobby.  It could be worse.  I could have chosen much worse.

Remember, just say no kids.  

Poll: Urban Commando

There's a new poll round here folks.  Read up on CentrePointe in Lexington and let me know whether you think it should go forward or remain on the boards permanently.  

Voting is open for the week, enjoy!

Oh f*ck. : Retro Edition

From oh f*ck

Just a friendly reminder, when planning a large scale signage installation that will stop work over the weekend, innuendos in a city like Las Vegas shouldn't be announced by your choice of stopping before the next letter...

On the other hand, contents are as marked...

Not in Harmon-y.

From designcurves

Due to a miscommunication error/design flaw/serious "holy sh*t we f*cked up" issue, the Light Group managed Harmon Hotel and Residences at CityCenter has been reduced to the smaller than planned Harmon Hotel.  

Seemingly the issues is with rebar installation, with Perini's crews having improperly installed reinforcing in concrete on 15 of the existing floors.  Therefore the whole project will have to be halved (heh) in order to ensure the soundness of the structure during seismic and wind loading.

This is unfortunate as what I thought was one of the more understated and appealing buildings at the monstrous site, designed by Foster and Partners, will now look small and out of place as a boutique non-gaming hotel amongst the uber-resorts surrounding it.  Look for clientele to go in a different direction, and rooms to be either cut rate or outrageously expensive (go Light go!)

In addition all other buildings in the complex will now require full inspections to ensure construction is up to code.  Communication kids, communication....

Lexi-FAIL

From designcurves

Stewing in my brain for the last several months has been what I feel is single handedly the most dastardly, unabashed, and destructive act of suburbanism I have ever seen.  I haven't spoken about it mostly because is pisses me off.  As an architect, furthermore one who loves urban planning and the roles cities play in the real American life, the complete absurdity of one particular project in my old college town has sent me off the rails.  This hell is CenterPointe, another project in what I'm sure will continue to be the illustrious portfolio of the Webb companies.

Don't get me wrong here folks, I'm all for improving the city of Lexington.  For years it seemed that the city had strived on improving street life, bringing new businesses to the historic buildings that remained, sprucing up the streets, adding lighting, greenery and making the downtown inviting for the arts scene, the pedestrian crowd, and everyone in general.  It seemed at last like Lexington had learned from the mistakes of the Pedway system, the Courthouses, and the destruction of the historic Walgreens building.  After all, people like Jim Gray had saved and maintained pieces of history around, like the conversion of his offices from a historic department store.  But like an angry animal cycling into another rabid period, back come the Webb brothers to damn this city with another "landmark" project.

What is wrong with CentrePointe?  Lets break it down by what it contains, starting from the bottom of this wedding cake from the bakery of bland.  Surrounding the ground floor is retail, all the same, all four sides.  Repetitive and boring store facades like this one are hard to fill in Los Angeles and Chicago, yet alone a town as suburban as Lexington, yet alone during a recession.  Strike one.  Above this are several floors of what I can only assume are office suites, similar to an office park out in the 'burbs, but downtown, over presumably half filled stores.  Strike two.  Above that rises a slot shaped hotel block, rumored to be a JW Marriott, and listed as a four-star hotel with complete conference facilities.  Pair that with the already existing and well established Hyatt Regency at Lexington Center, a favorite for conventions and sporting events (Go Cats anyone?) which has just undergone a VERY nice and extensive remodel, and the soon to be rebranded as Hilton former Radisson complete with smaller conference facilities and you'll learn redundancy is always a failing formula.  Both hotels already struggle to fill rooms, and again, can you say recession?  Strike three.   Add to that the tower rising to a pinnacle from the center of it all housing more above market rate luxury condos in a city that has seen so many built that are still on the market that many are left unfinished and clearly this project is going above and beyond the limits of crazy.  The whole thing looks like a middle finger flipping us off from the hand of generic city planning.  Did I mention you can pull a car into the middle of the whole thing as well?  

