The swank new 599-unit Palms Place condohotel tower that opened last spring next to the Palms Las Vegas, might have been considered something like “Palms Lite” or “Palms for Parents.” But it didn’t quite work out that way.
Palms Place turned out to be the party hotel for people with a few more bucks in their pocket and who appreciate a little down time between bouts of revelry.
Too cool to be considered anything less than another “it” pad in Vegas, Palms Place gets it and gives it back, but without the rolling sirens of slots, the menacing bustle of crowds or the city’s signature confusion of scale.
“When we designed this we wanted to give people a chance to be part of the Palms action in an incredible building with great views and finishes, fabulous rooms and spa and all connected to the Palms but with its own identity,” says Palms Casino Resort owner George Maloof. “More than 520 ft. in the air, not on the Strip but slightly back for the views, there is nothing like it in Planet Vegas.”
All the units in the $400 million tower are owned vacation residences and come in studio to 2-bedroom layouts (except for the 21 penthouses) with full kitchens, roomy baths and many with terraces over the city.
The units are decked with dark, Madagascar wood-paneled floors, a Gaggenau range, Sharp microwave, two Monogram mini-fridges (one stocked, the other not) and modern fixtures all around. Besides providing the pots, plates and practical accessories needed for making a temporary home of it, the hotel gives guests something they won’t find in most Strip hotels: a Hamilton Beach coffee maker—with convenient filter packs for brewing—at no cost. The convenience comes in quite handy at a property that charges some $7 for coffee-to-go from the onsite restaurant to guests who might not have explored all the cupboards and found this piece of make-it-yourself gold.
Rooms at Palms Place are not rooms—they are domiciles—lavish and large (running 600 to 1,200 sq. ft.) with a barrage of modern comforts to show. Beds offer feather duvets and pillows in high threadcount Italian linens by Mateo. Palms, already known for some of the best beds in Vegas, does not disappoint at Palms Place.
An iHome clock radio can wake up guests to their favorite music. An ample sitting area with sectional sofas adding to a retro ‘60s sleek design allow for lounging and even entertaining. Even the studio unit offers three TVs: two 42-inch flat-screens side-by-side, about four feet apart, making it easy for guests to watch in the living area or the bed. A small screen in the bathroom is ready to go for those who must watch while shaving or showering. A kitchen bar is set up for in-room dining or entertaining. A 12-ft. desk area with cabinets and cubbies can be converted into an organized workspace. And, of course, broadband Internet is available for a fee.
The bathroom just increases the wow factor with its floors and walls of white Italian marble. Designer fixtures put a minimal touch on the classic sweep and a fun shower/bath area separated by a glass wall features a splendid rainshower nozzle pouring water from the 9-ft. ceiling and a European hand nozzle on the wall to be used alone or in tandem. The shower space opens onto a separate, deep-soaking jacuzzi tub for two—all separated from the rest of the room by a wall of frosted glass.
Plenty of closet space here for those staying a night or a week. And for those studio-bound guests with more than two in their party, the living room sofa converts to a comfortable queen bed.
Guests immediately appreciate the condohotel benefit when they enter the lobby to check-in. No frantic traffic congestion; the desk is right near the entrance. The lobby space is cavernous and quiet. No check-in lines to negotiate. Cold beers and water wait by the desk as welcome beverages and the way to the room is straight and simple—no maps required. The lobby lounge, Rojo, is a scene in itself, although one in which parties can actually have a conversation. Still, the eyecandy, whether hired or having a celebrated happy hour, keep the venue buzzing. On an easy June Friday night, a quick survey of the lounge found writers from “Rolling Stone,” “Maxim” and other pop culture press having beers before hitting the Moon ultraclub on the rooftop of the Palms Fantasy Tower.
