Passions of a Zealot - Latest Comments

Re: Caesars Centurion Tower Changing to Nobu Hotel

LVguest — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:03:54 -0000

There have in fact been other hotels to open which have been based on a “restaurant experience”. The Hooters Casino Hotel also located in Las Vegas, officially opened its doors February 2, 2006.

Re: Starwood’s Caesars Brookdale in the Poconos Sold to Silverleaf Resorts

Jocelyn — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:49:05 -0000

What a waste!! Brooksdale was the perfect family vacation resort. With finances being tight right now for families it would blow the others out of the water with just a little tweeking.When I asked my granddaughters where they wants to go for Spring break they always want Brooksdale. Everything included was easy and restful for us. We love our grandchildren and enjoy spending this time with them. Being on a fixed income made Brooksdale a dream come true. Great Wolf is fine but does not compare. We had a blast at Brooksdale the evenings were sepecial fun since night driving in a strange place was an adventure. Someone need to remember the good old days. The are called good for a reason! Bring back Brooksdale! OH!! To have such awasome fun with your family

Re: Red Roof Inn Defaults On Property Loans, Claims Ridiculous Reason For Default

Larryl5850 — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 03:19:15 -0000

westmont and robert mayo they are not honorable people...they will use you and throw you out with the pigs....

Re: Starwood’s Changing Plans for their San Francisco Airport Property in Millbrae, CA

Madame Ava — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 12:34:43 -0000

There are way to many expensive coding upgrades that have to be done to get this hotel up to snuff.

Re: UK Metro Bank’s Launch Success

Chash — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:00:42 -0000

Metro Bank UK is a bad bank. I went in to open an account and I sat there for an hour and a half while she tapped at her computer. I patiently waited. There was water for dogs, but not humans - and they'd made it really hot in there. They kept on asking me awkward questions. It's funny, if a young woman in make up asks me questions about my marital status and employment it's much worse than ticking a box. They have silly rules about having to have Mr/ Mrs/ Miss/ Ms on your cards. My mum changed banks because of that, so I asked about it and the girl had a go at me saying I was stupid. Who cares?
After an hour and a half (Lord, I would have come back if they'd told me) they said I had failed a SAW check. What is that? Apparently someone at my address has a credit card in my name, but they don't use my right date of birth. So, I can't open an account. Now, keep in mind that I had brought in passport, driving license, three proofs of address...so according to their leaflets they wouldn't need to do these checks (only without proof of address) and they would ask permission. Nope. So, it was a bit worrying, could they tell me which bank gave this credit card. No. Data Protection Act. on my own name apparently, they can't tell me. Why is this? Money laundering rules, FSA rules. It was nonsense. So, how would I do something about this? Would they hold my details?

At this point, I'm reclined in the seat. I have a headache, because I got hit in the head trying to get through a riot (Central London) between the bank and my house. A bouncer - who the girl has been glancing at - comes over and asks "is everything alright?" looming over my seat with his hands crossed over his chest he then says "it's time for you to go" like I'm a drunk at a nightclub. I've just been assaulted and sitting bored in the bank, I'll walk away on the street, but I don't have to take it in a bank - do I? I lost it and shouted to see the manager and told them, and everyone there that it is a terrible bank. So what if I'm not wearing a suit, I'm a gentleman and I'll wear what I like. I'll stick with my bank, okay, they're a bit pushy on products - but at least they treat me like a human being. And I know a lot of people, a lot of rich people, what will I say about Metro Bank? Metro Bank is bad - don't go to Metro Bank.

Re: Wal-Mart Will Expand Via Marketside Concept In Urban Areas

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:06:30 -0000

What I do not really understand is what is the difference between a Walmart and a Target-aside from the slightly higher quality of products that are sold at Target. Target also offers the same products in the same fashion as Walmart. But, it seems to me that people are so advent on having a Walmart or being against a Walmart, when Target is somewhat selling on the same concept. In other words, I don't really understand why many people get upset about a Walmart coming near their area, but there is no "outrage" of a Target coming to their area. What's up with that?

Re: Trump Entertainment Puts Trump Marina On The Market

Barton454 — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:05:44 -0000

latest talk is that hard rock wants to build a new smaller hotel/casino in AC. Why they wouldn't just pick this place up for a song and convert it is a mystery to me. it has potential with location near borgata, and the marina. originally to be a hilton, then converted to some weird creation called trump castle.

Re: What’s Up With Doubletree’s New Logo and Name?

maya — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:21:00 -0000

Hi Andrew - "DoubleTree by Hilton" is how the DoubleTree hotels are known outside the United States. A number of DT's that have opened overseas over the last few years and there are a few more in the pipeline. Instead of looking at this as Hilton 'not having enough faith on their brands', looks like the company is actually trying to show that there is an actual relationship between the brands. Plus, it makes it more consistent, especially for international travelers.

