Vegas Hotel Death Ray or Chance to Really Heat Thing Up with Solar Power?

Recently tourists in Las Vegas found out that was happens in Vegas, doesn't really stay in Vegas, thanks to a report in the Las Vegas Review Journal. Tourist visiting the popular MGM International owned hotel and spa Vdara found out that their guests stories of a smoking hot ray of sun light was making headlines.

What's so hot about Vegas?

Visitors to the Vdara Hotel and Spa in Las Vegas found that it was "hot, hot, hot" poolside. Tourist, Bill Pintas, shared his story in the Las Vegas Review Journal:

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Pintas and other guests at the hotel reported similar stories. What could be occurring poolside at this deluxe hotel that is burning hair, skin and shoes? Solar heat is the culprit. The Vdara has an architectural design that features mirrored glass that is collecting solar heat which is then reflected off the 57 feet of curved mirror of the hotel's south side. Causing an almost 20 degree boost in temperature the mirrored face of the building is gathering, reflecting and focusing the midday sun on the hotel's pool area, scorching guests and melting thin plastics in the process. The solar reflection covers an approximate 10x15 foot area, and travels across the building and the ground below with the rotation of the Earth throughout the day, so where it is "hot" one minute it is not the next.

Other hotels and resorts are home to what some are calling a "death ray," Vegas' Circus Circus, Mandalay Bay and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles all produce similar solar heat effects thanks to their design and the abundance of sunlight. Designers, architects and management say that they are trying to find a "solution" to "fix" the problem. I am not architect, designer or even a scientist but agree with many other that there is one "fix" that could be utilized; install solar panels.

What if more popular hotels and resorts were to harness the power of the sun that is right there at their proverbial "fingertips" (at least if they open a window it is). The solar power available could be harnessed and used as an alternative to electricity and gas, to provide heat, cooling air, hot water and since it is sustainable and not petroleum based they could actually do so something good for the environment as well as possibly cut costs.

Many of us don't think about the effect of vacationing or traveling on the environment, but as is the case with all environmental efforts every little bit helps. Wyndham Worldwide (the company that owns our timeshare property) has responded to the desire for more eco-friendly choices but making several changes to reduce not only their companies carbon footprint but to offer educational and entertaining activities to their guests to share information on topics like water and energy conservation, enjoying the nature around you through scavenger hunt and hiking trail activities and making several changes in their cleaning supplies, uniforms, and accommodations.

I was surprised to find during my last stay at a Wyndham Resort that my dish and laundry detergent were eco-friendly choices made by Method. They also now offer recycled paper products and recycling facilities. They have installed eco-friendly carpets by Cool Carpet that is 100% recyclable and they estimate that in 2009 approximately 10,850 plastic bottles have been recycled.

Resort amenities now include the Wyndham Green Kids Program that offers resort and online activities to children ages 3-14. These activities include information on water conservation, community involvement, recycling, reusing, energy conservation and scientific innovations.

Wyndham seems to know what to do with a building that has a ready-made source of solar power.

We all know the power of the sun. After all don't we use sunscreen before we go outside? Some of us have even found ways to depend on the sun to help us warm and provide light in our homes. Others are discovering how to use the sun's warmth to warm the water in their homes. Wouldn't it be great if MGM International could learn the same things that the rest of us are about the gift of solar power they have available to them?

Whatever the "fix" they come up with, maybe it is safer to spend the day gambling in Vegas instead of lounging by the pool. Or maybe that's the whole idea?

Sources:

Las Vegas Review Journal

Wyndham Faces and Places

Personal Experience with Wyndham Resorts