Aria Resort & Casino at CITYCENTER Las Vegas to open in December and feature world's best hotel technologies

ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental Hotels in the new Las Vegas CityCenter Project are the first in the USA to debut a spectacular level of technological innovation for their guests.

A WiFi City:

CityCenter will soon complete the world’s largest Distributed Antenna System with over 6,500 antennas and over 2,900 wireless access points to cover the entire CityCenter campus.

New Guestroom Technologies:

CityCenter and Control4 Corporation have developed personalized “smart” automation for every guestroom at the Aria and the Mandarin Oriental, an innovation previously available only in select high-end resort suites and residential locations. Every guestroom device is networked via one gigabit of bandwidth.

The room will recognize a first visit and “greet” guests as they enter with lighting and parting of curtains to showcase the hotel’s spectacular city or mountain views. The TV will turn on to display a list of automated controls for guests to personalize.

The system also provides one-touch remote control of lighting, room temperature, television/video systems, music, wake-up calls, draperies and requests for services. The nightstand contains a seven-inch panel with touch-screen technology that navigates the same room settings as the remote control.

RFID unlocks the door by passing the key card over a sensor.

All rooms feature a 42-inch LCD HDTV with laptop and other device connectivity as well as access to room controls. The TV also acts as a communications center for the room.

The ARIA Resort & Casino opens in December.

Las Vegas CityCenter

Please Note: ARIA and Vdara hotels are the sponsors of our Technology Report CES Coverage for CES 2010.

CITYCENTER Hotels Open Soon

The amazing Las Vegas CITYCENTER Project is nearing completion and two of the premier venues there are alreading taking bookings for the openings in only about a few months - VDARA and ARIA Resort and Casino. We'll be focusing a lot more on CITYCENTER here in the coming months with posts about the overall project as well as individual properties. Also watch Technology-Report.com for our special coverage of the amazing architecture, design technologies, and "green" building techniques that are making CITYCENTER the world's premier showcase for innovation in large, high value city projects.

Las Vegas CITYCENTER Updates

Las Vegas is no stranger to architectural superlatives, and it is now crystal clear that the new CITYCENTER project will exceed even Las Vegas' remarkable sky scraping standards in terms of lavish buildings, amenities, and green building standards. Although it seems very ironic to associate "green" and "Las Vegas" in the same sentence, large budgets are making Las Vegas one of the most very fertile grounds for innovative green building designs and implementations. See the press release below for the detail on how CITYCENTER has met some very stringent standards in this regard:

From the CITYCENTER Press room:

LAS VEGAS' CITYCENTER TO BE ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST GREEN DEVELOPMENTS

CityCenter Emerges as Leader of Sustainable Urban Development, Driving Green Economies of Scale in Multiple Industry Segments

LAS VEGAS - August 6, 2009 - /PRNewswire/ — Created with a vision to bring a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip, CityCenter will be one of the world's largest sustainable developments, from design and construction to operations and guest amenities. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to life by eight world-renowned architects, the 18-million-square-foot development is set to achieve a combination of gold and silver LEED® ratings by the U.S. Green Building Council throughout its distinctive hotels; residences; dining, retail and public spaces. Using cutting-edge solutions, CityCenter has been able to grow responsibly without sacrificing the quality of materials or guest experience.

Due to its size and purchasing power, CityCenter is driving green economies of scale in multiple industry segments, paving the way for other entities to build and operate sustainably. CityCenter has moved beyond existing green practices to empower industry-wide innovations.

Key Sustainable Highlights

• First energy-generation on The Strip through its 8.5 megawatt natural-gas co-generation plant, providing efficient electricity on site, reducing emissions and using "waste heat" to provide domestic hot water


• Water conservation technology and programs that will save between 30% and 43% of water within the buildings and 60% in outdoor landscaping


• First-ever fleet of stretch limos powered by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG)


• Nation's most technologically advanced hotel rooms with exclusive features allowing guests to "green their stay"


• Development of slot machine bases that serve as floor air-conditioning units, efficiently cooling guests from the ground up, rather than wasting energy on empty space by cooling from the ceiling


• Energy efficiency initiatives providing a savings equivalent to powering 8,800 households annually


• Creation of a large-scale recycling operation that enabled the recycling or reuse of more than 260,000 tons of construction waste, including 97% of the imploded Boardwalk Hotel

Most significantly, collaborating with the foremost sustainability and LEED® consultants from throughout the nation, CityCenter has introduced more than 10,000 construction trade and craftsmen to green building techniques that can be implemented at other developments throughout Las Vegas and beyond.