And while we're reviewing this, lets run down the roster of gems that Webb has shilled out.  They blessed us with the Lexington Financial Center, turning a concept into the most boring odd and ugly building that could possibly identify Lexington.  You all know this as the big blue garbage can, or the big blue c*ck, depending on mood.  Occupancy is always open in this oddity of a building, with an octagonal floor plan and horrid public spaces.  If that's not good enough for you, look out to the Lexington Green.  Could any other mall be called such a failure.  This complex is so odd it has no idea what it wants to be, and has finally found some semblance of use in being turned into a large independent bookseller.  Think of it as CentrePointe in pieces.  Anyone been to that Hilton?  Was I the only guest on New Years?  And anyone notice those office towers back there?  Zzzzzzz.  Shall I go on?

If anything I hope the government learns that this cycle will go on until we listen to the city and those in design who KNOW what is best for a town the size of Lexington.  The gaping hole in the middle of the city lost when thriving businesses and historic architecture were decimated for yet another middle of the road unproven and unnecessary monstrosity of layered crap could in my mind be filled better by the ideas of architecture students.  One doesn't really need to think that hard to realize this building will struggle at best after a short lived burst of "new building smell."

Oh yeah, and its Center Point.  An extra e cannot buy you class.

(Photo courtesy of Urban Up)

Fire destroys OMA designed hotel complex in Beijing

A fire sparked by company sponsored fireworks has destroyed a renowned highrise in Beijing.  The fire, started by shells from a pyrotechnical display hitting the roof of the nearly completed north tower of the Rem Koolhaas designed CCTV complex in Beijing, completely gutted what was to soon open as a luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel adjacent to the massive signature CCTV headquarters.

The building is considered, and by imagery most likely, a complete loss.  It is highly unfortunate considering I considered it to be a very imaginative and more intensely pragmatic and experimental design compared to the engineering marvel that is it's big brother next door.  I'm sorry there is no image but due to copyright issues I didn't want to link to a web page directly but will link to a Flickr set of the burned out hulk of the tower.  Google will quickly provide a before image for those of you unfamiliar.

Sad to see a potential icon taken out before it was even properly introduced.  I hope that some reiteration will be rebuilt in its place to accompany the functions that were lost in its destruction.

Flickr link here.

We have a Wynner.

From designcurves

My first poll is over and the results are in.  Seems that more prefer the flower theme of the Wynn as the most peaceful, with Encore's butterflies coming in second.  The margin was 60% to 40%. 

I think we should note that neither resort is really a loser.  With a Wynn Dream Bed you can never really be too high strung. 

Thanks to everyone who voted!

Rumored: Aria Resort to open in December!

Although i've heard in the past from MGM employees that CityCenter was looking to open partially by the end of this year, I'm now reading on several blog sites that the Cesar Pelli designed monolithic Aria Resort, the hub of the CityCenter project, will open to the public on December 16th, 2009 at a time to be determined.  Reservations are not yet being accepted, but will at some point in the future, although the opening night for rooms at the resort may not be the 16th but a day later.

I think a successful opening on time will be a bright spot for the downturned Vegas economy and for the poorly performing MGM Mirage corporation.  Here's hoping this LEED-designed state of the art resort helps to kick performance jitters in the pants.

View Larger Map

Revisit: Wynn Las Vegas

From Wynn Las Vegas

The current poll battle of flower v butterflies got me thinking about my past stays in Vegas and in particular the first time I dipped my toes in the luxury of a Wynn Dream Bed.  In visiting Encore, I thought it might be nice to revisit my first experience at Wynn Las Vegas, the revolutionary hotel opened by arguably the most influential hotelier and magnate in recent history for Vegas, Steve Wynn.  

From Wynn Las Vegas

After staying at Encore, I was reminded of my first stay here.  I was in Vegas on a lazy vacation, and had decided to hotel hop for a night at Wynn because the midweek rates made the new hotel at that point extremely affordable for what it was.  Service was impeccable from the Lake of Dreams view at the Resort Registration desk to the turndown service in my room.  Wynn offers nothing less (with exceptions, see my review per Encore's registration area) and all rooms at Wynn, even the simple Resort Room I booked, are blockbusters by Vegas standards.

