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| Guests at The Venetian can learn the ins and outs of piloting a gondola and gain hands-on experience in navigating their own vessel. |
Las Vegas’ exceptionally high repeat visitor rate (more than 83 percent over the last five years) inspires the city to keep presenting new products and experiences. Or perhaps it’s the latter that engenders the former. Either way, hotels, restaurants and attractions always seem to be topping themselves to attract new and repeat business. Here are some of the latest developments that may intrigue your clients.
Caesars Palace, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in August, has unveiled chic, new hotel rooms at the 587-room Julius Tower, a splashy $75 million renovation of the former Roman Tower. The design-minded, modern rooms and suites combine classical inspiration with contemporary touches. Bursts of freesia yellow and Aegean blue contrast with the neutral color palette and textured fabric decor. The beds have upholstered headboards incorporating mirrored panels framed in bronze. The bathrooms have a floating double sink, lighted vanity mirrors and a stone shower with glass enclosure.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is partnering with three interior designers — Tihany, Daun Curry and Richmond International — to create 21 uniquely styled Boulevard Penthouses in its Boulevard Tower. The new luxury accommodations will maintain views of the Las Vegas skyline and range in size from 2,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. A private Art Deco-inspired gaming salon will also be created exclusively for the guests of these units. The penthouses are slated for completion at the close of 2016 and in early 2017.
The Venetian Las Vegas’ new Gondola University answers the most asked question to the hotel’s gondoliers: “How can I become a gondolier?” Limited to just nine participants a day, ages 13 and up, the program begins with a primer on the history of Venice, the city whose famous aquatic transportation inspired the hotel. Students then learn the ins and outs of piloting a gondola before going through “Rowing 101” and gaining hands-on experience in navigating their own vessel. The day ends with an official Sash and Scarf ceremony that mimics the ritual performed by The Venetian Las Vegas when a new gondolier earns their stripes after training. Graduates will also receive a gondola hat and T-shirt, a souvenir photo and a degree certificate from Gondola University.
At Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is an immersive and educational experience that transports visitors to the world of The Avengers. Within the S.T.A.T.I.O.N., visitors are taken to the official headquarters of the Marvel Universe and given access to intelligence files, classified studies, experiments around the origins of The Avengers, all the while training to become an agent of S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Fans of the series will recognize tons of Marvel equipment, including Captain America’s uniform and shield, Bruce Banner’s laboratory, uniforms and weapons of Hawkeye and Black Widow, Vision’s birth cradle, Ant-Man’s helmet and more.
MGM Resorts International has begun rolling out a new solar-powered mobile device charging station called Powersol at its Las Vegas properties, including Aria, Bellagio and MGM Grand. Guests can now charge their smartphones and other mobile devices sustainably while lounging by the pool, instead of heading back to their room.
Attention, Foodies
The High Roller, the world’s tallest (550 feet) observation wheel, recently launched an in-cabin chocolate tasting experience with Ethel M Chocolates. At 550 feet in the air, this is the first tasting experience of its kind in North America where guests learn about the origins of chocolate and how the pieces were created, all the while focusing their attention on the aroma, taste and texture. The 30-minute (one rotation) adventure includes a chocolatier ambassador showcasing five different types of pieces and the story behind them.
Upon arrival, each guest also receives one voucher for a complimentary glass of wine, which can be picked up in the Sky Lounge prior to boarding. From there, they embark upon the High Roller where their immersion into the world of chocolate begins. The chocolatier advises guests to clear their minds and palates as the first piece is featured. They are encouraged to smell and savor every single bite. Interaction and engagement are encouraged so participants can compare and contrast their sensations and textures. Ethel M sets out various signature and popular pieces, as well as exclusive seasonal selections when available.
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| The High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, has launched an in-cabin chocolate tasting experience in conjunction with Ethel M Chocolates. |
Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has introduced its newest culinary experience, the “Lip Smacking Boozy Brunch Tour.” Offered on Saturdays and Sundays, the two-and-a-half-hour guided tour starts at 10:30 a.m., visiting Herringbone by Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey for avocado toast and eggs Benedict with crab and spicy hollandaise. Next, the tour visits Chef Michael Mina’s Bardot Brasserie for classic French caramelized canelés, and buttery brioche French toast with vanilla mascarpone and crunchy almond brittle. At Lemongrass, guests can sample traditional dim sum dumplings and Thai coconut sticky rice with fresh mango.
Now through October 31, Las Vegas’ Hofbräuhaus — an exact replica of the original in Munich — is hosting its own Oktoberfest. Among the celebrities who will be given the honor of tapping the keg each day are ventriloquist Terry Fator, Rick Harrison from “Pawn Stars,” Pussykat Tattoo owner Dirk Vermin, and “Legends In Concert” performer Coty Alexander.
The Palm Restaurant at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace reopened recently after a summer-long makeover that includes some new hand-painted art installations on the walls. Artist Zack Bird created a custom 512-square-foot mural of The Las Vegas Strip as well as more than 50 caricatures of celebrities, such as Caesars Palace entertainers Céline Dion, Rod Stewart and Reba McEntire. Guests can also check out some new dishes on the menu of Italian entrees and steakhouse favorites, including the Four-Cheese Nova Scotia Lobster Mac ’n’ Cheese (with a bacon crust), Coconut Crusted Sea Scallops, Bone-In Colorado Veal Rib Chop Malfata and a 12-ounce Australian Wagyu Rib-Eye steak.
That’s Entertainment
In addition to Las Vegas’ ongoing array of something-for-everyone Broadway musicals, comedy shows and revues, there are limited-engagement events that could influence your clients’ decisions as to when to book their stay.
The Smith Center, for example, concludes its fall season November 22, 23, 24 and 27 with Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” Las Vegas will be one of the only seven cities to host the show this holiday season.
Cigar-smoking, Scotch-drinking comedian Ron White will deliver his blue-collar humor at The Mirage’s Terry Fator Theater on December 2,3, 9 and 10. A VIP ticket will earn guests the chance to meet “Tater Salad” (if your clients are fans, they’ll get the joke).
Four-time Grammy Award-winning hit maker Lionel Richie’s last series of performances for 2016 will be December 27-30 at Planet Hollywood’s Axis Theater.