Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (4) Resorts World Catskills (3) Holiday Inn Exp Durant (3) Staybridge El Paso (3) Live Nation (3) Holiday Inn Exp Lawton (3) Gray Television (3) Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (3) Hampton Battle Creek (3) Bicycle Casino Hotel (3) Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun (3) Resorts World. Another must-visit venue will undoubtedly be Resorts World Las Vegas, a 3,500-suite property promising world-class dining, entertainers, shows, mixology and much more, tentatively opening in summer.
We get giddy when we hear about new Las Vegas casinos in the works and this one’s a doozy. We’ve got the inside scoop on a proposed $5 billion Asian-themed resort called Forbidden City Palace Casino and Hotel Resort.
Forbidden City seems to have flown under the radar, but it’s an ambitious project its developers claim “will set the standard for excellence in Las Vegas.” Now, that we’d love to see!
Here’s a look at Forbidden City, a resort that will “bring unparalleled examples of Chinese architecture with feng shui principles” to the center of the Las Vegas Strip.
The standard for excellence in Las Vegas isn’t going to set itself, people.
Exciting, right?
Forbidden City is being developed by AEPA, “a limited liability corporation under the direction of its President, Alfred Liu.” According to the project’s promotional materials, there are also Chinese companies involved to “carry out the plan, including experienced developers and material manufacturers.”
Forbidden City is an ambitious project, to say the least. The array of proposed attractions and amenities are stunning.
The “unique and spectacular offerings” include “Royal Weddings,” “Cricket Warfare,” “Cultural Integrity,” “Exotic Experiences, a giant panda habitat and Entertainment Center.
Naturally, “Cricket Warfare” and giant pandas jumped right out at us.
First, “Cricket Warfare.” The developer says, “Once the exclusive game of the Emperor, cricket fighting has been a popular sport in China for centuries. Watch the drama unfold and the tension build as powerful fighting crickets square off when AEPA brings this popular, imperial gaming sport to the Forbidden City.”
AEPA, PETA. PETA, AEPA.
Next, pandas. Everyone loves pandas!
People love pandas so much there was actually a show at Palazzo called “Panda.”
Apparently, the aforementioned Mr. Liu knows a guy. The resort’s proposal says, “Mr. Liu’s strong relationship with the former Governor of the Sichuan Communist Party has created the exclusive opportunity to bring the giant panda to the Forbidden City. A proposal submitted by the Sichuan provinces is pending before the State Council.”
If you’re in China and looking to get a great table in a packed restaurant, everyone knows you drop this line to the hostess and you’re golden: “Good evening and please be aware I have a strong relationship with the former Governor of the Sichuan Communist Party. Thank you.”
Interestingly, a competing Asian-themed resort, Resorts World, once proposed a panda exhibit, but dropped the idea when it got what experts call “a clue.” That means Forbidden City will have the only pandas in Las Vegas. Take that, Resorts World.
So, what else do we know about Forbidden City Palace Resort?
Well, as mentioned, Forbidden City will be located in “the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.” Check out the site plan, below.
Unless you get pandas and fighting crickets, your luck is about to run out, Lucky Dragon.
It’s hard to tell from the site plan, but two of our astute blog commenters, Graham and Denver Gambler, have noted Forbidden City could very well have its eyes on the Rock in Rio site (owned by MGM Resorts) at the corner of Sahara and Las Vegas Blvd.
It may as well be the Rock in Rio site, as Rock in Rio won’t be using it.
That would be an expensive piece of real estate, but the developers of Forbidden City have no doubt taken everything into account as they put together their financing.
Speaking of financing, it sounds like Forbidden City is going to have no problem finding the estimated $5 billion needed to complete the project.
The developer says, “All construction materials will be fabricated in China and assembled by AEPA’s experienced workers in Las Vegas. The favorable wage and quality service provided by skilled Chinese craftsmen lowers the construction cost and improves the efficiency of the project.”
Made in China, assembled in the U.S.A. We’re curious to know how the pandas are going to feel about that.
Anyway, we love everything about the proposed Forbidden City Palace Resort, from the Performing Arts Center with a 1,600-seat “symphony theater” to food carts with “Shanghai, Cantonese and Beijing delicacies” roaming the casino floor.
Fireworks were invented in China during the Tang Dynasty, an era which would later inspire the name of a powdered drink popular with astronauts. Millennial translation: Long story.
Does Forbidden City sound like a whimsical project? Sure. Is Resorts World, despite all the hoopla surrounding its groundbreaking, all that much further along in its construction? No.
Take a look at the full Forbidden City proposal (.doc format).
And if you think Forbidden City is out of the realm of possibility, why are indexes of upcoming construction listing it?
It’s time Las Vegas finally had a Forbidden City. A few years back, a similarly-named project, Dynasty Forbidden City, was proposed, but failed. Another failed resort, Xanadu, planned a Forbidden City restaurant. No go. Resorts World says it will have a Forbidden City Retail District. We’ll believe it when we see it.
Thanks, by the way, to eagle-eyed sleuth and loyal reader Deena E. for pointing us in the direction of the Forbidden City Casino project.
And to the developers of Forbidden City, we share the words of Arthur O’Shaughnessy, or possibly Willy Wonka, “We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams.”
It’s worth noting that later in O’Shaughnessey’s ode are less-known words, “With wonderful deathless ditties, we build up the world’s great cities. And out of a fabulous story, we fashion an empire’s glory.”
