It’s a new year, which means the Las Vegas Strip is due for a shake up. First-timers and visitors returning to The Strip are in for some exciting new hotel, entertainment and culinary offerings. Here are a few of the changes you and your clients can expect to see this year.
New “W” on The Strip
Last year, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide signed the SLS Las Vegas in a landmark acquisition that marked the company’s single largest addition of hotel rooms (more than 1,600 guestrooms and suites) in North America since the 2008 recession. Fast-forward to March 2016 and two of the mixed-use resort and casino’s hotel towers are now under Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio brand, while the third, the 289-guestroom LUX Tower, is being converted into a W Hotel—the first W-branded hotel on The Strip. Upon completion, the W Las Vegas will feature a W Living Room, a dedicated entrance for W guests, and the brand’s signature Away Spa, plus a FIT fitness center, and an exclusive outdoor WET pool deck and bar. Between its three towers, the SLS Las Vegas encompasses 1,613 guestrooms, including 120 suites; eight restaurants; three nightlife and entertainment venues; two pools; and a 54,000-sq.-ft. casino. Starwood operates four other existing properties in Las Vegas, including The Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa, The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, the Four Points by Sheraton Las Vegas East Flamingo, and Element Las Vegas Summerlin. Room rates at the SLS Las Vegas start at $119 per night. For more information, visit starwoodhotels.com.
A Foodie’s Paradise
The Rivea and Skyfall Lounge, by Michelin-decorated chef Alain Ducasse, opened last October atop the Delano Las Vegas, bringing Riviera-inspired cuisine and a robust selection of cocktails (shaken, stirred and effervescent) to a casual rooftop hangout that features 180-degree views of Las Vegas. Located on the 64th floor of the Delano Las Vegas, the restaurant and lounge is meant to transport guests to summer nights in the South of France. The Rivea and Skyfall Lounge’s mahogany banquettes and a palette of maritime blues and yellow accents mirrors the design of luxurious European yachts. A lighted Wave Wall containing hundreds of glass pieces that mimic water is also on display—this is Vegas after all. Inside the 50-seat private dining room Rivea+, guests enjoy 180-degree views of The Strip through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Skyfall Lounge features sunset hues and an expansive outdoor patio. Room rates at the Delano Las Vegas start at $200. For more information, call (702) 632-7888 or visit delanolasvegas.com.
For a more active approach to delving into the Las Vegas foodie scene, book your clients on one of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours’ commissionable culinary walking tours. We recommend the Savors of the Strip tour, a 3-hour journey that indulges guests in gourmet dishes prepared at restaurants throughout the city. Rates for the Savors of the Strip tour start at $199 pp, and includes up to five stops at some of Vegas’ top restaurants, 15 or more signature dishes, expedited seating and service, and a personal guide. For an additional $60 pp, guests receive a pre-selected signature drink at various stops. For more information, call (888) 681-4388 or visit vegasfoodietour.com.
Nightlife and Entertainment
“Breaking Bad” comes to the Mob Museum
– On Feb. 26, the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas debuted a permanent display from AMC’s award-winning crime drama “Breaking Bad.” Artifacts on display include the yellow hazmat suit worn by Bryan Cranston in the scenes where his character, Walter White, was cooking meth; two gas masks; and a rubber apron worn during the series. According to the museum’s director of content Geoff Schumacher, the exhibit was added because “’Breaking Bad’ effectively dramatized organized crime and today’s illicit drug trade.” For more information, call (702) 229-2734 or visit themobmuseum.org.
JEWEL Nightclub debuts at ARIA Resort & Casino
– JEWEL Nightclub is set to make its debut at ARIA Resort & Casino this May. The 24,000-sq.-ft. dual-level nightlife venue will feature a main club and a mezzanine level with five VIP skyboxes. The DJ booth will feature a wall adorned with dual-sided LED video screens and effects lighting that can change shapes and synchronize to the music playing. Room rates at ARIA Resort & Casino start at $109 per night. For more information, call (866) 359-7111 or visit aria.com.
A Park Opens Up on The Strip
– On April 4, the Las Vegas Strip will receive its first “park,” an immersive outdoor dining and entertainment district created by MGM Resorts International. The Park will feature an eclectic blend of restaurants and bars, including modern-day “roadside” burger stand Shake Shack, a beer garden and a Japanese restaurant, Sake Rok, inspired by Japan’s vibrant pop culture and fashion movements, as well as live music and events. For more information, visit theparkvegas.com.
