Closing of Imperial Palace??

[Larry Drobnitch]

I recently read in another Vegas Newsletter that the Imperial Palace is scheduled to close in mid 2007. Can anyone confirm or deny this report?

[polar]

From what I have heard and read..from relieable sources..the Imperial will remain as is at least through 2008.

Polar

[sonntex]

With IP's low overhead and operating expenses, Harrahs will not be closing it for a while - too profitable. Same with the old BC. O'Shea's probably falls into that category, too.

[Steve]

I recently read in another Vegas Newsletter that the Imperial Palace is scheduled to close in mid 2007. Can anyone confirm or deny this report?

The other Vegas newsletter is wrong. I have continually said that due to all the improvements and reovations being done at the IP, my guess was that they would be open at least till or through 2009. It looks like I might beright as they announced bookings through 2008.

I also said that Harrah's masterplan for that corner of the Strip may not happen for quite some time and I think I am right about that also.

Steve

[Johanna7]

I sure hope not. Where will be stay now? Such a great location and nice people and the rooms are okay. Not 6 star but the prices are not either. A great affordable place in a super location.

Please say it isn't so!

Johanna

[misterKeno]

have to love that climbing stair-case 'thing' in the RACE BOOK

[kestral]

What climbing staircase thing? Are you talking about the stadium type desk seating?

[Pimp_N_M]

I can't remember how much debt was assumed during the buyout. But it was a lot. Expect the old "if it aint broke don't fix it" mentality for at least 2 years or more.

[misterKeno]

kestral - yes... that's it! sorry

[Steve]

I am here at the IP now and it will be open through 2009. Based upon what I know and who I talk to, I am guessing that it will remain open after 2009.

Also unconfirmed is that they will be REPLACING THE ELEVATORS at a cost of about $10 million $$$$$$. So why invest that much money if you are going to implode the hotel in a few years?

Steve

[vegasmann]

good to hear we need some mid price hotels around.

[ragemedia]

Yeah, I love IP!

Going back in May and got comp for all 4 nights can't beat that price :)

[crisndeefromde]

That is terrific news to hear. It is going to be interesting to see what happens with the deal and whether it is allowed to happen. If the new owners know a good thing maybe just continued improvements will be made and also the Barbary Coast name be returned to that property too.

[kestral]

I.

Also unconfirmed is that they will be REPLACING THE ELEVATORS at a cost of about $10 million $$$$$$. So why invest that much money if you are going to implode the hotel in a few years?

Steve

Replacing the IP elevators??? Say it ain't so! How will we ever get that valuable "bonding with other IP guests while we wait" time if they do that?

Just kidding of course! Actually, as we all know here at Steve's place, those front elevators --- and the ones hidden way in the back --- are not bad at all. Just don't tell anyone else!

[Steve]

Replacing the IP elevators??? Say it ain't so! How will we ever get that valuable "bonding with other IP guests while we wait" time if they do that?

Just kidding of course! Actually, as we all know here at Steve's place, those front elevators --- and the ones hidden way in the back --- are not bad at all. Just don't tell anyone else!


I actually suggested that they donate the elevators to the Smithsonian Institute. :D

I told the IP people it would be cheaper to put glass enclosed elevators on the outside of the building rather than replace the old ones. That would be a first for a Strip hotel. I don't think that will happen :confused:

Steve

[King of Kurtopia]

I told the IP people it would be cheaper to put glass enclosed elevators on the outside of the building rather than replace the old ones. That would be a first for a Strip hotel. I don't think that will happen :confused:

Steve

I guess the Hilton isn't considered on the strip, but they have glass enclosed elevators.

Kurt

[teppy1954]

It would be a crime to knock down the IP. It is the first place I stayed on my first visit, and it is one of the reasons I fell in love with that town. This time out I've been lured over to the new Signature at the MGM, but when we need a quick week off, one call or e-mail to the IP gets me a "LUV-TUB" room (you really got to ask for one-they are the best in the hotel). You can just lie in the tub, look up at the mirrored ceiling and marvel at how fat you have gotten.

[Steve]

I guess the Hilton isn't considered on the strip, but they have glass enclosed elevators.

Kurt

No, it's not considered a Strip hotel.

Steve

[Pimp_N_M]

I'm still reeling... TEN MILLION DOLLAR ELEVATORS AT THE IP?

Not very Engelstadish. When did Harrah's become so generous?

