A Closer Look At The Linq, And Why It May Be Genius

August 18, 2011 at 12:55 PM | by 702Becca | Comments (4)

Who says nothing new will built on The Strip for some time to come? First, news of a two-story Walgreens being built next to Planet Hollywood (plus a few other shops and restaurants, too), now, Caesars Entertainment is bringing us the ~~outdoor mall~~ Vegas experience of our dreams with The Linq.

Why, The Linq and not another shiny new mega-resort? Caesars officials say it's because it's what you want. At a press conference, company reps said that they found that guests wanted "a natural gathering place." A place "where the Vegas of their imagination all comes together in one place." So, what would we wish for if we could build anything we wanted in Vegas? Apparently, it's an "open air" retail-dining-entertainment promenade stretching a quarter of a mile from The Strip to the back end of Flamingo where The High Roller observation wheel will tower in the background. Casino reps imagine The Linq as a place Vegas visitors will want to start, continue or end their Vegas experience. A cool, hip meet-up location that will just happen to be within easy distance of 24,000 hotel rooms owned by Caesars.

Just what will The Linq bring, though, and how will it change the face of The Strip as we know it? First, say goodbye to this sight:

The Linq will mean the end to the Imperial Palace and to O'Sheas as we know it and will bring changes to Harrah's and Flamingo, too.

The Linq will bring upgrades to three, large mid-Strip Caesars Entertainment resorts and O�Sheas casino. On The Linq�s north side, an engaging guest walk path will lead from the Carnaval Court outdoor plaza at Harrah�s Las Vegas resort through the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino and to The Linq. A pedestrian connection also will be built from The Linq into Flamingo Las Vegas on the south. The Linq enhancements will completely transform the facade, porte cochere, casino and hotel reception areas of the Imperial Palace.

Caesars officials say IP will take over some of O'Sheas and that an "O'Sheas type" experience will be planned for The Linq. The IP brand will go away, but a new name for the hybrid casino-hotel has not yet been announced. The Flamingo will get an exterior update of some kind, too, and the entrance will be remodeled as well.

When that's all sorted out and The Linq makes its debut in June 2013 (fingers crossed, altho, Caesars says the project is already fully funded), it will feature up to 40 restaurants, bars, retailers and nightlife options. But, where the brilliance may lie is in the percentages. The Linq will be 70 percent restaurants and bars, many featuring rooftop lounges and open air dining. i.e., the perfect stopping point for tourists on foot looking for a bit of refreshment after wandering The Strip. Caesars' own numbers say some 20 million folks walk past that location a year. ka-ching. Only 30 percent of The Linq will be comprised of retail and entertainment venues.

Anyone who's ever done the shuffle up The Strip knows how much a pit stop can call to you, but how much the extra walk into the bowels of a casino resort can be a pain. And, sometimes, a literal one as well. Ideally positioned at center Strip, The Linq may not be your first stop, but it looks like it's guaranteed to be a stop on your Vegas vacation. Sorry, Town Square.

The only thing that could ruin it is affordability. Let's hope that whole no resort fees, we're on your side extends to keeping things reasonable at Linq as well. Or, at least, most things.

Comments (4)

Return to » A Closer Look At The Linq, And Why It May Be Genius

....for the soon-to-be-former IP, possibly eventually the Horseshoe?

In the meantime, I'm calling it the "Horse P."

I think it fits.

I think the concept is great--but if the promenade has barkers and cheap-ass kitch, like Fremont street or the Carnival area, then that will detract totally.

If it's well-managed, safe and upscale then I'll see you there!

I stand corrected as I was seduced by the renderings. There are two things that could ruin it, one is affordability. Two are those darn retail carts! Gah!

If they model it more on Town Square than Carnival Court it could work.

Interesting to hear that they have the funding in place (I thought that would be the showstopper).

Informal mid-range restaurants and bars (similar to Brio and Blue Martini at Town Square) would be a good thing, and they couldn't get a better mid-strip location.

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