You might not have gotten in to CC yesterday. It was the Grand Opening if you were a movie star or had reservation or media. The public opening is today at 7am.

Crystals is scheduled to open around 5pm and I anticipate major crowds. I think I might wait for Friday morning.

FWIW the Harmon pedestrian overpass is open.

If you plan to take lots of pics, it really is much faster and easier to host them yourself on one of the free and easy picture hosting sites such as Photobucket, Image Shack, Flickr, etc. These sites are best when you have lots of pics or pictures that you do not own the rights to. These options let you copy your whole memory card at once if you like. You can post some of your favorites here if you like, but not a bunch please. Please use common sense for sharing the space with others.

35 years ago, I was coming to Las Vegas and wondering if they sold enough high priced junk to pay for rent in some of these places.

Crystals opens today at 5pm. This is the retail/mall section of City Center. The following is from a press release...

CRYSTALS RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT EMBODIES DYNAMIC SENSE OF PLACE AT CITYCENTER’S CORE

World’s Most Celebrated Retailers and Unique Dining Concepts,
Enveloped in a Spectacular Setting, Redefines Traditional Shopping Experience

At the core of every great city is a dynamic public square. Within CityCenter, Crystals will be just that. As the front door experience to this unprecedented urban metropolis, Crystals’ winding pathways, extraordinary features and vibrant design elements will evoke a sense of exploration and discovery. This magnificent gathering place will welcome guests on a journey through couture, cuisine and entertainment as they enjoy a unique sense of place at the heart of the world-famous Strip.



Throughout Crystals, guests will be intrigued by multiple landmarks such as a three-story sculptural tree house, a striking staircase inspired by Rome’s Spanish Steps and cutting-edge ice and water sculptures. Glacia continually will debut new shapes and patterns as ice rises from a pool of water, and Halo will materialize a series of water vortices within clear cylinders. Around every turn will await a remarkable experience.

At the very soul of Crystals will be the incredible customer service delivered by the Concierge, who serve as fashion consultants, personal shoppers and more. Whether securing the best table at one of Crystals’ dynamic restaurants; reserving tickets to CityCenter’s hip-swiveling production, Viva ELVISTM by Cirque du Soleil®; or selecting the season’s hottest items, the Concierge at Crystals will deliver a level of personalized service that sets a new benchmark in the retail industry.


CRYSTALS RETAILERS (Opening December 2009):
Open daily 10 a.m. to midnight

Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Roberto Cavalli, TOM FORD, Bulgari, Cartier, Carolina Herrera, Bally, Paul Smith, Bottega Veneta, Kiton, Van Cleef & Arpels, Kiki De Montparnasse, Marni, Nanette Lepore, Assouline, Mikimoto, H.Stern, Tourbillon, Porsche Design, ILORI, de Grisogono


2010 Openings:
• Christian Dior, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Miu Miu, Philipp Plein, Prada and Versace
• Additional retailers and dining concepts will be announced at a later date


CRYSTALS PLACE (Opening December 2009):
Open daily 10 a.m. to midnight

the GALLERY featuring Dale Chihuly
World-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s work will be exhibited in the 4,350-square-foot space and feature a diverse representation of Chihuly’s dynamic sculptures, drawings and prints including a number of his important works. Dale Chihuly, who created the extraordinary Fiori di Como installed on the ceiling of Bellagio’s lobby, is recognized around the world for his use of color, fluid glass forms and large-scale architectural installations. He has played a major role in bringing glass into the realm of contemporary art.

The Art of Richard MacDonald
Richard MacDonald, a master of figurative sculpture, has captured the beauty, athleticism and human spirit of Cirque Du Soleil and performance artists. His work focuses on the spectrum of performing life, capturing a fleeting moment in time and immortalizing the grace, strength, joy and discipline of dancers and acrobats. His work shares the creativity and imagination that fuels Cirque du Soleil and conveys MacDonald’s sense of energy and passion. The new gallery will showcase more than 50 bronze sculptures including 10 heroic-size works by the artist.

Rodney Lough Jr. Wilderness Collections Gallery
Rodney Lough Jr., an award-winning master photographer, is renowned for the vibrant colors and vivid textures of his wilderness and landscape photography. Lough Jr. is a purist who captures what nature creates, using no color filters or darkroom deception. Experience the country like never before through his breathtaking visual journey.

