Do you think Chicago should have something Similar to Times Square or/and the Los Vegas strip?

[Northsider]

Originally Posted by goonsta

And like George mentioned with the Europeans who visit the FLW homes, the travelers from Europe to Chicago tend to be a little more cultured and want to immerse themselves in the history, music, architecture and local culture of the city, rather than just indulge in whatever spectacle is happening in one area. They've done their research and recognize that Chicago is a jack of all trades and along with its local qualities. I suppose Chicago could build some mega Amusement park and make the international tourism level as high as Orlando, but nah.....

This is purely anecdotal, but my 2 cents: I work for Navteq, now owned by Nokia. We have offices across the world, but the HQ is in Chicago. As such, many people from my work travel to Chicago for meetings, etc. I would ~95% of them, once knowing Chicago well over the course of a week, favor it over NYC. Now, these aren't "facts", this isn't city v city. I'm just saying of people I know well and work with from all over the world, they think Chicago is one of the best cities in the world all around.

NYC is the outspoken one. Everybody knows it, it's the biggest, thus everybody must make the pilgrimage there just like Americans go to Paris or London. More "in the know" tourists will stray and go to Marseilles or Toulous or what have you...


@ jbkayaker12: stfu and stop trolling.

Vegas is far more affordable than Chicago

If you're oblivious to the reason why, you need to just excuse yourself politely from this conversation.

[mhays]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

If you look at the tiny details on how these themed resorts were built you will not say that it is tacky but granted it is obvious you judge the book by its cover. Somehow, what is lost on you is the fact that Vegas built all these billion $$$ resorts to bring in visitors and it works.

Vegas visitors get more for their money because of the immense competition in the city be it for lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment. Vegas is far more affordable than Chicago. Now explain to others how that can be a tourist trap?

By the way, if you want to discuss about what is on offer in Chicago go ahead, I'm sure others will be interested.

"Tacky" is subjective, and doesn't stop if construction quality is good. I agree that LV is generally tacky.

Prices are cheap also because gambling subsidizes the hotels, construction costs are low, service jobs pay poorly, and land is cheap.

I'm fine with Las Vegas. But being realistic.

[diablo234]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

If you look at the tiny details on how these themed resorts were built you will not say that it is tacky but granted it is obvious you judge the book by its cover. Somehow, what is lost on you is the fact that Vegas built all these billion $$$ resorts to bring in visitors and it works.

Vegas visitors get more for their money because of the immense competition in the city be it for lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment. Vegas is far more affordable than Chicago. Now explain to others how that can be a tourist trap?

By the way, if you want to discuss about what is on offer in Chicago go ahead, I'm sure others will be interested.

Seriously?

All of that stuff is first and foremost designed to lure visitors into the casinos (ie which makes it a tourist trap). Las Vegas would not have any of that stuff if it were not for legalized gambling.

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by chicagogeorge

Funny, but incorrect. Not that I think Chicago can compare with NYC or Miami, or LA in tourism, but Chicago is still one of the top tourist destinations in the US.

I'm talking about international tourism, ie. foreign tourists.

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by diablo234

Seriously?

All of that stuff is first and foremost designed to lure visitors into the casinos (ie which makes it a tourist trap). Las Vegas would not have any of that stuff if it were not for legalized gambling.

So for you a trap means a destination offering world class amenities whether it is a Lake Mead size pool, world class artists, production numbers, broadway artists, world class chefs and their restaurants, shopping, regularly updated rooms....... THAT IS NOT A TRAP, THAT IS OFFERING VALUE FOR MONEY and if you pay attention to gambling, it is not only exclusive to Vegas. It is all over the United States and beyond and for your information the resorts now make more money in the entertainment options in Vegas than the gaming part.

[harryc]

Originally Posted by diablo234

Funny you should mention that since when I last visited Chicago a few years ago, I did a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park and I remember that I was the only American on the tour. Everyone else was from Europe including a few Germans, French, and Swiss people. I also remember helping out a few Brits on holw to use the "L" system so it is safe to say that many Europeans are attracted to Chicago.

No we don't need a Times Square !

And I do enjoy all the foreign tourists visiting my little village of Oak Park, very popular with the Japanese.


Japanese tourists w translator on Lake st, Oak Park, Ill.

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by mhays

"Tacky" is subjective, and doesn't stop if construction quality is good. I agree that LV is generally tacky.

I'm fine with Las Vegas. But being realistic.

Tacky is when the attention to detail is not at all "believable" but as far as the theme resorts as an attraction in Vegas, resort developers were able to replicate it with such high quality and are successful with it as a result, high visitation numbers.

If you think "theme" destinations are tacky then many destinations in the United States and beyond are in trouble with you.

