We at Big Time have a certain affinity for Las Vegas. One of Big Time’s very own was married on the pirate ship at Treasure Island last year. It’s history is as colorful and unlikely as they come.  Vegas started out serving as a stopover on the pioneer trails to the west, and became a popular railroad town in the early 20th century. With gambling legalized in 1931, the casino city’s roots began to take hold. Let’s skip the mob era and fast forward to the present and Las Vegas is arguably the most sought after vacation locale in the world when it comes to bathing in the excesses of impulse and desire. Gambling, Shopping and Partying are it’s main imports and that has paved the way for a revolving door of over the top, engaging design. It’s this landscape that makes the likes of Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub, the highest grossing nightclub in the country, possible.

All that being said it’s no surprise that another hotel has been closed for a complete re-do. Bill’s Gambling Hall and Casino, home of the infamous after hours club Drai’s, closed it’s doors earlier this year for a thorough remodeling, inside and out.  The Gansevoort is taking it’s place and slated to open in early 2014. Drai’s, a Las Vegas staple after serving cocktails til the early hours for 15 years, will reopen in the same basement space. The Gansevoort will also be giving Drai’s a little (big at 65,000 square feet) brother, Drai’s Beach Club and Night Club, to it’s roster of entertainment. Topping off their food and beverage lineup will be a new restaurant (yet to be named) overlooking the Strip.

We’re gonna miss Bill’s as many fond memories started there but we’ll also be eagerly awaiting the opening of the Gansevoort and a visit to it next time we’re in Vegas.

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