Based on our data indicating the most-read Las Vegas stories on Travel Agent, we've rounded up a look back at the biggest Vegas stories of the year.
1. Las Vegas' LGBT Marketing Goes National
In April Las Vegas' iconic "What Happens Here, Stays Here" advertising campaign targeted the LGBT market for the first time with a new, nationally televised TV spot geared toward the LGBT community.
The latest installment of the "What Happens Here, Stays Here" campaign, which was rebooted back in November 2013, began airing April 7 on well-known national television networks, including Bravo TV, E! Entertainment Television and Logo TV.
The city's LGBT market got an additional boost in October when a decision made by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Nevada’s same-sex marriage ban, sparking many venues in Las Vegas to begin offering LGBT wedding packages.
2. The Cromwell Las Vegas Opens on the Strip
The Cromwell, Caesars' new boutique hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, opened in late February. Eileen Moore, regional president of The Cromwell as well as the Flamingo Las Vegas and The Quad Resort & Casino, came by Travel Agent’s New York offices to bring us up to date on what the Vegas institution is working on.
The Cromwell opened in late February as the only boutique luxury hotel on the Strip, and Moore said that it was already getting high service rankings. The staff do not wear nametags, she added, and are encouraged to talk one-on-one with guests so that everyone--guest and employee alike--see one another as people and share common traits. Every team member was also required to take a “brand immersion” class to become completely familiar with the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and textures of the hotel--for example, they now know (by touch) the difference between the real leather used in the hotel’s suites and “faux” leather.
3. Guy Fieri Opens New Vegas Restaurant
Guy Fieri opened his first Las Vegas restaurant, Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar at The Quad Resort & Casino, on April 17. Before the opening Fieri surprised guests by serving up his signature Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger to hundreds of fans.
Fieri addressed the crowd and expressed his excitement of opening up his first Las Vegas restaurant, "It's great to be back in Las Vegas," exclaimed Fieri. "It has always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant here. It's been a long road to get here, and this is the homecoming of homecomings. I promise you, Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar is gonna rock the house!"
4. Downtown Grand Las Vegas Opens PICNIC Rooftop Pool
Also in April, The Downtown Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino opened its new PICNIC rooftop pool for hotel guests and locals.
Designed to be reminiscent of a '50s pool oasis, the new area offers live entertainment and film screenings throughout the year, an infinity pool and opportunities for picnics on the grass or at communal tables. Guests can also enjoy cocktails or play blackjack outdoors.
5. Las Vegas High Roller Debuts at The Linq
Finally, Vegas got a new attraction in the form of the Las Vegas High Roller observation wheel, which opened at The Linq toward the end of March.
Standing more than 100 feet taller than the London Eye, the High Roller has 28 glass-enclosed cabins that can hold up to 40 passengers each. We hear riders will get "unparalleled" views of the Strip and surrounding valley during the 30 minutes it takes the wheel to complete one full rotation.
Location, location, location: The wheel is right across the street from Caesars Palace, right next to the Flamingo Las Vegas and The Quad Resort & Casino and between two monorail stops. (Good to know for those driving in: Valet parking is available.)