When the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas decided the time had come to renovate its guestrooms, the Strip resort began a design selection process that would stretch over 18 months. The property solicited bids from 20 designers, then chose eight to present in Las Vegas. A further winnowed group of four (as well as an internal design team) were picked to build model rooms on site, then hundreds of resort employees and some regular guests toured the mock accommodations, offering feedback and reviews.
The result? Sweeping renovations that will eventually remake 2,895 of the resort's 3,027 rooms with fresh furnishings, bold art and thoughtful, contemporary design.
Patrick Nichols, senior vice president of strategy and business development for the Cosmopolitan, said the intensive process enabled the hotel team to learn about "emerging design trends for resorts."
"Having so many varieties of design and taking staff and guest feedback into account when making the final decision means that the new accommodations are truly the best of the best," he added.
In the end, the Cosmopolitan settled on designs from the in-house team and Virserius Studio, whose portfolio includes the Experience Floor at Hotel Bloom in Brussels, Renaissance Paris La Defense Hotel, Paris Marriott Charles du Gaulle and Bar Vdara at City Center in Las Vegas.
"The new rooms are much more inviting," said Nichols, pointing to elements like geometric carpets, new wall coverings and comfortable furniture.
The Boulevard Tower updates will be completed in December, and work on the Chelsea Tower is scheduled to begin early next year.
In the Terrace rooms and Reception suites, Virserius's design is luxe yet edgy, with jewel tones, metallic accents and bold patterns. A damask statement wall extends onto the ceiling, serving as a faux canopy over the bed. Cheeky details pop up here and there, a splash of wallpaper inside the closet or an interesting art piece in the living area.
"The vision for this premium room collection at the Cosmopolitan was one of bold design and bright accents to complement the overall contemporary aesthetic," said Therese Virserius, founder of Virserius Studio.
The Wraparound Terrace suites and City rooms and suites were designed by the Cosmopolitan and are meant to evoke an "urban penthouse" with custom graffiti, vibrant colors and dramatic lighting.
All the updated accommodations also include updated in-room technology, like iPads through which guests can make a reservation at Momofuku, book a visit to the hammam, control the thermostat, order breakfast room service or chat with a virtual concierge, the Cosmopolitan's "resident mischief-maker and chatbot," Rose. A 65-inch Samsung TV features many of the online platforms guests rely on at home, like Hulu, YouTube, Bluetooth connectivity and Netflix.
These rooms "offer guests the same creature comforts they have at home," said Nichols.
He also points to the art as a key differentiator that sets the Cosmopolitan's new rooms apart from their neighbors on the Strip. "The Cosmopolitan is known for its innovative art collection, and the room remodel project afforded us the opportunity to introduce it into the guestrooms."
And just as important as offering accommodations that look great, is delivering rooms that can withstand the city's heavy traffic.
"When designing a room in Las Vegas, you have to create durable accommodations," said Nichols. "Everything is made of stronger material, but you would never notice it from the sleek design. All the reinforcements are hidden behind the scenes."
It's a distinctly Vegas magic trick, hidden in plain sight.