Las Vegas
- The 3.2 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (702.892.0711; www.lvcva.com) recently began a three-phase enhancement project. Phase one, slated for completion in 2011, includes major infrastructure improvements and a brand-new fire station that will be constructed on the convention center campus. Phase two will add a meeting room complex to South Hall, which will also be renovated. Phase three will add a new grand lobby and concourse. Completion dates for the second and third phases have not been set.
- Caesars Palace (866.227.5938; www.caesarspalace.com) is undergoing a $1 billion expansion project that includes a new 594-room, 71-suite Octavius Tower and an adjacent 263,000-square-foot meeting and convention center. The 21st through 23rd floors of the tower will offer higher security and be suite-only. Caesars will also add three swimming pools in a cluster around an outdoor whirlpool spa retreat and a poolside cafe. In addition, Caesars is refurbishing its existing Forum Tower, expanding its race and sports book, remodeling its casino floor and buffet, and creating a new front entrance.
- The 647-room Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (702.693.5000; www.hardrockhotel.com) is undergoing an $800 million expansion and renovation that includes construction of an additional 950 guest rooms, 60,000 more square feet of meeting space, 30,000 square feet of new retail and 35,000 square feet of additional gambling space. The Hard Rock will also expand its pool, renovate its existing suites and common areas, and add new food and beverage outlets. Completion is expected by mid-2009.
- The elements of MGM Mirage’s 76-acre CityCenter (www.citycenter.com) complex continue to progress. Its 1,543-room Vdara condo hotel is scheduled to open in November 2009 and the 4,004-room ARIA Resort & Casino is slated to open in December 2009. Other structures will include the 337-unit residential Veer Tower; the 207-room Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences; a 400-room Mandarin Oriental Hotel; and Crystals, a retail and entertainment district that will include high-end retailers. CityCenter will also have 300,000 square feet of meeting space. MGM Mirage is expected to pursue LEED certification for CityCenter through the U.S. Green Building Council.
- In December, Steve Wynn’s 2,034-suite Encore (702.770.8000; www.encorelasvegas.com) opened next door to the existing Wynn Las Vegas. Encore features 11 retail outlets, five restaurants, seven bars, 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a nightclub, a pool, a casino and a spa and salon.
- The 1,900-room Golden Nugget Las Vegas (702.385.7111; www.goldennugget.com) completed a $60 million expansion that included the Grand, a new multipurpose events center for meetings; an expanded gambling floor; Red Sushi, a new restaurant; and Gold Diggers, a new nightclub.
Henderson
- In March, the $1.8 billion, 390-room M Resort, Spa and Casino (866.551.1540; www.themresort.com) will open with 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a 23,000-square-foot spa, a casino and a 100,000-square-foot pool and entertainment area.
- Two Hyatt properties, a Hyatt Place (888.492.8847; www.hyatt.com) and a Hyatt Summerfield Suites (866.974.9288; www.hyatt.com) will open in Henderson this spring.
Laughlin
- At the end of 2008, the 1,907-room Aquarius (702.298.5111; www.aquariuscasinoresort.com), formerly the Flamingo, finished a $20 million renovation of all its guest rooms.
- The 1,505-room Harrah’s Laughlin (702.298.4600; www.harrahslaughlin.com) renovated the guest rooms in all three of its hotel towers.
- The 300-room Golden Nugget Laughlin (800.950.7700; www.goldennugget.com/laughlin) plans to finish a guest room renovation of its 150-unit east wing this spring.
- The 1,167-room Colorado Belle (877.460.0777; www.coloradobelle.com) plans to undergo a complete renovation this year.