An Ever-expanding Las Vegas for Gen X and Gen Y


Palms Place Studio Suite

The opening of Palms Place last week wasn’t just the latest expansion of a casino resort; it was the symbolic opening salvo in a battle to capture the hearts, minds and wallets of 20- and 30-somethings.

Casino resort operators have caught on to the notion there’s money to be made in creating properties that mostly appeal to a hipper, slicker clientele that’s seeking stylish accommodations and a playful atmosphere.

Palms Place is the newest addition to The Palms, of course. The third tower at this complex is actually a 599-unit condo hotel, meaning it has individual owners that place the properties into a rental pool. Some of the units are owned by Eminem, Paul Stanley of Kiss, Jessica Simpson and Hulk Hogan. There is also a 50,000-square-foot spa, recording studio and Sunset Tan, which will be the home to a reality television series on E! Entertainment.

Meanwhile, the original destination of cool is also expanding. The Hard Rock Hotel is adding an all-suite tower, which will have 950 guest rooms. Also being added is 60,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and approximately 35,000 square feet of casino space. The project is expected to be fully complete by mid-2009.

At the end of 2009, MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter will open with a pair of properties meant to appeal to Gen X and Millennials. The 400-room Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences bills itself as a ‘chic retreat’ and is being created by the Light Group. This company has been a major player in the Las Vegas nightlife scene, developing uber-hip clubs such as The Bank at Bellagio and Jet at Mirage.

The following year Morgans Hotel Group – known for creating some of the most stylish hotels in Miami, New York and Los Angeles—is opening two hotels under the hip Delano and Mondrian monikers. Located at the under construction Echelon Place, The Delano Hotel Las Vegas will include 600 guest rooms and suites, a destination nightclub, lobby bar and Asia de Cuba restaurant. Mondrian Hotel Las Vegas will include 1,000 guest rooms and suites, a distinctive bar, restaurant and Skybar. They open in 2010. –Glenn Haussman