Re: Edition Hotels – Schrager & Marriott’s REAL Brand Name

inception42 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:00:15 -0000

Edition hotels is a much better name, Schrager isn't nearly as marketable. It sounds like they will bring some of the class and style usually found in Las Vegas Hotels to a variety of cities. I look forward to trying out the Paris hotel when it is opened.

Re: Starwood’s Caesars Brookdale in the Poconos Sold to Silverleaf Resorts

Merrill — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:47:19 -0000

I worked there up till about six of seven months until the end. As a worker there I can tell you Starwood cut back ALOT on what Morris Wilkins (The original owner and partner with Caesar's) and ITT did with the property. A lot of things were cut back. Adult nights were ended in lieu of transporting people over to a sister resort. Staff was cut (Cafe attendants did double duty running the Gift Shop. Entertainment was cut (I still to this day don't understand why they went from Bands to Fireworks) All in all the last years of Brookdale weren't that grand. Yes the Caesar's name was lost (but that was a given due to the sale of the resorts from ITT who initially kept the casinos then sold them to Park Place Entertainment) I think it was just a lack of understand at what the property could be by The Powers That Be.
Merrill (Former Cook/ Cafe Attendant Caesar's Brookdale)

Re: Starwood’s Caesars Brookdale in the Poconos Sold to Silverleaf Resorts

sue — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:17:30 -0000

My family and I have been a regular to Brookdale for over 10yrs and when they closed it we were all very sad it was our home away from home..We see that they still haven't opened anything yet. I was wondering is there any news on whats going to be there or maybe they might open another family resort. ( I guess that is wishful thinking) Why would they take away something that so many family's loved..
We still can't find another family resort like Brookdale. We are trying another resort that is about 45min away in Aug. So we are going to take a drive to Brookdale just to take a look at what we miss so much..
The Palminteri Family...

Re: W Providence Resurrected From The Dead?

Amanda — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:05:30 -0000

Has there been any recent news on this? Is the project on or off?

Re: Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Is Rumored To Have 1,800 Units Under Contract

Lurie & Park — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:14:55 -0000

The firm of Lurie & Park continues to fight for purchasers of the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Resort Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. On Friday, March 26, 2010, Lurie & Park filed a third lawsuit against the Cosmopolitan developers – this time on behalf of East (Beach) Tower purchasers.

For more information, click on following link: http://bit.ly/cosmoeast or contact Lurie & Park at (818) 380-3022.

Re: Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Is Rumored To Have 1,800 Units Under Contract

Jason — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:13:51 -0000

I bought a unit in 2005 and was told a lot of untruths by the person at cosmo that I dealt with. Mysteriously she is no longer there and when I try to talk to anyone there about her and the things she promised me they just tell me they don't know anything. We just want out and want our deposit back. Do you see that as a possiblity?

Re: Starwood’s aloft and element Development Updates

Michael Banks — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:00:30 -0000

Hi Alex, thanks for that response. You did a good job on prototyping the Aloft brand,-its very cool - and it sounds like you're still heavily involved with new openings........I'm actually a Photographic-Artist - I provide abstract, contemporary photo artworks to interior designers and architects all over the world, and just finished a Total Artwork Programme for the new Aloft in Abu Dhabi - 750 pieces of art - it was a great project, and I'm obviously keen to provide artwork for more Alofts, as they have similar design formats, hence my original question about being able to find out about particular architects working on new Aloft hotels.......I did go out and visit Starwood in White Plains recently ( I'm based in Barcelona ) , and am trying to get myself on their official "Specifier list" for the artwork product.......however in the meantime, would still be good to contact relevant architects direct......do you have a website? Mine is - http://www.michaelbanksart.com Check it out - would be great to collaborate with you. best wishes. Michael.

Re: Starwood’s aloft and element Development Updates

Alex Campbell — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:08:01 -0000

Andrew & Michael,

I am an Architect in Atlanta, GA and I was the Prototype Architect who worked with Starwood and Rockwell Group on the design for the Aloft Brand. Rockwell worked on the "design" side and it was my responsibiliy to provide the "production" side. I did all the drawings and construction administration for the warehouse in Hawthorne for example. And, all drawings that Starwood delivers to Franchisees were drawn by yours truly. I have also been a part of many of the new-build Aloft projects. I did all the original planing for the Aloft/Element project in Lexington for Starwood as well as Aloft/Element Arundel Mills, Aloft Tucson, Aloft SFO in Milbrae, CA and I recently completed the newly opened Aloft Bolingbook, IL near Chicago. All of the former projects were completed while I was with a previous firm (Fruchtman Assoc. Architects), however the latter was completed entirely under my new firm, Campbell Architects. I am not sure where you might be able to find specific information on other Aloft projects but I would be willing to speak with any potential developers considering a new Aloft project as no one knows this product better than myself.

Re: Starwood’s aloft and element Development Updates

Andrew Calvo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:48:02 -0000

I do know that the Rockwell Group was the original architect for the aloft hotel concept.