[Vinnie Vegas]

While not entirely glass, the elevators in at least on of the towers a the Tropicana have a glass back on them. While going up I took this pic of New York New York when I stayed there in 2004:

http://ifs1.imagefly.info/v/56/jpg/03160001.html

[Jacqui, Duskette8]

I told the IP people it would be cheaper to put glass enclosed elevators on the outside of the building rather than replace the old ones. That would be a first for a Strip hotel. I don't think that will happen :confused:

Steve

I have to go up these at work to get to my office and they terrify me! Please don't start them in Vegas too or I will have to spend all my time on the ground floor of hotels! :D

[ChicChas]

I have to go up these at work to get to my office and they terrify me! Please don't start them in Vegas too or I will have to spend all my time on the ground floor of hotels! :D

Jacqui,

You can always stay in the RV park at Circus Circus! :eek:

Charlie

[Pimp_N_M]

Jacqui,

You can always stay in the RV park at Circus Circus! :eek:

Charlie



Now THAT is ghetto.

[Vinnie Vegas]

When did this become a thread about elevators?:)

[beach3993]

Believe me Harrah's has enough worry about with the deal and making sure it goes through okay which I understand will be final either May or June. I agree I don't think they will do much of anything for while. These two new companies don't know anything about running casinos. The one thing I have noticed however, is that Harrah's seems to be changing their comps and mailouts. And in my trip recently boy those machines weren't doing much at least at Harrah's and RIO!!. But I am glad to hear the good news on IP maybe I will get a chance to stay yet!! Thanks for news!:)

[Jacqui, Duskette8]

Jacqui,

You can always stay in the RV park at Circus Circus! :eek:

Charlie

Hey Charlie, I'd pitch a tent in the middle of the Stardust rubble before I would stay there!! :D

[earleene]

I love the IP. Hardly ever see kids there running wild like at some. HOPE IT STAYS AROUND A LONG TIME.

[slugr]

The help dresses classy too! Oh by the way give me another drink I want to help keep this place open.

[Big Bad Bob]

If they implode the IP, where will the dealertainers go? I've lost money to Dolly Parton and Ricky Martin, but Cher and Janet Jackson were lucky for me. I broke even with Elvis and Patsy Cline.

[BobDeJongh]

never much cared for the IP..prefer the Orleans or the Gold Coast..all time favorite was the Hacienda...maybe before your time?

[livinthedream]

IP is ok.The dealertainers are alot of fun.

[Chump and BG]

While the future of IP in Vegas remains clouded, IP seems assured of continuing for decades to come. You see, there is another facet of this saga. Not only did Ralph Engelstad build this casino on the Strip, he also constructed a sister property to it, the Imperial Palace in Biloxi in 1997. Using the same Asian architecture and theme, it was also a popular value destination a little short on elevator maintenance. It provided a 70,000 sq ft barge based casino with 1100 rooms. The Ralph and Betty Engelstad Family Trust sold the Vegas location to Harrah’s in December of 2005 but it retains ownership of IP in Biloxi. Katrina had caused extensive damage to the property on August 31st, 2005 but they were most fortunate to have been located on the Back Bay, away from the tidal surge which completely destroyed all of the beachfront casinos, save the exceptionally sturdy Beau Rivage. The Trust by then had retained some excellent casino and property managers and IP quickly restored the property allowing it to re-open by December of that same year. Their skill, commitment, perseverance and quick action brought great heart to the people in this Gulf Coast Community. They remain a “Perfect” corporate citizen in this area.

They extensively remodeled and updated the hotel in the course of their initial storm recovery. The refinements continue at this time. It is a very nice and well maintained casino/hotel. They have a state of the art website. Just this past week, IP closed on a $100mm adjacent land acquisition promising an exciting announcement next week on their expansion plans. The IP President, Jon Lucas recently told the Mississippi Gaming Commission; we will basically have completely redone the entire property when we are finished. IP will remain a significant player, at least in Biloxi, for many, many years to come. Thank you IP, you were a major player and a pillar of strength when this community needed you the most! The people there will never forget.

[Lneck67]

Has anyone been to the I P car show and is it worth going to.:confused:

[Jacqui, Duskette8]

Has anyone been to the I P car show and is it worth going to.:confused:

TBH I didn't enjoy it that much - but you can get free tix etc now so I would take them if you can. My mum and I paid to get in and I don't think it was worth the money, if it's free however.......

[JMVegas5866]

Do they have any classic cars from the 50s and 60s? It's worth it to me if those types of cars are on display. Otherwise, if all they are going to sport is new stuff then, I'll pass because I alread saw new stuff at the last Auto Show that came to town. I perfer not to waste time on stuff that I can do back home. This summer I'll be in Vegas for a long stay than usual, so the only way I'd go to the IP car show is if I completed seeing everything else that was priority to see.

[JMVegas5866]

Nevermind, I went to the IP web site and it answered my inquiry. I also found a printable coupon on the site for free admission. All you gotta go is redeem the coupon for a pass at the redemption counter. The 1960 Cadillac Eldorado they advertise is worth a visit for me. Some of the classics make for great pictures :)

[Tweeets]

Has anyone been to the I P car show and is it worth going to.:confused:

If you like antique cars, and the tickets are free, it's worth going to.

