The Shops at Crystals — Attraction in Paradise

This is the most dichotomous venue I can imagine. The visual appeal is undeniable, but do overexposed it it incompressible to defend. Our visit today caused me embarrassment on the most basic level, yet awe at the opulence. Now disabled, there was a time in the not to distant past when I could treat my wife to anything she wanted without a second thought. However, I felt shame while touring the premises today as I can no longer provide such indulgences. My wife was gracious and understanding, but I hung my head as another lesson was learned in lowering my ego. It is beautiful. It has world class architecture. The people responsible for designing it are most likely without rival. Unfortunately, during the height of what is anticipated as prime hours for retailers, I counted less than twenty total patrons while standing in the most central location I could find. As we made our way through, it was a rarity to see more than two or three customers in any shop while at least half of them had none whatsoever.

I respect those who can still afford this luxury, but I also caution visitors of any financial pedigree that this type of ostentatiousness is frowned on by the masses. I now recognize the piety of shopping for items at ludicrous price points is not the positive characteristic I once believed it to be. Finally, of the very few people I saw there, it was evident the majority could not make even a small purchase without an irresponsible sacrifice.

I just went back and added a second star for the opportunity our visit provided me to mature. At the age of 60 and counting, my disability ensures I will never be capable of providing for my family as before, but I can learn and pass my...

The mall itself is beautiful and very well decorated. You can walk around and enjoy it, but if you want to shop there- it’s another story… I had a unpleasant experience shopping at this mall today; the majority of the stores won’t let you shop around alone- someone is constantly following you and questioning why you are here; it’s annoying and it’s insulting, like you are a thief.

There were a few good stores- Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior and Urban Essentials. I felt welcome; it was a pleasure to shop there and I made a few purchases.

Hermes- forget it, a ton of associates doing nothing just staring at you, not friendly at all, almost rude, and have very poor training ( if they have any). I felt like they did a favor to let me in. In the store I felt very uncomfortable, unwelcome and couldn’t wait to leave. Too bad for them, because they lost a potential customer due to be untrained properly and poorly speaking English.

The worst experience was at CHANEL, where the door guard was acting cocky, like a complete jerk, making me wait at the door, there was an empty store with a ton of assistants available; also was whispering to one of them ( in the front of me ) - making fun of me waiting. I would gladly leave, but I needed something specific at the store. This door guard’s unacceptable behavior is a shame for this Chanel store. I felt very disrespected and insulted as a customer or human being.

Honestly, I didn’t enjoy this mall enough -a few stores ruined it for me. I was willing to shop here more and make a memorable purchases, but I guess I will chose another...

I'm sure everyone walking through this building is thinking, "How many people walking through here can actually afford to purchase items from some of these stores?" Okay, maybe it's just me thinking this...regardless, I enjoy walking through here and window shopping from time to time, whenever my family and I are doing a staycation on the strip. But to tell you the truth, some of the stores are actually affordable and don't make you feel like you have to sell your house to be able to purchase top name brand clothing.

Since my house isn't on the market to sell, I didn't purchase anything during this visit; however, the experience walking through here is always phenomenal. The décor is always exquisite and seems to change based on the holiday and/or desired theme. This area is also great to get your steps in and/or if you're wanting to step away from the outdoor weather. As a Las Vegas local, I'm sure I'll be back some time in the future to either walk around again or actually purchase something (I do most of my shopping outside of the strip). Overall, it's a great experience and I highly recommend everyone to visit...