The rooms, similar in size to Encore, are top notch, and feel like your home bedroom only 1000x greater.  Details are thought out to be simple, yet refined and home-ish yet elegant.  Quality reeks from even the closet doors.  The use of a swivel LCD featuring HD mood channels (a first for Vegas) is as much innovative as Wynn would expect from his designers.  The rooms feature all the same accessories as Encore with the exception of bedside lighting control, and are equally as well appointed in their more scaled and subdued manner.

From Wynn Las Vegas

The bathroom won't disappoint hydrophiles either.  Dual sinks with an offset vanity, a built in LCD TV, separate soaking tub and shower, and water closet make them inch for inch as nice as Encore's but with their own vibe.  I consider the color scheme to be a mix of southwest and desert warmth.  As with all Wynn properties, the extras by Desert Bambu are well appointed, and always replenished.  Even the Wynn branded towels will treat you to a soft drying experience.

The resort of course offers all the amenities you could ever want from a range of fine dining offers, some of the hottest night spots in the city, the ever-imaginative show at the Lake of Dreams, the Dragone created Le Reve, and world-class shopping.  If gaming is more your thing, the dealers here are some of the friendliest in Vegas, Wynn would have it no other way.  There is truly never a shortage of activity and action at Wynn, and on the northern end of the strip, it's become a hub of its own.

With the current economic crises, deals are to be had everywhere.  Right now you can get a price you'd have paid a year ago for a room at Paris for a room at Encore, but the real deal is to be had at Wynn.  For as low as $129 a night you can get a world class room at a 5-star resort with every amenity they have to offer minus only those saved for the VIP.  One thing is for certain, when the battle of flower v butterfly comes to an end, there is no real loser.  Wynn and Encore will treat you to the victory in your choice of pattern.

Wynn Las Vegas is located at 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV.  Reservations can be made online at wynnlasvegas.com or through the sister site for Encore at encorelasvegas.com, or by calling 877.321.WYNN.  Resort Rooms start at $129 mid-week.

Poll: Calm-a-thon

From Encore Las Vegas

After the last review, I'm curious to find what people find more easing to their nerves.  Flowers a la Wynn, or butterflies as in Encore.  

Please, do answer, results will be posted on February 9.

Review: Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

From Encore Las Vegas

Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you I spent way too much time in my youth fascinated with buildings. Drawing floor plans in school during free time, coming up with ideas while daydreaming. Architecture is something I thrive on. Always have, always will. Hotels just happen to be a subclass of the fascination with me. Vegas tends to offer an overload of this for me in the embodiment of the Mega Resort. Steve Wynn has always been one who also seemed to share this, in his design focus, detailing every last inch seemingly by hand of his resorts.

Having stayed at the Wynn Las Vegas a year after its opening, I was overwhelmed by the personal touch that Wynn has built into his hotels. The way the property can feel like an intimate affair when in reality it is a 2000-room behemoth is boggling, yet Wynn's resorts manages it as it it's as simple as a flick of the pen signing his name to the top of the hotel itself. Therefore when I found myself passing through Vegas again, less than a month after the opening of his newest acclaimed property, Encore, I booked away. I can tell you in no small terms that Steve has hit a homerun here in every way you could possibly imagine.