Re: Starwood’s aloft and element Development Updates

Michael Banks — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:33:31 -0000

Hi Andrew - do you know of any information source where you can find out which architects / interior designers, are designing particular Aloft Hotels?

Re: Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Updates – And My Personal Take On Things

Chris — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:43:15 -0000

I know Deutsche Bank made an offer to a class action, but the amount they are offering seems too low.. In case you have already not seen this, there is some good info here:

http://docs.google.com/filevie...

Re: Lightstone Has Been Down The Foreclosure Path Before

Robyn — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:47:45 -0000

Lightstone is taking dividend money from PGRT to pay for this mess.
They have skipped two dividend payments and the stock price has been devastated from $25.00 to $1.50 And the trustees rewarded the President with a bonus.

Re: Starwood’s Caesars Brookdale in the Poconos Sold to Silverleaf Resorts

Jason — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:31:04 -0000

Rumor has it Silverleaf did not close the deal. While I was in the Poconos last week, I took the tour of another timeshare. The timeshare salesperson told me "Silverleaf pulled out, I have some friends who applied to sell timeshares at that property, and it's a no-go." I stayed at a Silverleaf property in the Berkshires this weekend and was told by a sales rep "I'm not sure that Siverleaf closed the deal." In regards to the Hilllsdale property. Who knows??

Re: Starwood’s Caesars Brookdale in the Poconos Sold to Silverleaf Resorts

Jason — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:03:16 -0000

Silverleaf Resorts purchased the property. I took a drive by the property over the weekend, the landscape is being well mainained. They should be selling timeshares there real soon.

Re: Asbury Park’s Slow But Continual Renewal

Mark Allred — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:38:22 -0000

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THE "IMPROVED" ASBURY PARK....

Having spent the past few months here, (hoping that the town would be back on an upswing), I realized it is a long way off, if at all...I seriously have my doubts.

I keep thinking of an old Rolling Stones song from the early 80's called "Shattered" which in my opinion kind of describes Asbury Park, (although it was written about NYC which did pull itself out of the bottom and recovered greatly).

First, the only somewhat safe areas are on the boardwalk and Cookman Avenue. You would need to have your head examined to stroll around Asbury Park on foot at night and if you are a single female, forget about it! If you have any street smarts it is obvious, the type of characters and low lifes that are on many of the streets, and it is very scary.

Yes, the gays have moved in and have attempted to make great strides in turning the community around but you have a Victorian home (redone by gays) next door to a crack house, a few doors down a house with prostiututes and so on and so forth. If you like the idea of being an urban pioneer, go for it, but be careful in the process I would NEVER leave my doors unlocked here and I think an alarm system is mandatory.

When you visit AP now, like I did in the spring months during my initial visits, it looks great at first sight with all of the rebuilding , new stores, cafes, etc. (The Boardwalk and Cookman Avenue downtown are the only areas that seem to have improved). However, I am quite dubious about the future of all of it. The condominiums and rental prices are quickly falling due to the economy and I think it may all fall apart within the next year. There just isn't enough to entice people to want to live here when you can live in beautiful NJ shore communities and not have to be worried about who your neighbor is and be surrounded by a nice class of people.

I totally beleive in diversity , which AP has, however the element that is here now has a large amount of low-life trash, alcoholics, drug dependent people, and people you wouldn't want to spend time with except a quick hello and goodbye. Trust me, it's not what it appears to be.

I hope my observations are incorrect for the sake of the future here, but I think I may be right. It's at least another decade before this town turns around (if at all), so my advice is just to come for the weekend and stay in one of the nicer hotels (The Berkeley, or the guesthouse The Tides), and just have fun. But proceed cautiously before planning to move here , and even much more cautiously before buying here as you stand a chance to lose alot of money on your investment as prices have not dropped to the bottom yet.

The locals that have been here a long time, (I have spoken with many), are also dubious about the return of Asbury Park. The gays that have moved in recently and straight couples are alot more optimistic but I really think they are wearing rose colored glasses and will be very disappointed in the next few years when there will be more than likely less positive change happening here as the financial resources are drying up.

Sorry to report this, but I call it like I see it......

Spend time in Bradley Beach, Long Branch, Ocean Grove or Deal if you want to live on the NJ shore. For now, Asbury Park still looks and feels like a ghetto.....Caveat emptor.....

Michael

Re: MGM Grand Atlantic City: Coming Soon

Andrew Calvo — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:15:19 -0000

The ACES train does go past New Brunswick, but it will not be stopping. The only stops on the route from NYC to Atlantic City is at Newark Penn Station.

Re: MGM Grand Atlantic City: Coming Soon

Taleeka — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:54:47 -0000

This is a very good look for Jersey in general. I just received my bachelors in Hospitality and my goal so far has been Las Vegas. I would love for these towers to be built so i can come back home to persue a successful career. I sure hope New Brunswick is one of those stops on this new rail system.