Delano Las Vegas
We hardly need a reason to visit Las Vegas; Sin City has long been one of our top destinations for scouting the very best in shopping, dining, nightlife and spa trends. But until recently, luxury hotel lovers seeking boutique experiences have been limited to just a few names. But in 2014, that should change, as boutique brands and new players enter Las Vegas in a big way. Forbes Travel Guide has the scoop on three new hot spots you’ll want to consider for your next visit.
The Cromwell
Caesars Entertainment seamlessly marries food and hospitality once again, bringing its second boutique hotel to the Strip with the May 21 opening of The Cromwell. The former Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon has been transformed into a glamorous property with a decidedly epicurean bent — Giada De Laurentiis makes The Cromwell the home of her first-ever restaurant, Giada.
The Cromwell
We can’t wait for:
- 188 Parisian-style rooms with unique touches such as hardwood floors and chic purple accents.
- The 65,000-square-foot Victor Drai-managed indoor/outdoor nightclub, Drai’s Beach Club Nightclub, located on the hotel’s roof.
- On-site gambling. Nine gold and red chandeliers featured in the gaming area were original fixtures from the hotel’s original namesake, Barbary Coast.
- Giada’s first restaurant, of course. It promises an exhibition kitchen, fresh pastas and an antipasti bar.
Opening just in time for summer temperatures to dip from “absurdly hot” to “still reminds me of summer even though it’s September,” Morgans Hotel Group gets its first Las Vegas property with Delano Las Vegas this fall. A planned September 1 debut will complete an $80 million transformation of the THEhotel at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
We can’t wait for:
- The oversized all-suite accommodations (starting at 725 square feet, among the largest on the Strip), each with an extra half bath.
- Dining with a view in the 64th-floor restaurant from Alain Ducasse, Rivea, opening this winter, replacing miX.
- Zenning out at the boutique BATHHOUSE Spa and partying at the upcoming private Delano Beach Club.
- The gorgeous décor, inspired by the Mojave Desert.
Cue the music, because nightlife brand SBE is blasting onto the Vegas scene with the August 23 introduction of SLS Las Vegas, located in the former Sahara Hotel and Casino. If you like to play and sleep in the same space, this 1,622-room hotel is definitely for you.
We can’t wait for:
- A second location of Los Angeles favorite music destination The Sayers Club, plus Foxtail, a poolside day-meets-night destination, and LiFE, which will take shape in Sahara’s old theater and feature massive LED video screens for a techy twist on traditional nightlife.
- Food for days, including The Bazaar by José Andrés, Katsuya by Starck, Cleo, 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, Umami Burger, Ku Noodle and the first outpost of The Griddle Cafe outside of L.A.
- Interior design by the renowned Philippe Starck, plus a few suites designed by Lenny Kravitz for good measure.
- An exclusive collaboration with Fred Segal, including eight of the label’s branded boutiques.
Photos Courtesy of Delano Las Vegas and Cromwell Las Vegas