Originally Posted by mhays

Prices are cheap also because gambling subsidizes the hotels, construction costs are low, service jobs pay poorly, and land is cheap.

Obviously you do not know that apart from gaming there are other entertainment options in Vegas that are revenue makers for the resorts. Service jobs are not paid poorly in Vegas. Unions set the wages with the resort owners agreement and many of those people make more money than you, I can guarantee you that. If you think construction cost are low in Vegas, I dare you to build a billion dollar resort.


tacky=shabby in appearance; shoddy

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by Northsider

@ jbkayaker12: stfu and stop trolling.

If you're oblivious to the reason why, you need to just excuse yourself politely from this conversation.

Last time I check, the others and I were having a dialogue in a PUBLIC FORUM.

If you cannot have at least a decent argument, why don't you just watch more Jerry Springer on TV, better yet, be there in person since it is filmed in Chicago.

[mhays]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

Tacky is when the attention to detail is not at all "believable" but as far as the theme resorts as an attraction in Vegas, resort developers were able to replicate it with such high quality and are successful with it as a result, high visitation numbers.

If you think "theme" destinations are tacky then many destinations in the United States and beyond are in trouble with you.


Obviously you do not know that apart from gaming there are other entertainment options in Vegas that are revenue makers for the resorts. Service jobs are not paid poorly in Vegas. Unions set the wages with the resort owners agreement and many of those people make more money than you, I can guarantee you that. If you think construction cost are low in Vegas, I dare you to build a billion dollar resort.


tacky=shabby in appearance; shoddy

I believe that on the construction cost indexes, Las Vegas' quotients are very low. This sort of thing isn't measured by "how big the project is" but rather by apples-to-apples data such as labor, materials, and professional services costs. This is often expressed on a square foot basis. All FYI since you're not in any related field.

Yes, many tourist attractions in the world are tacky in my opinion. Las Vegas is way over the top, often being overly garish for my taste. In other centers, stuff that's gold plated (etc.) tends to be classier.

[Jennifat]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

tacky=shabby in appearance; shoddy

That's not the definition of tacky, at all. Tacky is another word for "tasteless" or "kitschy". Things can be quality-made and expensive, but that doesn't mean they're not tacky.

You could build a full-scale, multi-trillion-dollar replica of the Taj Mahal, carved out of solid marble, complete with manicured gardens watered by the very last drops of the Colorado River, and it would still be a tacky fake.

[diablo234]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

So for you a trap means a destination offering world class amenities whether it is a Lake Mead size pool, world class artists, production numbers, broadway artists, world class chefs and their restaurants, shopping, regularly updated rooms....... THAT IS NOT A TRAP, THAT IS OFFERING VALUE FOR MONEY and if you pay attention to gambling, it is not only exclusive to Vegas. It is all over the United States and beyond and for your information the resorts now make more money in the entertainment options in Vegas than the gaming part.

A tourist trap is an establishment, or group of establishments, that has been created with the aim of attracting tourists[1] and their money. Tourist traps will typically provide services, entertainment, souvenirs and other products for tourists to purchase.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourist_trap

I rest my case.

Anyways you are just fooling yourself, if you think Las Vegas would be where it is today without gambling.

[Northsider]

Originally Posted by jbkayaker12

why don't you just watch more Jerry Springer on TV, better yet, be there in person since it is filmed in Chicago.

May Chicago get a grip on its crime, such a shame for a world city like you said but hey at least they got Oprah!!

Ouch but that is ok, Oprah will bring in the visitors

you only sound ignorant with your "opinion" of Vegas!!

I'm glad Vegas is not like Chicago!!

What does Chicago have that Vegas does not have, Oprah, Chicago can have her!!!

NO one is holding a gun to their head which leads me to crime, I heard crime in Chicago is HORRENDOUS!! Just saying!!

Last time I check, the others and I were having a dialogue in a PUBLIC FORUM.

If you cannot have at least a decent argument

You are certainly bringing a lot of constructive arguments to this "dialogue". Sorry to interrupt such concrete arguments like "Chicago has crime" and "Springer is filmed here". I'll oblige you and step away, clearly I'm outmatched.

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by Jennifat

That's not the definition of tacky, at all. Tacky is another word for "tasteless" or "kitschy". Things can be quality-made and expensive, but that doesn't mean they're not tacky.

You could build a full-scale, multi-trillion-dollar replica of the Taj Mahal, carved out of solid marble, complete with manicured gardens watered by the very last drops of the Colorado River, and it would still be a tacky fake.

For you its tacky and for nearly 40 million visitors in Vegas its a great destination with good value for money. Not a tourist trap, a great destination worthy of a visit, it may be over the top but it works and its admirable for what it can deliver.

