NEWH - November 2005 - (Page 25)

niagara fallsview casino resort designed as elaborate “resort village” by Andrea Benner The feel is Belle Epoque luxury. The amenities are 21st century. The gaming is plentiful. That’s the word on the spectacular $1 billion Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort complex that opened in June of 2004. The casino resort, which is currently the largest private construction project in Canada, includes 368 uniquely designed and appointed rooms and suites in the resort’s grand hotel and has more than 3,000 slot machines and 150 tables on the 200,000 square-foot gaming floor. “The design is uniquely Canadian and rivals any luxury casino resort in Europe or North America. Patrons can find their own comfortable environment in which to enjoy themselves,” says Jim Dougan, President and CEO of Falls Management Company, developer and manager of the resort. Designed to evoke the romance and glamour of the golden age of travel at the turn of the last century, the hotel also celebrates the grandeur of the Canadian landscape, featuring stone and other natural materials. Extensive use of glazed domes and skylights gives the complex a very bright atmosphere, and some spectacular views of both the American and Canadian falls. A larger-than-life theme demands a larger-than-life environment. A large sculpture grouping at the main entrance is illuminated by a stunning leaded-glass ceiling and each of the other entrances has a unique theme: one with a domed gallery complete with a hand-painted mural and the other a clerestoried winter garden. All have elaborate iron and glass gates to enhance the arrival experience. The casino gaming area, one of the largest in the world, has been created as a virtual “resort village.” Each of the nine separate gaming pits has its own “neighborhood” identity within a network of streets defined by a coffer-paneled ceiling. Cocktail bars, a buffet and a salon privé, for those who wish to play for higher stakes, are located behind 19th century building façades on the perimeter of the gaming floor. Many of the rooms provide views of the Horseshoe and American falls. Standard, upgraded and executive rooms all feature wood, granite, fabrics, patterns and a butter-yellow color scheme with raspberry and light green accents that evoke the luxury and excitement of the Belle Époque at the close of the 19th century. Over-sized high-back wing chairs, large headboards and kidney shaped desks that can serve as inroom dining tables are also included in all rooms. Of the hotel’s 85 suites, nine of them have been given VIP designation and designed with individual late 19th-century themes. The Trophy Room Suite, for example, is adorned by paintings of animals; the Monkey Suite reflects the popular craze for monkeys at the turn of the last century; and the Asian Suite has been designed with a Far East motif. Like the rest of the casino re-sort, the hotel’s rooms and suites were designed in accordance with the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui. A guest doesn’t have to be an ardent gambler to enjoy the theme. There is also an opulent health club, pool and 15,000-square-foot 25

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - November 2005

NEWH - November 2005
Letter from the President
Upfront
Contents
Hospitality News
Learning from Las Vegas, Exposing the Masters
Concept Hotels
Hospitality Industry Finds Friend in IRS
Mof Mof – Minimum of Fuss, Maximum of Flavor
Bubble Bash a Great Success!!
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
NEWH Welcomes New Corporate Partner NLP Industries
School from the Heart Update
Contributors
Coming Events

NEWH - November 2005