The next chapter of the Palms Casino Resort is about to be written. Famous for filming MTV’s "The Real World" in 2002 and beloved by locals, the Palms has seen a lifetime of change in its party-filled 20 years.
Most recently, the resort underwent a $600 million-plus renovation that includes the 9,000-square-foot Empathy Suite, one of the most expensive suites in the world, featuring the artwork of Damian Hirst.
When Is Palms Las Vegas Reopening?
When the resort reopens with a fireworks show on April 27, it will be a historic moment as it becomes the first Las Vegas casino to be fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe. In December, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians bought the resort from Station Casinos for $650 million and has been working on its reopening.
With its location less than a mile from the Las Vegas Strip, plus the luxury of free parking, the new Palms will continue to attract both visitors and locals, according to Cynthia Kiser Murphey, general manager of the hotel.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests back to this spectacular resort,” she said.
What’s New?
Having undergone a massive makeover in 2019, the San Manuel Tribe inherited a property freshly filled with new art, much-buzzed-about restaurants and a refurbished pool deck — a refreshed property that became a casualty of the pandemic and the 2020 shutdown.
Many of those amenities will return, but Murphey says there are plenty of new offerings and upgrades, as well. That starts with refurished rooms meant to make travelers “feel at home,” as well as items specifically designed to introduce guests to San Manuel’s “rich history, culture and signature hospitality,” shared Latisha Casas, chairwoman of San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority.
Return guests will find the rooms completely remodeled and be glad to hear the resort’s signature suites — including both its one- and two-story sky villas and themed, amenity-heavy suites such as the Kingpin (with twin bowling alleys) and Hardwood (basketball court-themed) — remain.
Theme suites such as the Kingpin remain at the Palms.
Credit: 2022 Palms Casino ResortThe casino floor has also seen a slight redesign. The resort’s table games and 1,500 slot machines have been arranged in what Murphey calls “pods,” a more friendly design that allows for socializing. The sports book has been completely upgraded, as well, with new seating and screens with the latest technology.
Playing at the Palms means guests will now earn points in the Club Serrano loyalty program, which includes the Yaamava Resort & Casino, a property San Manuel runs in Southern California.
On the entertainment side, movies got a lot more fun. Brenden Theatres has been completely revamped. Local graffiti artists were hired to create wall murals and a full bar gives it more of a collegiate gathering vibe, while the 14-screen theater has refreshed screens and new reclining loungers.
The iconic Ghostbar — a celebrity haunt in its heyday — is raising the roof again as it returns to its rightful perch atop the resort’s 55th floor this summer.
The iconic Ghostbar is located on the resort’s 55th floor.
Credit: 2022 Palms Casino ResortSo, What’s Returning?
Fans of Scotch 80 Prime steakhouse, Chinese dim sum outlet Tim Ho Wan, Mabel’s BBQ by chef Michael Symon and causal Singapore noodle slinger Send Noodles are all returning. New to the dining fold is the Serrano Vista Cafe, described as an American gastropub.
That signature art piece with a bite is back, as well. Damien Hirst’s contemporary work, a 13-foot-long tiger shark, divided into three parts and displayed within a steel tank, still hovers above the Unknown Bar. Little has changed at the stunning multi-level pool complex either — and for good reason. With two main pools, giant daybeds and 39 cabanas, most with their own private plunge pool, the complex was a hit and is sure to be a hot spot this summer.
The Details
Palms Casino Resort
