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.
NEW YORK NEW YORK 
