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.
