
The only thing missing
from New York New York is the attitude. With that notable exception,
the New York New York casino and hotel is as close as you'll come
to the big apple without a subway token. It's impossible to miss
the casino as it replicates some of the distinguishing features
of the New York skyline. The Empire State building, the Chrysler
Building and the Public Library and other buildings are all represented,
but the real centerpiece is the 150-foot replica of the Statue of
Liberty complete with tug boat near it's base. All the replicas
were built to approximately one- third scale, so the sheer immensity
of the site makes it impossible to miss. The creators even duplicated
the screams and shouts of New Yorkers. However, the yelling is not
caused by crime or traffic, but rather from the roller coaster riders
that are soaring above. A state of the art roller coaster loops
through the skyline into the hotel and casino itself.
The
Brooklyn Bridge will lead you from the strip into the casino's version
of Greenwich Village, where the designers eye for detail really
comes into focus. Cobblestone "streets" complete with
manholes are lined with streetlamps and tenement buildings. There's
even a splash of graffiti here and there (without any choice words).
Like the city itself,
New York New York is enormous. There are even different neighborhoods
in the casino billed as "the greatest city in Las Vegas".
As you might expect, each neighborhood accurately depicts the original,
down to the types of buildings and restaurants.
The main casino floor
is made to represent Central Park. There are trees, brooks, footbridges
and muggers. (except here the muggers are dealing blackjack) Even
the change carts that zip around the floor look like little yellow
taxis. Another notable spot is the Coney Island representation.
Here kids and parents can play boardwalk games and arcade games
in the hopes of wining tickets redeemable for prizes. This Coney
Island is complete with a roller coaster. It's not quite the Cyclone,
but you would line up here to ride the New York New York roller
coaster.
The
rooms of the hotel are designed in over sixty styles. Most reflect
the art deco style of 1920 Manhattan done in varying colors. Be
warned that some of the rooms are too close to the real New York;
they're small and expensive. However, the rooms are generally very
nice and complete the experience of being a New Yorker for a night.