"CityCenter captures the energy and diversity of Las Vegas in one of the world's largest green urban developments," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. "Designing CityCenter with sustainable elements and practices reinforces its permanence and creates a healthier environment for our guests and residents, as well as for the 12,000 people who ultimately will work at CityCenter."

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Construction and Recycling

• The Boardwalk Hotel was imploded to make way for CityCenter. 80% of the previous structure has been recycled into the building materials or sent elsewhere for reuse. Crushed blocks and mortar were used in dust abatement on the construction site and as aggregate in concrete and asphalt; recycled whole and broken glass, and bathroom fixtures were shipped to other countries for reuse after being wrapped in Boardwalk curtains and carpets as recycled packing materials


• 95% of all construction waste that would have ended up in landfills has been recycled


• Ventilation systems have been completely sealed until installed, which protects them from the dust, smoke and harmful particles that are present on a construction site. No smoking is allowed on the site once the ventilation is sealed, which will give the buildings vastly higher indoor air quality when the facility opens


• CityCenter uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood, which ensures wood only is taken from forests with responsible management practices. Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints are used, along with enough sustainable certified carpet to cover 140 American football fields


• Reclaimed water from Monte Carlo is used for dust control in place of precious drinking water, which has contributed to savings of 2.4 million gallons of potable water


• A concrete batch plant allowed concrete to be generated on site saving gas and energy


• Each room is carefully sealed to prevent migration of tobacco smoke ensuring freshness and comfort for each guest

Design

• An 8.5 megawatt natural gas co-generation plant will provide efficient electricity on site (10% of overall CityCenter use), reduce emissions and utilize the waste heat from the power generation to provide all the domestic hot water necessary at CityCenter, including within its numerous pools


• Each tower has energy-efficient exterior features to help reduce the heat transfer from the sun onto the buildings, including air-brows, reflective rooftops, specially coated windows and high-performance glass


• CityCenter worked with manufacturers to invent designer water fixtures that deliver incredibly satisfying, pressurized showers while using a third less water


• Outdoor landscaping was carefully selected to provide a beautiful array of native desert plant life which is watered through a highly efficient irrigation system. The system is equipped with moisture controls to ensure watering is only done when necessary


• Marquees, signs and slot machines will be energy efficient

Operations

• CityCenter will offer sustainable options for meetings, conventions and events by incorporating environmentally responsible practices and services including sales kits constructed from recycled paper; ARIA's banquet server uniforms will be made from recycled polyester


• CityCenter employees will undergo LEED® training as part of orientation, educating them about CityCenter's green initiatives and how to do their jobs in line with the development's green focus


• Many restaurants will focus on farm-to-table ingredients, buying produce, meat and dairy direct from responsible local growers


• Spas will be committed to using organic or wild-crafted paraben-free products; the implementation of a recycling program and use of recycled paper for spa materials


• CityCenter will implement green cleaning practices within the hotels, using products that minimize concerns to human health and the environment. Additionally, the areas where chemical use occurs are negatively pressurized with separate outside exhaust and no recirculation of air


• All of CityCenter's facilities will have integrated recycling programs

Guest Experience

• For the highest quality, environmentally sustainable travel, CityCenter has commissioned the world's first-ever fleet of CNG stretch limos. The 26 silver, 24-foot Lincoln Town Cars are 100% dedicated to utilizing CNG. In addition to abundant U.S. natural gas reserves, CNG is one of the cleanest-burning alternative fuels available


• Natural gas used by the CNG limo fleet produces significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (35-60 percent less), particulate matter (90-97 percent less), carcinogenic and toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide (90-97 percent less) as well as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (25 percent less). Source: U.S. Department of Energy