From Encore Las Vegas

Wynn has gone for an intimate affair, the boutique hotel on a large scale, and Encore feels every bit as intimate as one would expect given the size you are working with in Vegas.  My trip from the car park to the main lobby of the hotel was quick, a short walk, elevator ride, and another short walk past the pool.  As with Wynn, Encore is divided into the main Resort and the higher end Tower Suites.  Immediately past the pool by the casino entrance is the main registration for the Resort guests.  This I can say with certainty, as set up, will be a nightmare for Wynn in his attempt to achieve 5-star status with Mobil.  The area is complete chaos as seen in the picture above.  Further punctuating the issue are countless employees who are VERY courteous but take no initiative to fix the disorder.  Fortunately my suite had been upgraded and I proceeded down the casino edge to the private Tower Suites lobby.  Service was nothing short of white glove.  The intimate lobby is well staffed, and check in was expedient and thorough.  I was accommodated on a request for a high floor with a view of the Strip.  Additionally I was given complimentary cold water and a hot towel for refreshment.  Overkill continued when I was asked 4 or more times for assistance with my one bag, which I declined.  I chalk this up to the Wynn service standard.  The clerk then also walked me to the elevators, only 3 servicing the hotel-within-a-hotel, and only ONE rider ever joining me in using them.  Again she asks if I need help with luggage, to which I say kindly no.  "Sir you do know you're on vacation?" she quips with a smile.  I nod, clearly not accustomed to this level of service.  52 is pressed and off I go.

From Encore Las Vegas

Every last room at Encore is a suite.  Suite is to be taken loosely.  The room is a room with a divider.  As with Wynn, each room has a desk and sitting area, but the divider seems to give Wynn leisure to call these rooms suites.  Some argue this, I will not.  Each room does in fact feel like a suite because of its size and division.  One must think of this the same way they think of a half wall being a wall.  Unimportant to me.  

Upon entering the room you are engulfed in materials and color, texture and shape.  Everything is made to feel heavy in hand, heavy on the eye, yet light in composition.  The palette of neutrals offset by pops of gold and red is lively despite the monotony.  There is a long foyer with substantial closet and safe, at the end of which is the bedroom area, minibar and cabinet, and divider wall through which is the living area appointed with a desk, two chairs, a L-shaped couch and ottoman.  It should be mentioned that the whole side of the room is walled with mirrors, which typically I'd consider tacky, but I think is a stroke of genius for the depth of the room.  With a full width of floor to ceiling glass, the mirror wall is not really noticeable, but opens up the room to a great deal of light and color.  

Bedding is top notch, comfortable, sleep like a log good.  The bed itself is flanked by two marble topped nightstands, one with an iPod-dock clock, the other with a cordless phone and a remote that controls all lighting and curtains from the bed.  One can be lazy as they want here.  Room service in bed, lights off from bed, TV in bed.  All check.  The TV is at the foot of the bed, and is a 46" LCD.  This TV swivels in the divider wall, easily viewed from either room area.  You can even play Vanna White and turn it around mid-letter.  Adjacent is the mini-bar, enclosed in a beautiful blonde-wood cabinet with underlighting and Matisse print above.  Don't touch, everything is on a sensor.  You will be charged.  Avoid.  Avoid.

The living room couch is comfy and good for small groups, the desk functional with fax and all-in-one Avaya phone that reminds you of who you are.  You even get live plants.  Jade plant, healthy, a nice touch.  And the view, well.  Amazing.  Up the strip from the 52nd floor I could see the fountains at Bellagio at full height.  The view to beat.  

From Encore Las Vegas

If you are a bathroom freak like I am, Encore will not dissapoint.  The whole room is dark and light, no inbetween save gold accents around the mirror and 19" TV in the wall.  Yes, TV in wall.  I may never leave.  The dual Kohler sinks are beautiful and simple, and the cabinetry is a mix of stone and wood that is elegant yet modern.  Provided is a soaking tub and stand up shower with handheld sprayer, both of which were hot and excellently pressured.  The toilet is in a separate room with phone, and two robes are provided as well as scales and a hair dryer.  Posh is the feeling, top to bottom.  You will want to lounge here but once you're done, venture out, because Encore is full of other things to do an explore.

