Between new properties, renovations and entertainment The Las Vegas travel scene has undergone a wide variety of changes this past year. Here, we’ll be looking at the top 10 Las Vegas stories we’ve covered in 2018.
What to Do in Las Vegas on Thanksgiving Weekend
Last month, readers received a preview of some of the most exciting things to do over Thanksgiving weekend. Highlights included rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a light show at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a Cirque du Soleil show at the MGM Grand and performances by Rod Stewart and Metallica.
Vegas Strike: Unions Reach Deals With Caesars, MGM
This June, UNITE HERE’s Culinary and Bartenders Unions started a citywide strike over issues including compensation, technology and sexual harassment. Within days, the groups reached deals with MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. The strike marked the first of its kind in Las Vegas since 2002, when 25,000 workers were involved. The deal with MGM alone covered around 24,000 workers at 10 casino resorts.
MGM Resorts Previews Pool Space at Park MGM in Las Vegas
In March, we took an early look Park MGM’s new pool space. The new area offered three pools, a heated spa, 12 cabanas and multiple food and beverage options. The upgrade came as part of MGM Resorts and Sydell Group’s move to transform Monte Carlo Resort and Casino into two new hotels: NoMad Las Vegas and the Park MGM.
The Latest Hotel Renovations in Las Vegas
Earlier in the year, we outlined the latest in hotel renovations. Tuscany Suites & Casino finished a $5 million renovation it began in 2015, revealing updated guest rooms and suites. The Westin Las Vegas removed its casino space in favor of a Jake & Eli dining space, a new lobby bar and additional meeting spaces. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas introduced Las Vegas to its third REVIV IV Wellness Spa. We took an early look at the Park MGM and its new Roy Choi-led restaurant. Harrah’s Las Vegas finished a $140 million project that resulted in new guest rooms and suites, live entertainment space, a lobby bar and casino floor. The El Cortez Hotel & Casino began renovating 73 of its Tower Rooms, which were set to debut late this past summer.
Las Vegas Hotel Update: Fall 2018
In October, we turned to new and upcoming properties. The Venetian announced its new venue The MSG Sphere, set to debut in 2021. NoMad Las Vegas was targeting a fall opening. The Drew Las Vegas, only just announced this February, continued on in its early design stages. Other developments included new dining options at The Palazzo Las Vegas, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Park MGM.
"I Love the ’90s Tour" Will Begin Residency at Paris Las Vegas
The Salt-N-Pepa-produced “I Love the ‘90s Tour” became the “I Love the ‘90s – The Vegas Show” this October. Hosted at Paris Las Vegas, the 90-minute dance party features a variety of popular ‘90s performers. Acts have included Salt-N-Pepa, Rob Base, All-4-One, Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath, Kid ‘n Play and Dru Hill.
Flamingo Las Vegas Announces 2018 Summer Entertainment Lineup
Back in March, Flamingo Las Vegas’ GO Pool Dayclub began introducing its summer entertainment lineup. Beginning in April with the ACM Pool Party for a Cause, the Dayclub brought in country star Chase Rice, Taboo of the Black Eyed Pea, DJ Dave Aude, Amber Rose, Austin Mahone, Naughty by Nature, Bow Wow, Mase, T-Pain, DJ Eddie Edge and Ja Rule.
Aerosmith Announces Residency at Park MGM in 2019
In August, Park MGM announced that Aerosmith would be coming to the resort’s Park Theater in April 2019 for a headlining residency. The band plans to perform 18 times next April, June and July. Giles Martin, who worked on The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil show, will produce the performance.
Bally’s Las Vegas Finishes Room Renovations in New Resort Tower
Bally’s Las Vegas wrapped up a $125 million redesign last May, revealing 2,052 updated guest rooms and suites in its new Resort Tower. The new accommodations range from the 440-square-foot Resort Room to the two-story and up to four-bedroom Resort Presidential Suite.
The Latest Caesars Entertainment Renovations in Las Vegas
Finally, we covered Caesars Las Vegas’ more than 10,000 renovated rooms. Spread between the five towers along The Strip, the updates included rooms and suites at the Palace Tower, the Augustus Tower, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and Flamingo Las Vegas.
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