MontBleu opens

Thanks to Roger Gros of Global Gaming Business, I got to attend the opening of the MontBleu last night. Here’s a press release talking about it:

MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa in Lake Tahoe celebrated its official debut on May 24, with the help of Howie Mandel, comedian and host of NBC’s hit game show “Deal or No Deal.”

MontBleu, formerly known as Caesars Tahoe, brings a new level of style and sophistication to the picturesque surroundings of Lake Tahoe, creating a casino-resort experience that has not been previously available in the popular tourist destination.

With its hip, “metro-cool” atmosphere, the 440-room MontBleu features seven distinct restaurants and four chic nightlife venues, in addition to a newly-remodeled 40,000 square-foot casino and a brand new poker room.

True to its name meaning “blue mountain,” MontBleu brings the outdoors indoors, drawing inspiration from the neighboring mountains and lake, throughout all elements of its design. Straying from traditional casino motifs, MontBleu utilizes vibrant colors (mostly blues) and natural materials throughout its design and interior architecture.

MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa Debuts in Lake Tahoe: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

They did a great job of overhauling the place–it looks very, very contemporary now. Even the coffee shop (about the most staid thing you can imagine) is now 20Four, Continuous Cuisine. I didn’t get to go inside, so I didn’t get to see if it literally was continuous, with a conveyor belt sliding food past patrons. Don’t knock the idea–I went to a sushi restaurant where they did that once, and it wasn’t bad.

I missed the fireworks (I was at the author’s reception at the ICGRT) but saw Howie Mandel. He was extremely funny and entertaining–I definitely suggest checking out his act if you haven’t before.