The glorious empire that is Las Vegas was built by dreamers, so dream on, Forbidden City, dream on.
Partnership to incorporate the Hilton Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts brands and Hilton Honors loyalty program into US$4.3 billion integrated resort experience
February 20, 2020Americas
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LAS VEGAS - Resorts World Las Vegas and Hilton (NYSE: HLT) have partnered to bring three of Hilton’s premium brands together for the first time when the US$4.3 billion integrated resort, which is currently being developed, opens in summer 2021. The partnership marks Hilton’s largest multi-brand deal in company history and will include three Hilton premium brands, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, LXR and Conrad, into Resorts World Las Vegas. The 3,500-room resort will also be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 18 distinct brands, offering members direct access to instant benefits for guests, including flexible payment options, exclusive member discounts, Digital Key and more.
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“With our commitment to redefining the luxury hotel standard in Las Vegas, it was only natural for us to partner with Hilton, a leader in the global hospitality industry,” said Scott Sibella, president, Resorts World Las Vegas. “Hilton embodies the values and top-level hospitality that align with Resorts World’s priority of bringing an unmatched guest experience to the Las Vegas market.”
“Our strategic partnership with Resorts World Las Vegas underscores Hilton’s commitment to expanding our footprint and portfolio of exceptional properties,” said Ian Carter, president, global development, architecture, design & construction, Hilton. “This will mark our largest multi-brand deal in company history, and we are excited to work with our new partners to create a distinct hotel experience in an unbeatable location for our future guests and Hilton Honors members.”
Together, Resorts World and Hilton are bringing back the essence of The Las Vegas Hilton, once the largest hotel in the world and synonymous with gaming, conventions and entertainment in Las Vegas, with this multi-brand development. As the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand returns to the Strip, Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World will fuse the brand’s decades of industry expertise with Resorts World’s time-honored traditions and elevated service. This development also includes Hilton’s newest luxury brand, LXR, which delivers unrivaled, independent properties, along with Conrad, Hilton’s modern and design-forward luxury brand.
Guests will have access to the resort’s premier facilities, including a 5,000-capacity state-of-the-art theater which is scalable to host A-list celebrity residencies and corporate events; 350,000 square feet of meeting and convention space; 220,000-square-foot pool complex with seven unique pool experiences; spa and fitness center; extensive collection of casual and fine-dining food and beverage concepts; and more.
Additional details about the project will be announced in the coming months.
About Resorts World Las Vegas
Resorts World Las Vegas is being developed by Genting Berhad, which has been registered as a publicly traded corporation by the Nevada Gaming Commission. Resorts World Las Vegas has affiliated integrated resorts in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas. Construction for Resorts World Las Vegas, one of the largest hotel construction sites currently in the U.S., is steadily moving forward with approximately 2,200 construction workers on-site each day at the 88-acre site. The property will be a tech-forward, innovative and inclusive resort which will stand on the pillars of elevated service, harmony, loyalty and luxury. Weaving traditions of Resorts World into the fabric of Las Vegas, the 3,500-room casino-resort will introduce a bold, fresh take on hospitality to the Las Vegas market with exciting new experiences, one-of-a-kind culture and seamless guest service. For more information, visit www.rwlasvegas.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Genting Group
Genting Group comprises Genting Berhad (KLSE: GENTING), the holding company, and its listed companies Genting Malaysia Berhad (KLSE: GENM), Genting Plantations Berhad (KLSE: GENP) and Genting Singapore Limited (SGX: G13). Genting Group collectively employs about 56,000 people and is involved in leisure and hospitality, palm oil plantations, power generation, oil and gas, property development, life sciences and biotechnology activities, with operations spanning across the globe, including in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, China, the United States of America, Bahamas and the United Kingdom. Genting Group is a leader in the global gaming and hospitality industry. Founded in 1965, Genting Group has more than 50 years of experience in developing and operating destination resorts in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas, offering an unparalleled resort experience and iconic entertainment attractions to over 50 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.genting.com.
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About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. With more than 575 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world’s most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Begin your journey at www.hiltonhotels.com, and learn more by visiting newsroom.hilton.com/hhr and following Hilton Hotels & Resorts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,300 properties and more than one million rooms, in 118 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2020 World’s Best Workplaces list, and was named the 2020 Global Industry Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. In 2020, Hilton CleanStay was introduced, bringing an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection to hotels worldwide. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 110 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy, plus enjoy instant benefits, including contactless check-in with room selection, Digital Key, and Connected Room. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Spanning five continents with nearly 40 properties, Conrad Hotels & Resorts has created a seamless connection between contemporary design, leading innovation and curated art to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the globally connected traveler. Conrad is a place where guests can experience service and style on their own terms – all while connecting with local and global culture. Connect with Conrad by booking at www.conradhotels.com or through the Hilton Honors mobile app. Learn more about the brand by visiting newsroom.hilton.com/conradhotels, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About LXR Hotels & Resorts
LXR Hotels & Resorts is a collection of independent luxury properties that each represent their unique location and offer a singular travel experience native to its place, history, and tradition. Found in the world's most alluring destinations, LXR Hotels & Resorts connect legendary properties into an exclusive network of hotels that are set apart by an unrivaled commitment to personalized service and elegant, yet locally immersive experiences for their guests. Each hotel in the collection remains steadfastly true to its heritage and culture, providing a luxurious base of exploration for the passionate, yet discerning adventurer. LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company, and each property benefits from the strength of the Hilton Enterprise and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Visit www.lxrhotels.com to learn more.
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