THE EARLY BIRD
GETS THE HOTEL GUEST: The $100
million Renaissance Las Vegas, Nevadas largest nongaming hotel,
celebrated its grand opening Jan. 13. The 14-story property began
accommodating guests Dec. 3, two months ahead of schedule. Located
adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 14-story property
has 548 guest rooms and 30 suites ranging in size from 859 square
feet to 1,681 square feet. The resort, a participant in the
Marriott Rewards program, also offers more than 32,000 square feet
of meeting and function space and features such amenities as the
Envy Steakhouse and Lounge and an outdoor swimming pool and
whirlpool. For more information or reservations, call (866)
352-3434 or visit www.renaissancelasvegas.com.
MGM
GRAND: Just in time to kick off
2005 and celebrate the citys centennial year, the MGM Grand earlier
this month debuted its Skylofts accommodations. Located on the top
two floors of the property, the 51 two-story lofts are available in
one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans and range in price from
$800 per night to $10,000 per night. All feature floor-to-ceiling
windows that offer spectacular views of the Las Vegas skyline and
surrounding mountains as well as custom amenities and butler
service. Skyloft guests also will receive such personal service as
complimentary, custom airport transfers via a Maybach 62 luxury
automobile, preregistration and in-loft check-in. For more details
or to book, call (877) 646-5638 or log onto www.skyloftsmgmgrand.com.
BELLAGIO: The Bellagios
$375 million Spa Tower opened late last month, adding 928 rooms to
the resort. The new tower also features a 65,000-square-foot spa
and salon with 56 treatment rooms, a 1,000-square-foot fitness
studio and a meditation room; 60,000 square feet of meetings and
convention space, including Tuscany Kitchen, an exhibition kitchen;
Sensi, an eatery with an open kitchen and an on-site bakery; Jean
Philippe Patisserie, a European-style pastry shop; and several
retail shops, including Giardini Garden Store, Regali, Newsstand
and Essentials.
US AIRWAYS
VACATIONS: Clients interested in
spending a night or two in the Bellagios new digs can book Vacation
Favorites offered by US Airways Vacations. Through March 1, a
three-night stay in the new tower starts at $589 per person,
double, including air from Indianapolis. To book, call (800)
455-0123; for groups, phone (800) 304-0114.
BEACHES AND BURGERS:
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, a privately
held chain based in Carlsbad, Calif., opened its first Las Vegas
location last month in Canyon Pointe at Summerlin Centre on West
Charleston Boulevard. Diners cant miss the eaterys tropical theme,
which features a thatched roof, beach scenes, pictures of the ocean
surf, plants, colorful papier-mache birds and tables that resemble
surfboards. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays
through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays through
Saturdays. For more information, call (702) 360-3845.