From Encore Las Vegas

Encore has a plethora of things to do once you leave the room, which you may not want to do but trust me, pry yourself away.  The casino (which I cannot legally picture but you can view on their website) is ingeniously chambered with drapes and dividers and feels intimate.  The chandeliers are worth the trip alone if you like the color red.  There is also an abundance of natural light from the atrium at one end to the windows facing the pool to the other.  You will not feel like you've been in a casino like this ever.  The dining is phenomenal (see my review of Switch) and varied, and there are many options for every epicurean delight and even the showman in you.  Shoppers rejoice, the Esplanade will not disappoint if you have the money to spend there.  And XS nightclub on property is the hotspot in Vegas at the moment.  The line on a Sunday was hours deep.  That should tell you all you need to know.

The Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas, the original 5-Mobil star winner in Vegas, was the idea behind Encore.  Wynn has tweaked the idea, and may have a very serious shot at winning the first major 5-Mobil star award for a full size resort in history.  With a few tweaks to the system, its in fact his to loose.  If you have the time, the money, and the will to see Vegas and hotels in general in a different light, take a chance on Encore.  You will NOT be disappointed.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is located at 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV.  Reservations can be made at http://www.encorelasvegas.com or by phone at 702.770.7171.  Rates start at $179 mid-week as of this writing.

Review: SWITCH at Encore Las Vegas

From Encore Las Vegas

When I first heard word of a new unnamed restaurant at Steve Wynn's new Encore resort adjacent to Wynn Las Vegas that would have walls/lights/scenery that changes with your dining experience two things came to mind.  Corn, as in corny, and the Bellagio.  Steve Wynn has a knack for taking the theatrical and applying to interiors in innovative ways.  Case in point the Lake of Dreams at Wynn.  Some hate it, some love it, but you have to give it due as an original art piece and entertainment method.

As a restaurant, SWITCH (appropriate name, no?) is intimate yet grand, and the changing interiors only highlight the idea that fine dining can encompass many moods.  The changing walls create three distinct atmospheres, one looking like it the original vision, a Wynn classic look, the other a something of a French Nouveau art look with its fragmented windows and torn curtains which come into view with a light show, accompanied sounds, and lighting.  The third change is in my opinion the grandest of them all, when the walls slide completely out of sight and the ceiling opens up, revealing a 20 foot coffer with large ornate and organic flower themed chandeliers.  Seeing the ceiling open, and the restaurant become exposed to the rest of the hotel's atrium makes one feel like they are in a great space, and that the gem box has been opened for everyone to see.

Additionally there are other touches which make the restaurant stand out.  A dining table amongst the wine cellar is a great place for tasting dinners paired with the sommelier's choices for your meal.  There are also two intimate family tables in columned rotundas that offer excellent views of the atrium and the show inside.  Every detail is thought out thoroughly, as is every design element that goes into a Steve Wynn endeavor.  The wait staff also is incredibly talented and attentive, making sure everything is as it should be, that you are well taken care of, and even giving you messages from your room if you have them (as was my case.)

The food is not second rate to the show here, it should be mentioned.  The french inspired menu from former Le Cirque and Wynn Executive Chef Marc Poidevin is adorned with amazing cuts of beef, seafood creations, and all the other staples you'd expect in a five-star resort.  I personally had a SWITCH Caesar salad which was crisp, with the right amount of parmesan and dressing.  I followed it up with a 9oz filet mignon, which was paired by the waiter with a bernaise sauce.  The steak was amazing, very similar to one I had had at SW a year ago at the Wynn.  It was cooked perfectly and buttery on the tongue, with the perfect level of sear and seasoning on the outside.  I chose to pair it with sweet potato fries, served in a playful iron cone on the table.  While they came out hot to the point of tasting very little of the seasoning, after they had cooled a bit they were delicious with just the right amount of salt to offset the sweet.  The sommelier also paired the meal with a wine choice, a Bordeaux which was the perfect compliment to the filet.  I would recommend consulting with her, as my wine was not on the menu, but she managed to nail exactly what I was wanting with what I was dining on.

Dessert was amazing as well and my hats off to the pastry chef.  The white chocolate orange french toast was cooked perfectly, and the pairing of a red-wine reduced pear mingled the tastes together beautifully.  The inclusion of a blood orange sorbet with the dish cleaned the palette and left one refreshed and satisfied but not overly full.