CENTERpiece Gallery
A 2,500-square-foot fine art and design space, presented by CityCenter and MCQ Fine Art, will focus on the traditional mediums of contemporary art as well as present unique and functional design objects with an emphasis on the contemporary artists and architects whose works are featured throughout CityCenter.

CRYSTALS RESTAURANTS

Beso
Eva Longoria Parker introduces her new Latin steakhouse, Beso, fresh off the success of her Hollywood restaurant of the same name along with her luxurious new nightclub Eve at Crystals. Beso combines Longoria Parker’s Latin approach to classic steakhouse cuisine with the culinary talents of celebrated chef, Todd English. Featuring an eclectic and contemporary dinner menu, Beso will offer naturally raised and sustainably farmed Brandt Beef, fresh seafood prepared in a wood-burning oven, ceviches, flatbreads and seasonal specials. The romantic, candlelit dining room will feature wrap-around booths and overstuffed chairs, and showcase a theatrical ceviche bar. The highly anticipated 8,000-square-foot nightclub, Eve, will feature expansive mirrored windows offering sweeping nighttime views of CityCenter’s striking architecture. Fifty-foot-tall arched ceilings and lavish VIP booths will frame the opulent nightclub, and one-of-a kind colossal video screens will surround the dance floor. Renowned DJs and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system will make Eve the ultimate nightclub to dance the night away. Beso will celebrate its grand opening New Year’s Eve.

Restaurant: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – midnight; Lounge: Sunday – Tuesday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Patio: Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Reservations: (866) 754-CITY

Brasserie PUCK
Internationally renowned master chef Wolfgang Puck, credited with initiating the fine dining revolution in Las Vegas, is proud to open his first French restaurant in nearly 30 years. His broad knowledge of French cuisine began during his work in some of France’s greatest restaurants including Maxim’s and L’Oustau de Baumanière, and was furthered during his time as executive chef and partner at the famed French restaurant Ma Maison in West Hollywood. Utilizing this extensive background and experience and his contemporary and inventive cooking, Puck and Chef Lee Hefter, Managing Partner and Executive Corporate Chef of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, created a modern brasserie menu where guests can find Wolfgang’s interpretations of traditional French classics.

Open: Sunday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.;
Reservations: (702) 735-1100

Todd English P.U.B. (Opening 2010)
Three-time James Beard Award winner Todd English will debut his first pub concept at Crystals, serving American comfort foods and delicacies paired with an extensive list of premium beers.
Reservations: (866) 754-CITY

Mastro’s Ocean Club (Opening early 2010)
Recognized for its exquisite seafood and unparalleled steaks, Mastro's Restaurants will make its Las Vegas debut with the opening of Ocean Club at Crystals. Classically trained chefs will serve up Mastro's favorites in a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere that will be as sizzling as the restaurant's 400-degree steaks. Specialty dry-ice martinis, 2-foot-tall seafood towers and melt-in-your-mouth warm butter cake are just a few sinful selections guests will enjoy. Complementing the masterful dining experience, Mastro’s Ocean Club will feature live music and dining in the piano lounge seven nights a week.

Open: Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11a.m. – midnight;
Reservations: (866) 754-CITY

The Pods by Wolfgang Puck
The Pods by Wolfgang Puck, a full-service coffee bar, café and bar, will be located on the eye-catching Crystals’ staircase, providing dramatic views as guests enjoy light American fare that can be conveniently taken to-go or enjoyed at the restaurant. Guests will find Wolfgang’s take on classic breakfast and lunch items including a variety of tempting sweet and savory pastries, breakfast favorites and fresh soups, salads and sandwiches. An extensive coffee menu will feature a wide array of freshly brewed coffee, tea and espresso drinks plus smoothies and juices. A stunning bar, featuring international beers, wine and refreshing frozen drinks, will offer the perfect vantage point to enjoy Crystals’ bustling activity and magnificent architecture.

Open: Sunday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.;
Reservations: (702) 735-1100

The Cup
The Cup will be a "green" approach to a coffee shop with an emphasis on serving the highest quality, natural fresh food and beverages and sourcing sustainable Fair Trade coffees and teas from around the world. The menu will include fresh bagels, pastries, salads, sandwiches and smoothies. The Cup also will offer a wide variety of desserts and gluten-free options.

