More than a year ago, the Hard Rock Hotel closed with a big weekend party in early February 2020, ending 25 years in Las Vegas. In its place after a $ 200 million renovation, Virgin Hotels opened at 6 p.m. tonight after several delays due to the pandemic. The redesigned hotel has a lighter look that is inspired by the surrounding Mojave Desert with cactus and desert tones, an open porte cochere with built-in carpooling, and light and airy colors that reflect the feel of Las Vegas off the Strip.
Richard “Boz” Bosworth, President and CEO of JC Hospitality and owner of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, said he has hired 1,600 people, of whom 1,300 are returning from the Hard Rock Hotel. Another 400 to 500 will come on board in the next six weeks when the new day club Elia and the resort pool open. The resort buried Rehab, the legendary adult pool party, and the lazy river to create a five-acre pool complex with a boardwalk with restaurants and sidewalk cafes that flow into the resort’s pool area.
“You can hear the energy. You can hear the buzz. That sound, that’s team members. These are local Las Vegans back to work and that was probably one of the most exciting aspects of the trip for me today, ”says Bosworth as he prepares for the resort to open.
Unlike other major casino openings, Virgin Hotels remains low-key with live entertainment like DJs, street performances, and more, rather than a VIP night that comes later. Even with state-mandated capacity of 50 percent, Virgin expects crowds to explore the new resort and its 12 dining options.
A 60,000 square foot casino owned by Mohegan Sun, the first Indian tribe to operate a casino in Las Vegas, features 650 slot machines and more than 150 table games.
At the entrance to the resort, Hard Rock’s famous Center Bar has disappeared, replaced by what Bosworth calls an “off-center” bar, the bar in the Commons Club and a more private Shag Room to the right of the entrance. “The bar in the Commons Club and the Shag Room really are the heart and pulse of the atmosphere when you enter from a drinks and entertainment perspective,” he says.
Those familiar with the layout of the Hard Rock Hotel will find no other footprint in the casino. Straight ahead, Nobu returns from Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa after a renovation that opens the space with a new bar. Hakkasan Group’s Casa Calavera is taking over the former Pink Taco room, which has Mexican cuisine, a collection of tequila and mezcal, and Day of the Dead decor that is really meant for selfies. A terrace extends over the pool area.
Mr. Lucky’s is now the Kitchen at Commons Club, a 24-hour eatery with American food and British accents. Next door, Pizza Forte from the Ferraro family returns.
As guests walk down to the Harmon Avenue parking garage, guests will find Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, a Thai restaurant with a Californian feel. “We didn’t bring Kris in because he was from Los Angeles, because we think that doesn’t always get translated in Las Vegas. Las Vegas tends to tell you what is being translated here, and just because it is based in LA doesn’t mean it will be translated in Las Vegas. Kris’s food and service are absolutely fantastic and I have no hesitation in saying it will be the best Thai dining experience in Clark County, ”says Bosworth, who says he visited Yenbamroong’s Venice Beach location.
What Bosworth calls the “first family of steakhouses” is also returning with One Steakhouse by Michael and David Morton, who are taking over their former MB Steak division. Now the bar area on the ground floor offers space for 100 people, which is open to the casino floor. The new whimsical mood lighting in the restaurant is a must as it changes color as the night progresses. On the upper floor, the atrium remains with cantilevered windows that open up for an almost open-air experience.
Not everything opens immediately. Todd English’s Olives, taking over the former premises of 35 Steaks + Martini, arrives in May, while Kassi Beach House with Italian cuisine and a poolside terrace, Afters Ice Cream and Money, Baby !, a sports bar overlooking the pool who are planning to open in April.
• Everything you need to know about opening restaurants and bars in Virgin Hotels [ELV]
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