Friday, June 21, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
The builders of the Monte Carlo promised that the city's newest mega-resort would offer more for the dollar.
A sampling of the 1,500 VIP guests at the hotel's grand opening Thursday night agreed that the promise had been fulfilled and the Monte Carlo is much more than a pretty face with a famous name on the Strip.
"People are going to get more luxury for their dollar here than any place on the Strip," said Glenn Schaeffer, president and chief financial officer of Circus Circus Enterprises Inc., which built Monte Carlo in partnership with Mirage Resorts Inc.
"The customer will know that when they enter the Monte Carlo, they have arrived," Schaeffer said.
The $344 million hotel-casino offers budget prices to tourists eager to sample European elegance.
Room rates ranging from $59 weekdays to $99 weekends have already attracted so much interested that most of the hotel's more than 3,000 rooms are booked until 1997.
The resort, described by Schaeffer "as a palace that pleases the pocketbook," features Italian marble floors, huge shimmering chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings, elaborate arches, decorative fountains and gas-lighted promenades.
Mirage Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn noted that the hotel was built within the 14-month schedule and under budget, and wryly joked that he's beginning to wonder whether he's spending too much to build his own casinos.
More seriously, Wynn said the Monte Carlo offers "ambiance that is extraordinary at any price."
Others agreed.
"I love this place," said Jim Beasley, a local automobile broker. "It reminds me of the casino in Monte Carlo. I've seen it."
His wife, Barbara said, "This place gives you an elegant feeling on the inside. Everyone will feel comfortable here."
One of those who felt very comfortable Thursday evening was Stratosphere Corp. Chairman Bob Stupak.
"It's beautiful. Everything works fine, especially the air conditioning," Stupak said. "It's nice and cool in here."
With Stupak was singing legend Phyllis McGuire.
"I can't say it's stupakular because I've already used that term to describe the Stratosphere Tower when it opened earlier this year," McGuire said. "But this place is stupendous.
"It's so much grander than I thought. It's very elegant."
State Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, noted, "I like it. It's very classy."
"I think we have a home run here," said Bill Cleek, director of casino marketing. "It's very elegant. The amenities are easy to find. At the MGM (Grand), you can feel a little lost. But this is a nice place. It feels great to be here."
Many VIPs enjoyed a special preview performance by illusionist Lance Burton. Others were wined and dined in the hotel's six themed restaurants.
Others enjoyed themselves at the Monte Carlo Brewery Pub, which offers a range of domestic and imported beers and ales.
Throughout the evening, the pub was filled with the sounds of '70s dance music, and the strong aroma of tobacco smoke.
"I love this place, but I think the cigar smoke is a turnoff," said Ruth Albin of Las Vegas.
"That's right," said her friend, Kathy Adams. "It's the threat of Andy Capp," referring to the cigar and novelty store just outside the pub that sells Monte Carlo brand coronas for $7 each.
"There's a lot of women here smoking cigars," said Rick Goines, sales manager at KNPR. "It kind of looks sexy."
Suzan Hudson, general manager of the station, agreed: "I love cigars."
Monte Carlo is the second of three mega-resorts opening in Las Vegas this year, continuing the latest phase of expansion that began with the opening of the Stratosphere hotel-casino in April.
Later this year, New York-New York, a joint venture of MGM Grand and Primadonna Resorts, is expected to open next door to Monte Carlo at the Strip and Tropicana Avenue.
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