Renovation Roundup

Classic Vegas resorts serve up new looks for the new year

With 2013 just around the corner, several of Las Vegas’ most popular resorts are raising the bar with remodeled rooms, renovated casinos and new hotel towers. Some resorts are even completely rebranding themselves.

Here’s a look at a few of the biggest changes.

One of the most anticipated additions to the Strip is the world’s first Nobu Hotel, scheduled for a soft opening at the end of 2012 inside Caesars Palace. Designed by the Rockwell Group, the boutique hotel will include 181 rooms and suites (along with the world’s largest Nobu restaurant).

Just across the street, Imperial Palace will become the Quad Resort & Casino on Dec. 21. Although the renovation isn’t scheduled for completion until late 2013, guests will already notice some changes to the property, including a new front desk, bell desk and valet entrance/porte cochere.

MGM Grand’s renovation, meanwhile, is nearly complete.

The property finished a $160-million room and suite remodel in its main tower in September, and introduced 42 rooms and suites that are part of its new Stay Well collection.

The Palms Casino Resort also recently remodeled all 428 rooms in its Palms Tower. The new rooms feature warm wood tones, luxurious velvets and custom artwork.

The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas will complete a $26-million room renovation on Dec. 17. All 424 of its rooms and suites will feature an Art Deco theme.

Downtown is jumping on the renovation bandwagon, too, as evidenced by the D Las Vegas. Formerly Fitzgeralds, the recently rebranded resort unveiled 638 remodeled rooms and suites in October. Even the city’s most historic hotel is getting in on the action, with the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino opening a five-story luxury tower in September.

With more changes on the horizon, including the transformation of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay to Delano Las Vegas in late 2013, even the most frequent Vegas visitors will soon have new spaces to explore.