Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

CONTENT PRESENTED BY Palms Casino Resort

Welcome to the new Palms: Back and better than ever

Palms Unknown bar new Palms native

Damien Hirst’s The Unknown (Explored, Explained, Exploded) at the Palms’ center bar, Unknown

Tides turn, batons are passed and in Las Vegas, new beginnings are often marked by the changing of the marquee.

When Red Rock Resorts Inc., the parent company to Station Casinos, purchased the Palms in 2016, the hype was immediate. And in May, the old Palms marquee was officially removed. What would become of the Palms under new ownership, and could the property be restored to its glory days? Two years after the acquisition, the new Palms has begun its unveiling.

To call it a comeback doesn’t do it justice. The $620 million renovation replaces old establishments with an arsenal of heavy-hitting restaurants, bars, clubs and more. Meanwhile, the elements that remain have been meticulously updated to meet the new aesthetic.

The Palms today has far eclipsed the Palms we once knew, and it’s only just the beginning. Here is a look at what you’ll find at the Palms right now and what to expect moving forward.

Changes already in place

Executing a renovation on such a massive scale is not for the faint of heart, and the Palms has embarked on one of the most thorough resort renovations in Las Vegas. The rollout is occurring in stages, and May 17 marked the first of three unveilings.

Here are a few of the upgrades you can enjoy right now:

The Unknown

The name of the Palms’ new center bar was given the moniker based on the Damien Hirst piece titled “The Unknown (Explored, Explained, Exploded),” which is positioned prominently above the bar. The sculpture displays a 13-foot shark segmented and encased in three glass tanks filled with formaldehyde.

Hirst’s iconic piece has found a good home in the Palms, which features more than 150 pieces of art on display throughout the property. The collection includes works from Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Dustin Yellin, Takashi Murakami and more.

Apex Social Club and Camden Cocktail Lounge

Clique Hospitality partnered with the Palms to create Apex Social Club and Camden Cocktail Lounge.

Replacing the space once occupied by Ghostbar on the 55th floor, Apex Social Club is a boutique nightclub that boasts breathtaking views of the skyline and a trendy, upscale vibe.

On the casino level, Camden Cocktail Lounge offers masterfully prepared cocktails in an atmosphere that is as unique and distinctive as the drink menu.

Scotch 80 Prime

The fine dining outlet that replaced N9NE Steakhouse combines an old-Vegas feel with a contemporary, carefully sourced and seasonally inspired menu. And exquisite cuisine isn’t the only thing it’s serving—the restaurant also offers a dedicated whiskey program and a world-class Scotch collection.

Aesthetic changes and gaming upgrades

The lobby and front desk have been updated, and a new luxury check-in area has been introduced for VIP stays.

The casino floor has been redesigned to incorporate 40 new table games, 1,100 video poker and slot machines and a high-limit lounge.

The main entrance has been revitalized with extensive landscaping, signage and a new, fully digital marquee expected later this year.

Same venue, new sounds

While the 2,500 seat Pearl Theatre was given a recent refresh as well, the most exciting changes are occurring in its performer line-up.

The much-anticipated Blink-182 residency began May 27 and has dates scheduled through November. Also booked are Janelle Monae, Halsey, Charlie Puth, Alanis Morissette and other stars for upcoming shows.

What’s to come

Palms is redesigning its 260 rooms, 77 suites and six Sky Villas. There are bookings available throughout summer, but the entire project should be completed by fall.

In partnership with Tao Group, the Palms is working on a 29,000-square-foot nightclub as well as a 73,000-square-foot dayclub. The dayclub will feature a climate-controlled enclosure over the pool, allowing the party to run year-round. These venues are scheduled to open in spring 2019.

Tao is also bringing Vandal, its famed New York City restaurant, to the Palms for its West Coast debut. Other restaurants to keep an eye on include offerings from celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Michael Symon and Marc Vetri.