Editor’s note: The Palms provided the opportunity to stay so TPG could see the interiors of the hotel’s suites and amenities. The opinions below are those of the author and have not been reviewed by The Palms or any outside organization.
In Las Vegas everything is big, nice and luxurious – especially the hotel suites. And let me tell you, there are so many amazing things that you have to see to believe.
Earlier this year, TPG got a first-hand look at some of Sin City’s hottest sports — and I grabbed a camera to document the experience.
When you think about hotel suites, you know that there is usually more space, maybe an extra room or two and a better view. But these suites go far, far beyond that. We’re talking suites with more bedrooms than most homes, eat-in kitchens that turn the concept of in-room dining on its head and a suite that’s next to a two-lane bowling alley. Did I mention who wore over $30 million worth of art?
To see everything that happened, watch the video above to see how the other half turns out. And, read on to learn more about six of the most dangerous types that this hotel reporter has had the privilege of entering.
Related: The best hotels in Vegas to get away from Sin City
Empathy Suite – Palms Casino Resort
A little further down the Strip, the Palms Casino Resort may have the most luxurious suites in town. And one of them, the Empathy Suite, is in a league of its own. Available to reserve starting at $75,000 per night, the two-bedroom, 9,000-square-foot suite designed by English artist Damien Hirst has it all, including more than $30 million worth of Hirst artwork.
Visitors who are lucky enough to enter the place will find a shark suspended in formaldehyde (a piece called “Winners/Losers”), a butterfly and pharmaceutical motifs, a mirror decorated with medical waste and hidden objects that will leave you wondering if it should make you. feel comfortable or uncomfortable – and that’s the point.
There is also a pool at the edge of the building that overlooks the Line, a Himalayan salt room, a glass foosball table and exercise equipment. And, if you need anything – anything – a personal butler is waiting to help you.
If you’re curious about other Palm models, the site’s dedicated website can help you find the right one – even if you don’t have a billionaire’s budget.
Related: What it’s like to stay at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas
Chariman’s Villa – Crockfords Las Vegas, Hilton Resorts World
Resorts World, one of Las Vegas’ newest (and friendliest) casino resorts, has three different hotels, but the crème de la crème of suites can be found at Crockfords. I have to check out the Chairman’s Villa on the 65th floor. The 5,500-square-foot, four-bedroom suite is spacious and offers views of all sides of the Strip, including an eye-to-eye view of The Stratosphere.
Guests who get the chance to sit at the invitation-only venue may be thrown into the larger-than-life space, but the best meeting place is a high-class venue, where the waiter might have a caviar maker from. Caviar Bar (located in the lobby) awaits you. Don’t forget to go to the balcony for fresh air and the best view of Vegas.
If you are hungry, forget about room service – this room has a modern kitchen that can be played with a chef who can whip up delicious food to serve in the dining room (yes, there is a whole dining room. ). Afterwards, head to the fun room where there’s a sofa that can fit everyone you know for a movie night (and chances are, if you’re lucky enough to be here, you might be the star of the movie).
Skyvilla – Aria Resort & Casino
Aria knew what she was doing when she renovated several of her luxury Skyvillas, an invitation-only experience. In this collection, visitors will find the best, from coffee-based books to outdoor views and hand-painted carpets. But, before entering the two-bedroom Skyvilla, guests can arrive from the airport via a Rolls-Royce where their butler will be waiting to receive a glass of Champagne.
The entire space is modern, contemporary and comfortable, unlike many hotel suites that have more gold than the Federal Reserve. It also has the largest bathrooms imaginable, including one with a floor-to-ceiling window so bath time can be enjoyed with views of Las Vegas.
But one of the special events offered by Skyvilla guests is to invite the tobacconist, Ricardo Smenner, and his team, who can organize a cigar show in the room with very rare (and expensive) cigars that can be smoked in the room. Extras include daily snacks from the revolving menu, Bvlgari toiletries, Dyson hair dryers and, because “no” is not the Vegas way of rolling, anything else you might need during your stay.
Presidential Suite – Mandalay Bay
At Mandalay Bay, guests can experience the best of the world with one of the best swimming pools in town. But in the four-bedroom Presidential Suite, it gets better. With an impressive 5,610 square feet, this two-bedroom suite has a pool table, a hanging chandelier, a library to browse the latest books and a full bar where a butler can whip up a meal in no time – the only questions are: Rock or rock?
Of course, all four bedrooms have plenty of space and large bathrooms so no one has to share – and we all know that’s normal. One of the bedrooms has direct access (and is probably where you should put your roommate who stays out all night.) There is also a fitness room with exercise equipment and free weights and a lounge.
If you’re lucky enough to stay, be sure to check out every window because the floor-to-ceiling windows are amazing. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the views of the runway at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
Boulevard Penthouse – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
At the Cosmopolitan, everything is perfect, especially the Boulevard Penthouse suite that I had to check out. In this unit, there are blue accents, modern art everywhere you look and natural sunlight from wall to wall, floor to floor windows. Not to mention, there is a wrap-around balcony that offers spectacular views of the city.
In the rooms, expect to find posters that look like they were designed by Bottega Veneta, safe spaces that feel like they belong in a modern museum and bathtubs you’ll want to soak in for the day. If you’re feeling hungry, order a multi-course meal (don’t forget the seafood tower) and enjoy it in your dining room. And, as the sun sets, enjoy cocktails on the patio for an evening you’ll never forget.
And, if you can’t wait to get tired, go to the pool table for a game, hit the gym for a workout, ask a massage therapist who can help ease your back pain in the suite’s treatment room or simply treat yourself. all like a museum and see the incredible art that is waiting to be seen.
Kingpin Suite – Palms Casino Resort
Back at the Palms, a suite with two bowling lanes can be yours starting at $15,000 a night. But, considering that it sleeps up to 10 people, you can break it down and make it affordable for special occasions. The room is soundproofed from the other rooms downstairs and in the hall so you can bowl 24/7, and there is also a separate room full of bowling shoes to choose from. And, considering the nature of the party, there is also a wall of TVs where you can show different channels, a DJ booth and a long bar.
As for where guests sleep, the second bedroom has only one option for large bunkbeds that can sleep eight, along with a bathroom. The master bedroom is amazing, with a view of the neighboring Palms tower, and a bathroom with a soaking tub. But you probably won’t get any sleep in this room because pajama bowling is something not to be missed.
Bottom line
Whether you’re looking for a classy group to rest your head on, a group to share a bachelor or bachelorette party with or just wondering what your other half is like, Las Vegas is a place where there’s not much to offer. You can stay in the cheapest place in town ($77 a night) or one of the most expensive apartments in the world. Either way, Vegas is Vegas – and there really is something for everyone.