• Guests arriving at CityCenter via carpool or in alternative-fuel vehicles will have access to preferred parking spaces; bicycle valet services also will be provided


• The urban community offers numerous amenities within walking distance of the hotels, including restaurants, stores and entertainment. CityCenter's people mover will offer convenient transportation between Monte Carlo, Crystals and Bellagio


• CityCenter's hotels will feature the most technologically advanced guestrooms in the country, with exclusive technology that allows guests to "green their stay." With a simple setting, guests can indicate their preferred light level and room temperature, and the properties can automatically put a room into unoccupied status upon checkout, turning off the heating/cooling system, televisions, lights and any appliances


• Extensive natural light will be utilized through skylights and expansive windows at CityCenter to reduce energy use


• Many of the artists participating in CityCenter's public Fine Art Collection will use reclaimed material in their works of art. For instance, Maya Lin's silver cast of the Colorado River will incorporate the use of reclaimed silver; CityCenter's sustainability initiatives inspired her first work of art in Las Vegas. Richard Long's mud wall drawings will incorporate natural products, Nancy Rubins' will construct a gravity-defying display that includes recycled river and ocean vessels, and Isa Genzken's steel and aluminum rose will contain 75% recycled materials

When it opens in December, CityCenter will not only redefine the Las Vegas skyline, but also transform the destination into a global showcase of urban design and sustainability.

About CityCenter

CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis that will open in late 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corps, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will feature ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas' first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel; Veer Towers, the development's only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Foster + Partners*, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, Rockwell Group and Gensler. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification at CityCenter. As planned, the 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will become one of the world's largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. For more information about CityCenter, please visit http://www.citycenter.com/.

* As a consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.

------- End Press Release -----

For More Information:

Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak Communications

702-737-3100

nmounier@kirvindoak.com

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Related Links

• www.citycenter.com


• CityCenter overview


• ARIA Resort & Casino


• Vdara Hotel


• Mandarin Oriental


• CityCenter Compressed Natural Gas Limo Fleet


• CityCenter Public Fine Art Collection


• CityCenter Guestroom Technology

Mandarin Oriental Hotel to Open December 2009 in Las Vegas at CityCenter

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, LAS VEGAS SET TO DEBUT IN DECEMBER
Prestigious Luxury Hotel and Residences to Open in New CityCenter Development

HONG KONG – July 13, 2009 – Opening in early December 2009, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Ideally located at the entrance of CityCenter, the extraordinary urban resort destination, the 47-story, non-gaming hotel is poised to bring spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, and the legendary service of the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to Las Vegas for the first time.

Designed by the award-winning architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, with contemporary interior design by Adam D. Tihany, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas offers 392 spacious and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites and 227 residences. The hotel’s impressive “Sky Lobby” is located on the 23rd floor, providing a stunning arrival experience with glittering views over the Las Vegas skyline. Every guestroom will have exceptional technological enhancements, including keyless door locks and automated control panels that allow guests to manage the lighting, room temperature and entertainment systems at the touch of a button. Three lavish presidential suites are featured on the hotel’s top floors, each measuring over 3,200 square feet.

A host of stylish dining and cocktail venues will be offered at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, including a celebrated signature restaurant and an all-day dining establishment, MOzen Bistro, which will feature authentic Asian dishes and multi-national fare. Located on the 23rd floor, Mandarin Bar will offer a vibrant, boutique atmosphere with stunning views setting the backdrop for a night on the town. The intimate Tea Lounge will be positioned adjacent to the Sky Lobby to provide guests a scenic meeting place for a refreshing beverage. For those on the go, Amore Patisserie, located directly on Las Vegas Boulevard, will serve a variety of gourmet foods, pastries, coffees and teas.

The two-level, 27,000-square-foot Spa will be a prominent feature of the hotel, with 17 treatment rooms, multiple relaxation and water experiences, an expansive Fitness Center and dedicated yoga studio. The Spa will provide a tranquil environment and a completely holistic experience based on the union of modern techniques and Eastern traditions. Guests of the hotel and Residence owners will also enjoy a magnificent pool facility with 20 cabanas and a Pool Café, serving seasonal, light fare.

