I just saw on the news that they blew up the old Greek Isles hotel (LOL, leaving one shaftway still standing). I thought that was still open!
I hung out at Tuscany Suites until it was time for the implosion then went out to the street and walked toward the Clarion until I had a clear view. They set off the charges late due to a handful of trespassers in the safety zone. The explosions were pretty loud, but there was less dust than I expected. Most of it drifted to the East away from observers. They'll have to bring down the remaining elevator shafts soon as it won't be safe to clear the site with them weakened and unstable. Bill
I stay quite often at the Renaissance or at the Marriott just down the street. I usually walk over to the strip (mostly for the Peppermill) and only twice did I stop in to the Greek Isles casino. Not a favorable impression as it was in deplorable condition. My last memory was a group having a karaoke session there. They were enjoying themselves, obviously locals. Times change, hope what's going in improves the area, it needs it.
I and some other convention-goers walked up to the Greek Isles maybe 9-10 years ago. The casino reminded me of Ellis Island. I remember that when I cashed out at VP I had to schlep a bucket of coins to the cage. The restaurant was actually surprisingly good.
Wife and I stayed there about 20 years ago when it was the Debbie Reynolds. Nice comfortable rooms with a touch of old Hollywood. Lots of B/W art. The 'casino' was a joke though, basically nothing more than a lobby. But for a nice quiet room for about 50 bucks, it was well worth it.