I will, and have, highly recommended this restaurant to all of my Vegas bound friends.  The menu is high, but on par with restaurants of this quality, and the show you get with the exquisite food makes for an entertaining and extremely fulfilling dining experience.  

SWITCH is located within Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV.  Reservations can be made by calling 702.248.DINE.  

Below is a video from YouTube of a few of the scene changes at SWITCH.  Enjoy.

An Open Letter...

Dear Sheraton,

In the future, if a toilet breaks the floor seal, don't patch it up and leave it sitting at a 5 degree angle.  Drunk guests will get seasick, and your housekeeping staff doesn't deserve that.

Thank You,

EW

In-Depth: Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum

From Milwaukee Museum of Art

My first encounter with anything designed by Santiago Calatrava, famed Spanish sculptor, engineer, and architect, was a small bridge he had designed adjacent to the Bundespressekonferenz in Berlin.  The small structure, hugging the river with it's sweeping white form, is sculpture and function in one package.  The simple move of the bridge transforms the area, lifting the spirits yet not screaming "LOOK AT ME."  Function and design combined in the simplest and most effective of ways.  It was with this high hope that I journeyed a cold October day to see the new expansion he had done in Milwaukee on the advice of an architecture interested friend of mine.

After trekking all the way up to Milwaukee, a beautiful and frigid city, I have to say that while the move is monumental, the result is less than impressive.  As an architect, Calatrava is drawn into the same things that I found failed a lot of people I work with, studied with, and studied in architecture.  The grand gesture of the sculpture has allowed a building to be built which is stunning in some ways, and falls incredibly flat in others, all while living in a world that could never hope to maintain in terms of what he has dreamt.

As seen above, the exterior of the building is built to be a showpiece.  I won't go into detail with pictures here as any Google search will bring you more than enough of this building to make you think you could sketch it with a crayon on the back of your Dentist's dated Hilights from the year you started Pre-K.  Calatrava is truly a sculptor, and his bird-like mechanical bris soliel (which in my opinion serve no other function than looking hot) are beautiful in still and motion, especially against a blue sky (see above again.)  But they, in my opinion, are the most significant part of the building.  His anchoring of the form of the wings to the body of the building with a pyramid-shaped glass roof is less than inspired, but an answer nonetheless, even if it is a maintenance nightmare.  The shaping of the front of the great hall, the body of the bird so to speak, is also overplayed in the form of a bow.  There are more inspiring ways to go about this.  But we'll let this slide, being a waterfront building.  The galleries are uninspired, looking much like the midsection of the Event Horizon painted in gloss white and slammed into the side of a bird.  Add these to the balanced block of service elements on the other side of the hall and you've got a museum expansion that features its architecture much more than its art.  (It should also be noted that it equally overshadows an older portion of the museum designed by Eero Saarinen that is very much in my opinion what a museum should be.)  Outstanding and beautiful from an engineering standpoint, is the addition of a tensile cable support bridge linking the museum to the elevated park across the road.  Calatrava's engineering once again standing out in its simplicity and form.

From Milwaukee Museum of Art

On the interior side of the building, things could be called a mixed bag.  The great hall under the wings is truly that, a space designed with the great in mind.  The bow shape draws those who have just entered the museum from the basement garage, the bridge, or the main level into the building and towards the lakefront with its large sloped glazing offering a sweeping vista of Lake Michigan.  Finish is classic and refined for Calatrava's aesthetic, with stark white walls, unimpeded glass, sharp stainless, and polished Carrera marble.  It is an awe inspiring space.  A major flaw in my opinion is that the design specified a heavily tinted glass for the ceiling and walls, which causes the whole room to be bathed for the most part in a rather sickening bluish green light.  On the sunny day I was there it was almost unnatural, and you can see this effect on some of the photos I took in that space in the linked gallery.  Additionally Calatrava's choice of materials so fine into such a heavily traveled area are detrimental, with the soft marble and fine stainless grates having already taken on heavy wear, deflection, and gouging by anything from dragged cases to high heel shoes.

