Planet Hollywood Gets Hip

Apr 11, 2009

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino adopts the sleek style of Hollywood and the glitz of Las Vegas.

At a time when Vegas is seeing plummeting tourism numbers, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, on the Strip is a welcome addition for clients who are seeking an ideal location and comfortable, plush digs in Sin City.

On a recent stay, I experienced this firsthand. Since its opening in November 2007 as the new Planet Hollywood Resort, the property has slowly transformed itself from the former Aladdin hotel — a Middle Eastern-inspired palace — to what it is today — a sleek and slick interpretation of contemporary Hollywood.

Throughout this transitional period, the resort has never closed and, at times, it seemed to be a hybrid of both the old and new. Now, however, the transformation is complete, and the 2,500-room resort is poised to establish itself as a bona fide player on the Strip.

The resort’s decor is rich and playful, with a nod to its Hollywood roots and Vegas stylings. I especially loved how the portraits of Hollywood stars would change everyday in the elevator lobby. I also loved the fact that I could lounge all day at the hotel or, if I were feeling more adventurous, just take a step outside and be right in the heart of the action along the Strip.

My Vista Room was spacious and relaxing, and had an amazing view of the fountains at the Bellagio across the street, and of the glittering Eiffel Tower next door. All rooms at Planet Hollywood feature a separate oversized soaking tub, shower and marble vanity. And, each room is equipped with high-speed Internet access and a 42-inch plasma television.

Last year, the resort introduced its newest accommodation category — Hollywood Hip Rooms — and they certainly live up to the name. The 450-square-foot rooms offer luxury bedding, real movie memorabilia in every room, oversized bathrooms and multi-use armoires.

And later this year, the new PH Towers by Westgate are scheduled to open in the fall. The towers, which make up the tallest timeshare building in history, are the first to be fully integrated with a major resort and casino complex. The towers will stand at 52 stories high and the lobby of the towers will connect to Planet Hollywood Resort’s Miracle Mile Shops.

Earlier this month, The Basketball Hall of Fame opened its newest attraction, the Hoop Hall Experience on Planet Hollywood Resort’s mezzanine level, occupying some 17,000 square feet of space. The attraction features a screening area; state-of-the-art interactive displays; basketball memorabilia such as the jersey worn by Wilt Chamberlain when he scored 100 points in a single game; and a retail space. The exhibit, which will only be on display for a limited time, is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and admission is required.

Right now, Planet Hollywood Resort has a number of great deals and special packages for clients as well. Special offers include a Peepshow Package, a Bed and Breakfast Package and a Fuel Your Fame Package.