Planning a meeting in Las Vegas or attending a convention in Las Vegas and having to organize satellite events?
The Ever-Changing Face of Las Vegas Hotels
— Today
Hotels continue developing in Las Vegas although at a more conservative pace due to a less than perfect economy and lack of bold confidence in the markets. More common of late, particularly with the hotel conglomerates, is the extensive renovation, refurbishment and expansion of existing properties in an effort to renew spaces and keep guests coming to the hotels already up and running. Still two major new independent properties have come onto the Strip: the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (2010) and the Plaza Las Vegas (2011).

In spite of the slowdown, there are always new developments on the horizon as the Las Vegas hotel industry keeps reinventing itself with the times and will do so as long as the people keep coming.

Advantages of a conglomerate-owned hotel
Staying in a recognized chain hotel often is considered a safe bet because every one looks the same and offers predictable amenities and services. Las Vegas certainly has those, but it also has a different kind of “chain” structure that has dominated the Strip since the 1990s: many distinctly themed resorts and hotels managed under a single umbrella. Having only a few companies own the majority of the Las Vegas hotels may seem very limiting for visitors trying to find something different and special, but unlike traditional chains, these hospitality giants work hard to make sure each of their properties offers a distinct and unique experience. Their appearances, amenities and price points run the gamut while consistent standards of excellence in customer service and quality are maintained across the board.

The two largest of these Las Vegas conglomerates today are MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, which together own nearly 25 of the resorts on the Strip alone. Following is a breakdown of the two giants and the advantages they offer to loyal guests.

— MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International has a diverse collection of distinctive brands, extraordinary people and best-in-class destinations around the world that make it a leading entertainment and hospitality resort company. Its newest Las Vegas initiative, CityCenter, is an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring premier hotel accommodations, elegant dining and stunning entertainment. Leveraging its cadre of luxurious amenities, MGM Resorts works hard to create partnerships and experiences that engage, entertain and inspire.

MGM Resorts also champions sustainability and environmental stewardship in its development and operations, having the structures in place so it can operate efficiently while extending sustainable practices to new and existing properties regarding resources, construction impact, waste and increasing awareness. MGM Resorts also has been recognized for its Diversity Initiative and community philanthropy programs that ensure growth and prosperity in its communities.

— Caesars Entertainment
For more than 70 years, Caesars Entertainment has grown by expanding, acquiring and developing new resorts on four continents. Caesars is focused on building loyalty and value with customers through great service, excellent products, operational diligence and technological leadership as well as by being the most service-oriented and geographically diversified company in gaming.

Caesars sets high standards for accountability in dealings with its employees, customers and the greater community under a Code of Commitment that governs these relationships at all its resorts. This code ensures that the more than 70,000 employees make the most of guests’ experiences by delivering truly great service, which is critical to the company’s success. Caesars also is committed to sustainability and energy conservation, recognizing the importance of being a responsible environmental steward in all its operations.

With the convenience and budget of its guests in mind, the Caesars.com website allows visitors to compare rates at all of Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas properties with the click of one button so they know what they’re getting upfront. Another unique benefit of booking at a Caesars property is its access passes that allow guests to get more out of their stay. The All Stage Pass provides one ticket per show to as many participating shows as they can attend within 48 hours. Discounted for Total Rewards® members, the pass can be purchased at Bally’s, Planet Hollywood and Rio. The Buffet of Buffets Pass allows guests to visit as many buffets as they want (during business hours) in a 24-hour period at participating properties: the Flamingo, Harrah’s, Imperial Palace, Paris, Planet Hollywood and Rio. The All Night Pass gives holders over 21 instant access without lines to participating nightclubs at Caesars properties. The pass can be purchased Thursday through Sunday at Harrah’s, Paris or Rio and is valid for 12 hours from 8 p.m. on the date of purchase.

Loyalty rewards programs
As a perk of booking with one of the conglomerated properties, the companies strive to make sure its guests reap the benefits of the expansive empires in place with loyalty rewards programs.

M Life Loyalty Program: Dedicated to making sure customers get the best out of Las Vegas every time, the M Life Loyalty Program delivers insider privileges, personalized rewards and one-of-a-kind experiences at any of MGM Resorts’ 15 Las Vegas properties. M Life members earn benefits for everything spent on any hotel, dining, entertainment, spa or casino that MGM operates, allowing them to accrue benefits while keeping their Las Vegas experiences fresh every time. On four tiers, M Life members earn points and credits as they enjoy everything the properties offer. Plus, at www.MLife.com, members can manage their rewards and benefits, book special member offers and discover the unique experiences of M Life Moments, which are exclusive experiences at the heart of M Life that include VIP-level access to perks like private dinners with celebrity chefs, private poker lessons with a pro or even shark dives at Mandalay Bay. Moving up the tiers unlocks more M Life Moments.

   
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