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by diablo234

I rest my case.

Anyways you are just fooling yourself, if you think Las Vegas would be where it is today without gambling.

Wrong again because in Vegas, you get value out of your hard earned money when you spend it in town not so if you compared it to many other cities including Chicago.

Tourist trap is when you spend money and get pretty much next to nothing or junk and that is not the case for Vegas. Think again buddy!!

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by Northsider

You are certainly bringing a lot of constructive arguments to this "dialogue". Sorry to interrupt such concrete arguments like "Chicago has crime" and "Springer is filmed here". I'll oblige you and step away, clearly I'm outmatched.

Hey if you dont think crime in a great city of Chicago is out of the norm then more power to you, I'm just glad it's not the way in Vegas. Just google around and see crime statistics.

By the way I understand why you are not proud of Jerry Springer. If those people on the show are representative of the way people treat each other then it is not really suprising why crime is a big deal in Chicago.

Oh and if you are going to say it's stage yeah sure, it's staged alright and Jerry Springer chose the right city to film it!!!

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by mhays

I believe that on the construction cost indexes, Las Vegas' quotients are very low. This sort of thing isn't measured by "how big the project is" but rather by apples-to-apples data such as labor, materials, and professional services costs. This is often expressed on a square foot basis. All FYI since you're not in any related field.

Yes, many tourist attractions in the world are tacky in my opinion. Las Vegas is way over the top, often being overly garish for my taste. In other centers, stuff that's gold plated (etc.) tends to be classier.

Vegas is a Union dominated city, so wages are comparable if not the same compared to cities across the United States and as far as materials, many of the materials used in construction here in Vegas comes from out of State!! Manufacturing is not the main industry in Vegas.

For someone who is a not a fan of Vegas, you sure like to talk about it, not just here but in other threads as well. Vegas is doing something enviable not just in the United States but all over the world that naysayers like you have to knock it down.

[jbkayaker12]

Originally Posted by diablo234

Anyways you are just fooling yourself, if you think Las Vegas would be where it is today without gambling.

Who is denying that fact????? Unfortunately, you have a narrow point of view regarding Vegas as a destination and what it has to offer.

[Hia-leah JDM]

Shut up, you're not convincing anybody that Vegas is anything more than a tourist trap.

[jbkayaker12]

You are such a nice person, wishing you and the rest of the thugs here, a wonderful life!!

[3521usa]

I usually try to avoid these silly city vs city discussions but sometimes they're just too good to pass up.

jbkayaker12, how old are you 12? I would hate to know that the person writing these ignorant and amature comments is a grown man or woman.

First of all, let's be honest with ourselves.Vegas is a tourist trap and there is nothing wrong with that. Being a tourist trap is what Vegas does best and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just like how Navy Pier, here in Chicago is a tourist trap and Times Square in NYC is a tourist trap. The difference between the 3 cities though is that unlike NYC and Chicago, Vegas as a whole is nothing more than just a tourist trap. I wouldn't even consider it a real city, just a place you go for a few days to catch some live entertainment and do some gambling. That's why they say "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" because no one wants to bring that s!t home.




Now, to address your ignorant comments about crime, the Jerry Springer Show and Oprah, let me bring you up to date a bit. I don't know what rock you've been living under for the past few years but there is no more Oprah Winfrey show and Jerry is now shot in Connnecticut. Even when the Oprah show was still on and the Jerry Springer show was shot here, the city embraced them both. However, unlike Vegas, Chicago is not defined by a tv show or an industry. Chicago is the jack of all trades, like one poster previously wrote, and we're proud of that. Vegas on the other hand is defined by the gamgling industry. No one single industry can bring Chicago to its knees but if all gambling were to be banned tomorrow, Vegas would cease to exist or just become another suburb in the desert.

On to the crime issure. Crime in Chicago continues to go down and is at it's lowest in decades. Also, the crime rate in Chicago is no higher than many other American cities.
Also, how does the shooting of the Jerry Springer show here say anything about crime in the city? Most of the guests on the show were from other parts of the country. By your foolish logic, that place in Connecticut must be a very violent place now since that's where the Springer show currently takes place, right?

Also, I don't see anything wrong with there being a casino in Chicago or in any other city. However, what most Chicagoans don't want is a bunch of casinos and I think that's what a few forumers were trying to say, we don't need another Vegas in this country.

As for the original topic of the thread, I couldn't careless if Chicago gets a Times Square/Vegas type destination. If it were to happen, I just hope it would be put somewhere that's not yet established or is under utilized, like the Parking lots at the United Center as someone mentioned. All of Chicago's current retail streets should be off limits.