M Resort, Spa and Casino

The $1 billion M Resort, Spa and Casino opened on March 1, bucking the odds in a challenging economic climate and an off-strip location. The resort was developed by Anthony A. Marnell III of the Marnell family, which, over the years, has designed and built the Mirage, Caesars Palace and Wynn. Marnell III is the founder, chairman and CEO of the M Resort, Spa and Casino.

“Opening a hotel during an economic downturn is no different than any other time,” says the 35-year-old Marnell. “The processes are the same—to build a great resort and provide value.” Although he acknowledges that the downturn will get worse before it gets better, he also believes that it’s all about staying power. “You need the right partnerships and liquidity,” he says. “We’re in a strong position with our partnerships.”

The 15-story M Resort, Spa and Casino is on South Las Vegas Boulevard, about seven miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Resting on more than 90 acres, the resort is just minutes from McCarran International Airport.

“Quality and intimacy is what sets the resort apart,” says Katja Spitz, leisure marketing manager, M Resort, Spa and Casino. Spitz also cites the resort’s architectural details and the room product itself as standout features.

The four-star property will have 90,000 square feet of gaming; a 23,000-square-foot spa; and a 100,000-square-foot events piazza. In October, the resort will open a 14-screen digital movie entertainment complex. The entire property has free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected poolside, and offers complimentary use of the fitness facilities.

The M Resort, Spa and Casino’s 390 rooms and suites have a residential feel and are generously proportioned. Rooms are decorated in rich tones and textures and leather seating and marble fixtures throughout create a luxe atmosphere. Each resort room has high-technology features, such as iPod docking stations, a Bose sound system and a 42-inch HD LCD flat-screen TV. The spa-like bathrooms have a marble vanity with double sinks, inlaid mirror TV and separate bathtub and shower. All resort rooms and suites feature automatic lighting controls for energy efficiency, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows.

Families will also find a fair amount of flexibility, since there are 155 connecting rooms at the resort. The property sits 400 feet higher in elevation than other resort casinos on the Strip, providing views of the skyline or surrounding mountains from the majority of rooms. With the tower’s north-south orientation, approximately 70 percent of the rooms face the Strip. Room availability varies depending on day of the week and length of stay as well as holidays. Advance booking is suggested, but not required.

The two-story, residential-style Loft Suites will be the most luxurious accommodations at the resort, available as either two- or three-bedroom accommodations with private entry, two separate living areas and a glass staircase.

Digging In, Blissing Out

Guests of the M Resort can choose from nine restaurants and five bars. The majority of the restaurants, all of which are owned and operated by the Marnell family, have alfresco dining on terraces with views of the Strip and the pool and events piazza, Villaggio del Sole. Private wine cellar dinners and tastings as well as private dining tables are available at Terzetto, Marinelli’s and Veloce Cibo. The private dining areas offer such amenities as fireplaces, TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Agents can make reservations for their clients in advance by calling 702-797-1000.

“The spa is the key amenity you have to have,” says Marnell, and adds that M Resort’s “will have all the bells and whistles.” The 23,000-square-foot Spa Mio has 16 treatment rooms, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi wet areas, full-service salon and barbershop and a state-of-the-art fitness center—all with views of the Villaggio del Sole’s canyon waterfall and firewall. The spa bathroom includes an inlaid mirror TV and separate tub and shower. Chuck Oliverio is the director of Spa Mio ([email protected], 702-797-1000). The resort encourages guests to make reservations in advance by calling Spa Mio at 702-797-1800.

Although Marnell expects locals within a 10-mile radius of the hotel to provide a significant percent of the resort’s business, he’s also focusing on peeling away his share of Sin City’s group bookings.

“We want out-of-town group business,” says Marnell. “The whole resort was designed to be very convenient and intimate. Easy to get in, easy to get out.” Marnell is looking to book small- to medium-sized groups into 100 to 350 rooms. “Customization for groups is a big feature—they’re also looking for flexibility,” he says. “Some groups have taken the whole hotel for themselves.”
The M Resort has more than 60,000 square feet of conference space, including a 17,400-square-foot ballroom, multiple reception areas and a business center.

Villaggio del Sole is a pool and entertainment piazza that includes a built-in stage with an event capacity of 6,000; three outdoor terraces, each offering more than 4,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space; Piazza Grille, a 2,000-square-foot outdoor restaurant and entertainment lounge; and Hostile Grape, a 5,000-square-foot wine cellar and tasting room that features more than 600 varietals. Pronto, a restaurant and fusion bar with space for 300, commands the summit of the M and provides views of the Las Vegas valley.

John Lipkowitz is the resort’s executive vice president and general manager.

Agents can contact Katja Spitz, leisure marketing manager, at [email protected] or 702-797-1000.