Paul Szydelko
One of the long-anticipated benchmarks of Las Vegas' recovery as a tourist destination is the opening of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on March 25.
A dramatic renovation and rebranding of the former Hard Rock Hotel, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas twice delayed its opening until economic conditions were better and there was more demand for rooms.
It joins the EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) musical festival May 21 to 23, the debut of the Las Vegas Convention Center's new West Hall with the World of Concrete event June 7 to 10, Resorts World Las Vegas' opening in the summer and the Life Is Beautiful festival Sept. 17 to 19 as high-profile events still scheduled amid the pandemic.
New owners kicked redesign work into overdrive after closing the Hard Rock in February 2020, and anticipation for the new look has been building steadily. Hoping the strategy will be a market-differentiator, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas promises not to impose resort fees and self-parking fees, which have become increasing common and controversial in the city in recent years.
Its brandwide "No Nickel and Diming" policy also includes no extra charges for WiFi and what the company calls "street-priced" minibars: drinks, snacks and goodies in its rooms.
"We are so proud to be one of the first major casino-resorts in Las Vegas without a resort fee," said Richard "Boz" Bosworth, president and CEO of JC Hospitality, owner of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
"Beyond this, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will exceed expectations with valued amenities and added benefits," he said. "Our commitment to our guests has never wavered, and we cannot wait to open our doors and welcome them back."
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will be part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment will operate the 60,000-square-foot casino, the first tribal presence in the Las Vegas market.
The property will feature more than 1,500 rooms and suites in three distinctive towers, 117,000 square feet of indoor meetings and events space and 12 dining venues.
The five-acre pool and entertainment complex will include the resort's pool, day club and the Promenade and Event Lawn.
Global hospitality company Hakkasan Group will operate Casa Calavera, a Mexican culinary and cantina concept. It will feature a main dining room and full-service bar, a patio overlooking the pool and themed traditional altars with Mexican tiles, reclaimed wood, traditional Mexican furniture, posters and marigolds.
The Las Vegas venue's interior draws inspiration from the brand's original location in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
"We're beyond excited to bring Casa Calavera stateside, and we feel there is no better place than with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas," said Derek Silberstein, Hakkasan's executive vice president of food and beverage. "The excitement that the Virgin Hotels brand is bringing, not only to the city of Las Vegas but to its ever-growing culinary scene, is second to none."