Three Las Vegas casino properties—The Cosmopolitan, Mandalay Bay, and Ellis Island—are undergoing updates.
The Cosmopolitan is preparing its annual ice-skating rink for the holiday season, Ellis Island is getting a $35 million renovation, and Mandalay Bay’s Delano Las Vegas hotel is getting a rebrand.
Key Highlights
- The Cosmopolitan is bringing back its annual ice-skating rink.
- Ellis Island is spending $35 million on expansion and upgrades.
- Mandalay Bay’s Delano Hotel will rebrand to W Las Vegas.
Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is not undergoing a permanent change so much as it’s bringing back an annual guest favorite.
From November 28 to January 1, the property will once again convert its Boulevard Pool into a 4,200-square-foot ice skating rink.
Las Vegas may be in the middle of the desert and may have experienced a record-breaking stretch of heat this summer, but visitors will get a taste of winter on the rooftop of The Cosmopolitan.
In past years, the attraction has included fire pits, artificial snow, and holiday movies. The price of admission also included rental ice skates.
The property is hiring temporary workers to staff the ice rink. Job perks include show ticket discounts, flexible scheduling for students (applicants must be at least 16), and possible tuition reimbursement.
Ellis Island Getting $35 Million Expansion
A couple blocks to the east, Ellis Island is in the midst of a $35 million overhaul.
The smaller, family-owned casino is growing its gaming floor and adding a new center bar and event space on the roof. Both the existing karaoke lounge and Village Pub & Cafe will be renovated.
The city is growing, and we are eager to expand our offerings while staying true to what has kept us a staple on Koval Lane for 56 years, with great value dining, gaming and amenities.
– Ellis Island VP of Development Christina Ellis
The expanded casino floor, which is a draw for its cheaper games like $5 blackjack, will add 250 slot machines and a new pit area.
“The city is growing, and we are eager to expand our offerings while staying true to what has kept us a staple on Koval Lane for 56 years, with great value dining, gaming and amenities,” Christina Ellis, Vice President of Development, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In the meantime, Ellis Island is in the middle of a lawsuit against the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Clark County.
Filed in April 2024, the lawsuit claims that the construction for the November 2023 Formula 1 event blocked access to Ellis Island for both employees and customers, causing a drop in business.
Ellis Island has not made its estimates publicly known, but the company’s attorney, J. Randall Jones, told the Review-Journal in May that “damages to date are already in the millions.”
MGM, Marriott Collab at Mandalay Bay
On the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, one of Mandalay Bay’s hotel towers will soon get a rebrand.
On Monday, MGM Resorts International, which owns Mandalay Bay, and Marriott International announced that they have partnered to rebrand the Delano Hotel to W Las Vegas.
The name change should happen by the end of the year. Renovations may also be in the pipeline, but those details will be released later.
The two companies are familiar with one another, having joined forces in 2023 to allow loyalty members of both the MGM Collection and Marriott Bonvoy to enjoy rewards from both programs.
“Our relationship with Marriott had far exceeded our expectations, demonstrating the power of its brand portfolio and the strength of their distribution channels,” said MGM Reosrts Operations President Steve Zanella in Monday’s announcement.
“W Las Vegas, the latest hotel to come to life as part of our collaboration, will allow our guests to access a new luxury lifestyle experience recognized worldwide for its distinct personality, dynamic programming and elevated service culture.”
Sources
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/cosmopolitan-opening-ice-rink-in-november-hosting-hiring-event-3192574/
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/off-strip-casino-getting-35m-expansion-renovation-as-it-sues-f1-3192175/
https://www.cocosapps.com/news/ellis-island-vs-las-vegas-grand-prix-lawsuit-399919/
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/mgm-resorts-marriott-to-open-w-las-vegas-on-strip-3193521