Open: Daily, 6 a.m. – 1 a.m., hours are subject to change


Crystals Fast Facts:
• Address: 3720 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

• Phone: (702) 590-9299

• Toll Free: (866) 754-2489

• Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – midnight

• Website Address: www.crystalsatcitycenter.com

• First Locations in Las Vegas:
o Assouline, Carolina Herrera, de Grisogono, H. Stern, Kiki De Montparnasse, Kiton, Marni, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Porsche Design, TOM FORD and Tourbillon
o Cavalli – first pet line in the U.S.

• Largest Las Vegas Stores:
o Louis Vuitton, Mikimoto, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels

The non-gaming Mandarin Oriental hotel opens at 11am this morning with a ribbon cutting and lion dance. From their press release...

Mandarin Oriental,
Location:
• Located directly on Las Vegas Blvd., a 10-minute
drive from McCarran International Airport
• The chic 47-story non-gaming property will be at the forefront
of the CityCenter development created by MGM Mirage
Guest rooms:
• 392 guestrooms and suites
• Suite sizes range up to 3,100 sq ft
• Views of ‘The Strip’, the city and the surrounding mountains
• Spacious walk-in closets and valet privacy closets in each room
• 42” flat screen TVs in each room and flat screen in every
bathroom mirror
Restaurants and bars:
• Signature fine dining restaurant with celebrity chefs
• All-day dining restaurant
• Mandarin Bar on the 23rd floor with skyline backdrop
• Tea Lounge, offering a wide menu of teas and High Tea rituals
• Mandarin Patisserie with a selection of pastries and gelato
• Poolside café
Meeting and business:
• 7,650 sq ft Oriental Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling
windows and dramatic views of ‘The Strip’
• Three meeting spaces including our Mandarin
Boardroom, acoustically enhanced with Bang & Olufsen
sound system
• Wireless internet access throughout entire hotel
• Fully equipped Business Center
Spa:
• A 27, 000 square foot, two-level Spa facility
• 17 private spa suites for individuals and couples
• Holistic treatments using natural ingredients
Leisure:
• Two outdoor lap pools
• Two Jacuzzis and a plunge pool
• 20 cabanas for poolside privacy, with luxury amenities
• State-of-the-art Fitness Center, Kinesis Fitness System
and Yoga studio
• 23rd floor sky lobby for stupendous views
• Sky bridge to Crystals, a dramatic retail venue
• CityCenter location puts us at the heart of
a revolutionary USD 40 million fine art program

I took tons of photos of CityCenter these past couple of days and will gradually post them to the Photo Gallery.

MY INITIAL IMPRESSION OF CITYCENTER SO FAR.

It's BIG!

I parked my car in the Paris parking structure and walked through the casino to Las Vegas Blvd and crossed overthe usual traffic by way of the new bridge/overpass leading into the CityCenter's Shopping 'Mall" - Crystals which caters exclusively to high-end shoppers.

Nothing much in there for the common folk but it is worth a visit at least.

It's big and high and bright and airy with an overall shape that is non-descriptive.

The most interesting structure within Crystals is the Tree-House which will be a restaurant upon completion.

I'm not a shopping mall type of guy so I hurried through taking photos of the stores and various parts of the building itself.

DO I plan to go back and visit Crystals again? I think I'll be showing the mall to visitors and have an evening meal at Beso (a very nice looking steakhouse) which is owned by a current TV star whose name I don't know at present because I seldom watch any TV programs.

The next day I returned and drove into CityCenter by way of Harmon Ave which led me directly to the Vdara valet service area (There are no self parking spaces in the Vdara complex).

Then I walked through the Vdara lobby taking photos along the way including the lobby bar Silk Road (inside and out). Very impressive! Very quiet.

A ramp from the Vdara lobby leads directly to the Bellagio Hotel and the CityCenter tram which arrives every three minutes to take you on the short hop to Crystals and onward to the Monte Carlo Hotel which is adjacent (somewhat) to the very exclusive Mandarin.

So the CC Tram (looks similar to the Disneyland traim) starts at the Bellagio and ends at Monte Carlo, with a stop at Crystals which is a hundred yards or so from the Aria entrance.

Confused? It's big so it's hard to describe accurately.

Here's what I've seen so far...

All the parts of Crystals that is presently open.
The lobby and the bar at Vdara and the inside and outside of Silk Road.
The CC tram.
The Mandarin front entrance and interior lobby. I'll be visiting the 23rd floor once I get dressed up a bit more ( I was in my early morning hiking clothes.)
And the CityCenter walkway between the shops and Las Vegas Blvd.

I'll be posting photos of this walk in the Photo Gallery.