With more than 12,000 square feet of elegantly designed function space, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will offer the ideal setting for intimate gatherings or for as many as 600 guests. Conveniently situated on the hotel’s third level and flooded in natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the 7,650-square-foot Oriental Ballroom and the hotel’s three smaller function rooms are all equipped with state-of-the-art technology systems, and spacious pre-function areas. A dedicated event planning team will ensure every function is executed with the uncompromising attention to detail for which Mandarin Oriental is famed.

“Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will provide consistently dedicated service levels and a haven of serenity for guests visiting our newest destination. We look forward to our opening this December and bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of service to this important leisure destination,” said Rajesh Jhingon, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.
Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download, in high and low resolution, in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com.

About CityCenter
CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis that will open in late 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corps, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will feature ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Foster + Partners*, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, Rockwell Group and Gensler. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification at CityCenter. As planned, the 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will become one of the world’s largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com.

* As a consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.

-end-

For further information, please contact:
Corporate Office
Jill Kluge (jillk@mohg.com)
Group Communications – Global
Tel: +44 (20) 7908 7810

Sally de Souza (sallydes@mohg.com)
Group Communications – Asia
Tel: +852 2895 9160

Catherine Roberts (croberts@mohg.com)
Group Communications - Europe
Tel: +44 (20) 7908 7812

Danielle DeVoe (ddevoe@mohg.com)
Group Communications – United States
Tel: +1 (212) 830 9380
www.mandarinoriental.com

Venetian Suites in Las Vegas

Venetian Suite, Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Five luxury hotel casino properties on the strip that get a lot of buzz as "THE place to stay in Las Vegas" are the Wynn and her new companion property the Encore, the Venetian and her companion Palazzo Las Vegas, and the Bellagio.

If you find fault with the rooms in any of these places you probably need to get your head examined (or you are way too wealthy).

Our Venetian king bed suite was even more splendid than the online photos suggest and an incredible bargain at the $109 "Twitter Special" rate offered there every few weeks.

The beautiful bath complete with double sinks and a TV made this a splendid room but it was combined with a beautiful king sized bed area next to a sunken living room with a large couch, desk, and table. The room was spotlessly clean and elegantly appointed.

Note as usual that if you can adjust your Las Vegas visits to mid-week where there are no holidays or major conventions you will enjoy a *huge* savings on luxury rooms which are often less than half the weekend costs. Even rooms of regular quality such as those at the older strip hotels like the Sahara or Tropicana are going to be cheaper mid-week. Where you should expect to pay $150 for the Venetian mid week you'll probably find rooms at the Sahara for under $50. Note though that Las Vegas mid week offers you the kind of luxury you can't enjoy elsewhere at any price, so I think a good "budget with style" strategy is to stay in luxury on weekdays and move to a modest priced hotel for the weekends.

Venetian Hotel Suite, Las Vegas

Venetian Hotel Suite, Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Our Suite at the Venetian in Las Vegas was really impressive with a sunken living room/office area below the bedroom. The bathroom was huge and elegant with two sinks, deep tub, shower, makeup corner.

These suites are usually an amazing bargain Sun-Thursday but the price will rise to $250+ per night on the weekends. For a great vegas vacation get a good airline deal and go *mid week* to enjoy many of the same hotel amenities as the big players for about 1/2 the cost.

Bellagio Fountains and Paris Hotel

Bellagio Fountains and Paris Hotel
Originally uploaded by Tom Harwood

This is a great shot taken by my friend Tom from *behind* the Bellagio Fountains inside the Bellagio looking out to Paris Las Vegas with Bally's on the left.

The Bellagio Fountains are one of the "must see" attractions when you are in Las Vegas with a spectacular water and music show throughout the day for most of the day through about midnight.

Other amazing attractions inside the Bellagio are the nature conservatory, sculpted glass ceiling by Chiluly, a massive chocolate fountain, and Cirque du Soleil's spectacular show "O" where the performers constantly test the limits of human acrobatic magnificence with unbelievable jumps, dives, and synchronized acrobatics.

This acrobatic and artistic virtuosity, combined with surreal imagery and music in one of the world's most sophisticated and ultra-engineered stage settings, makes "O" one of the world's most exciting and amazing stage shows.