Revamped Palms Vegas casino to reopen April 27 under San Manuel tribe's ownership after two-year closure
The wait is almost over: the iconic Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas is set to open by the end of the month, after more than two years in the dark. New owner San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority -the business arm of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians- has confirmed April 27 as the official public opening date for the property.
Room and suite reservations are now being accepted at the casino’s website for stays beginning on April 28. According to a press release, the reopening, which San Manuel describes as “a new chapter in Palms history,” will be celebrated with “a fireworks extravaganza” on opening night.
“It’s an honor and a privilege for us to welcome everyone back to Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas,” notes San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority Chairwoman Latisha Casas. “We look forward to introducing our guests to our rich history, culture and signature hospitality. We can’t wait to make history together.”
While the venue is set to impress those visiting it for the first time, those who know it from before its extended closure might also find something new upon their return to the Palms. Having undergone more than a $600 million renovation in 2019, the resort now boasts a diverse mix of bars and restaurants, including the return of popular outlets, such as acclaimed Scotch 80 Prime and Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon.
The property also offers casual dining options, such as Send Noodles, and the debut of Serrano Vista Cafe, an American gastro-pub. It also features an expansive resort pool area featuring a multi-level, sprawling 73,000-square-foot space offering two luxurious main pools and 39 unique cabanas, most with their own private pool. The space also features oversized daybeds and poolside lounge chairs throughout.
“From our locals to guests visiting from near and far, our goal is simple – to deliver a truly distinctive experience that makes you feel at home while you are in Las Vegas,” adds Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager for Palms Casino Resort.
In terms of gaming space, the casino will now feature a refreshed casino floor, with new machines, and a new slot and table game layout - “pods” of slots that allow guests to chat while playing alongside friends as opposed to rows of machines, Kiser Murphey said, according to USA Today. The property’s sportsbook will also be “completely refreshed.”
The resort will also be introducing its new rewards program, Club Serrano, which is also in place at the tribe’s Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in California. And for those looking for non-gaming experiences, the 14 movie theaters inside the venue have been “completely redone,” with new reclining seats, a remodeled lobby and refreshed wall murals from local graffiti artists.
Additional information regarding spa, food and beverage, entertainment, pool and nightlife offerings will be announced soon. The iconic Ghostbar, once a hot spot for celebrities, and the Pearl Theater, are expected to reopen this summer, Kiser Murphey told the cited source.
“April 27, 2022, is another milestone date for Palms, for Las Vegas and the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority,” adds Murphey. “We are thrilled to welcome guests back to this spectacular resort and our entire Palms team looks forward to creating a lively and fun environment throughout the property.”
The tribe first acquired the property, which remains closed since March 2020, from Red Rock Resorts last year for $650 million. The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority secured approval from Nevada officials to operate the property in early December.
The revamped property features over 700 rooms and about two dozen restaurants, along with a William Hill sportsbook, earlier reports indicated. But also importantly, Palms will be making history by becoming the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe.
The San Manuel tribe also owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, California, its home state. The now-rebranded venue was formerly known as San Manuel Casino, and started 35 years ago as a bingo hall. It now has become one of Southern California’s premier gaming and hospitality destinations.