[Johanna7]

The Monorail booklet often has free tickets to the Automotive museum. They sure do have cars from the late 1990s on and it is worth an hour of so, especially if you snag a free ticket.

Enjoy. We have viewed it numerous times, never paid to get in either.

[ChicChas]

Do they have any classic cars from the 50s and 60s? It's worth it to me if those types of cars are on display. Otherwise, if all they are going to sport is new stuff then, I'll pass because I alread saw new stuff at the last Auto Show that came to town. I perfer not to waste time on stuff that I can do back home. This summer I'll be in Vegas for a long stay than usual, so the only way I'd go to the IP car show is if I completed seeing everything else that was priority to see.

JMVegas,

If you like old cars, this place is awesome. They have a huge collection that goes back to the early 1900's. Probably well over 100 cars. All of the cars are for sale, too, so the inventory changes.

I was there a couple of years ago and spent at least two hours taking pictures. One of my favorites was an early 1940's Cadillac concept car once owned by film star Rita Hayworth.

Everything from Hupmobiles to Packards to Corvettes. You name it.

Also had a collection of antique juke boxes as well as pedal cars and other automotive related memorobilia.

Pretty fun gift shop, too.

[JMVegas5866]

Thx for the info on the IP car collection ChicChas. I'll be sure to go see it. I hope the car owned by Rita Hayworth is still there, but since they have their inventory for sale and replace whats sold with more classics who knows if it will still be there. That kind of stuff to me is cool though.

[cocoa6929]

I really like staying at the IP but dont care for the rooms due to not having a safe--yes I can leave my money at the cashier but thats inconvienent---and I really dont want to walk around with all my money--same with the old BC--so we've been staying at Flamingo but havent seen too many good deals---Colleen

[manduss]

Even though the IP just switched to Harrah's Total Rewards program, I don't see it sticking around for long without some major work. An implosion is much more likely. The rooms are OK for the price. Between 2005 and 2006 I stayed in a few 'Deluxe' rooms as well as a Luv Tub suite. Aesthetically, the rooms just look worn out. A good interior designer could work wonders to bring some life back to them.
My biggest complaint is the elevators. I have never seen all of the banks of elevators working at the same time. There is almost always a line for them (even at 3am). Catching an elevator from your room is just as bad since they are usually full by the time they get to your floor.
The casino itself is OK and the Dealertainers can be fun, but that can easily be carried over into another location.

[pennyslots717]

We were there in Dec- got a cheap rate ($27 a night). We had a room overlooking the parking lot- I guess you get what you pay for-- but the worst part was the last night, at 10pm, they started to work on the septic system, right under our windows. It was smelly, toxic, & very noisy-- complaints to the desk didn't do any good. :mad::mad:

[redstar]

I feel almost like a traitor as I've been staying at IP since 1982 (approx. 2 or 3 times a year) and despite the fact I have 3 free nights, I cringed at the thought of staying there again. I realized I would rather pay the Total Rewards hot deal internet rate at Harrahs for a luxury room this summer - price wasn't bad online. I do like to be near Carnival Court and Caesars so Harrahs is a good option, but I am sure I will play some poker and slots at IP for old times sake. I too can't stand the elevators and the rundown look (carpet) etc. Honestly, there was toxic looking black stuff in my bathtub spurting up and the septic/sewer smell is spreading isn't it - or is it my imagination?

[LVloverNaNa]

We have 9 nights comped in a "King Deluxe Suite". The suite that's "L" shaped with a living room and unstocked wet bar. We have stayed at all of the other Harrah's properties in LV and for S**t's and giggles my sister 'n law and I wanted to stay at all of them. A gentleman for the Diamond check-in recommended the area facing the pool. We don't mind the strip noise. We tend to stay up quite late and really enjoy the strip view from our window.

Has anyone stayed in one of these suite's, is it true the only tub is in the sleeping area? What is the best location at the IP. Can someone please tell me have to navigate the halls to the best elevators.

We arrive June 1st and ANY serious recommendations and advise will be appreciated. I have checked and it's too late to get that many nights continous nights comped at any other Harrah's properties in LV.

[polar]

Hi...we stayed in the king suite this past Nov. pool view...the rooms were great..and yes, the only tub(a luv tub) is in the bed room:rolleyes:
While this suite is very spacious, I don't care for the only shower to be in the middle of the room..but thats just me. You might enjoy it:
As far as the elevators go we have usually been quite lucky with them, either on the 2nd floor,in that case we use the stairs both ways,or was able to use one of the other sets of elevators that were not so busy.
You will be able to figure all this out quickly, the IP is one of the easiest casinos to navigate IMO.

Have a great time!
Polar