There are great moments however.  Two of those are related to the garage.  The garage itself runs directly under the main galleries.  Because of the shape of the building, it's walls are lined with light wells which allow daylight to flood the outer walls giving the space a lightness.  Additionally Calatrava has used his sculptural engineering prowess to span the space from a central Y system, allowing parking in two aisles divided in the middle.  The space reminds one of a sterile cathedral, yet is warmer in my opinion than the great hall above it.

Additionally the reception hall from the garage to the museum is an amazingly simple yet powerful space.  Circular, it has two levels, the garage and an intermediate, built into the hillside, allowing for accessory functions for arriving patrons such as restrooms, a meeting room and offices.  It's walls, washed by recessed lighting are smooth, with the marble steps gleaming under the warm glow, and the floor of the great hall opens above it to show a wonderfully placed Calder mobile, which seems three dimensional at first, but then shows depth as one either moves up by elevator or stair.  The elevator is also something of contention to me.  While intriguing from a design standpoint, it is clearly a VERY expensive custom built piece.  This money would have been much better spent elsewhere in my opinion.  See pictures to see what I mean.  A simple glass elevator would have done where formally this echoes to nothing around it.

The galleries it is worth noting are quite expansive and equally sterile.  This is normally good for a museum, but in this case the shape of the ceiling and length in certain exhibitions make it seem like an afterthought, a hanger attached to a mansion.  In the case of my visit the work was quite modest and at times intimate, and the scale used for the exhibition of at times the full width of the hall and long lengths was in my opinion a detriment to the work.  

It should also be noted that the gift shop divides part of this space as does a conference hall, two things that seem to break up the galleries and be separate from the other accessory functions, opposite the great hall.  Why these weren't put with other civic uses is something I do not understand.  Perhaps it was the choice to put circulation on either side of the long galleries, something I would have preferred to have seen altered in favor of a long central corridor for work and two long side galleries as the halls seem to be afterthoughts.

I would like to also make a personal note that you should call ahead before you visit.  Although I planned ahead, I discovered that once I had gotten there, large portions of the museum were going to be closed in a half an hour for a private function.  This pitch wasn't given until after I had paid for the ticket.  Bad form.

From Milwaukee Museum of Art

To come to a conclusion one has to I think look at Calatrava's career.  The building has spectacular engineering prowess and sculptural value, but it seems to me that for reasons mentioned above, Calatrava has not yet fleshed out how to make "his" type of building like he would his bridges.  Built to be resilient as well as beautiful.  This building will stand out for a while, but neglect is already setting in due to the complication of the design.  

welcome to the new

"Someone's boring me.  I think it's me."  - Dylan Thomas

Or in lesser terms...

"Oh stewardess, I speak Jive."

In terms of this blog, something which I've told myself I'm going to do for quite some time now.  I think the first quote is the most applicable.  In terms of what it's about, well the second.  A place for me to disseminate the things I see from my standpoint, something I think that is not oft done well in lay terms.  

Architecture and art, and the world of design aesthetic is something that's scored in one of two categories, the intellectual, and the fluff.  In the world of magazines like Dwell, Arch Record, and Arch Digest, the world is only about one or the other.  The common man deserves to learn about design and how it affects them.  That is my hope here.

I'll be posting musings from life, as well as reviews and photos of buildings and places I visit, from museums, to stores, to hotels.  Think of it as a mash of equal parts Time Out, Fodors, Hannibal, and the Jetsons.  Wait.  Maybe not Fodors.  Add a splash of me and there you have it.

I hope that through this I can convey to my friends and anyone who reads this the importance and presence of what I feel connects us all more than language, that being the way we live, and the way the things around us make us feel, and emote through edifice to create where we are.  Oh and maybe you'll think my crazy life is fun too.

So welcome, the ribbon is cut, and the cut is bleeding profusely.