Wednesday, June 25, 1997 | 10:40 a.m.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY of Interior Designers recently were the invited guests of the Rio hotel-casino and Marnell Corrao Associates for a rare tour of the resort's most luxurious accommodations. Lee Cagley, director of Marnell Corrao Design, led the tour of the Rio's Reserve Suites, taking attendees through the ultra-private parts of the hotel and into the suites, which are considered the jewels of the massive Masquerade Village tower.
The guest list, comprised of design professionals who work in residential and commercial endeavors, included Ann Parenti, David Frommer, Gail Findley, Dennis Morgan, Debbie McAllister, David Paezel and Kyle Stuart, who first gathered in the waiting room of the elegant bridal center on the tower's third floor.
Unexpectedly, even the organizers were surprised by the addition of two bridal suites for this tour. Kept exclusively for the use of brides and grooms who marry at the Rio, this pair of suites are tucked away from all outside distractions and are reserved only through the bridal coordinator. Filled with splendid art-deco furnishings, the Hollywood Suite is a dream setting in cream, gold and black.
The 1,700-square-foot suite has an enormous bedroom, a lavishly draped round bed, a raised tub with softly tied draperies and spacious dressing room. The select choice of fabrics and wall treatments is further enhanced by the exquisite tile and marble work throughout the suite, including the star on the entry floor, which replicates those on Hollywood Boulevard.
By contrast, the Rain Forest Suite is a swirl of tropic sensations with several walls resembling rocky caves and a grotto-style shower and bath, complete with waterfall. The apartment-size suite is furnished with fabrics and furniture chosen to give an island feeling and further enhanced by slate floors and teak cabinetry.
Traveling en masse by a hidden stairwell to the 39th-floor suites were ASID members Roseanne Hewlett, Joseph Perry, Sheri Biegger, Mary Martin, Julie Porter and Ann Webb, who were escorted by Gretchen Steensen, Marnell Corrao's lead designer on the Reserve Suites project.
With eight large suites sharing the 39th floor, the Rio shows future proof of its commitment to contemporary art and artists. Each of the suites was designed to complement the original pieces of a specific artist, including Robert Rauschenberg, Michael Heiser and other shining stars in American art circles. The Robert Rauschenberg Suite, sized for comfort at 3,200 square feet, has more than a dozen significant pieces of his work.
The interior design embraces both the art and the curving glass expanse and spectacular views, which attract the visitor from the moment of entry on throughout the entire suite. Comfort is the key here, while providing a most private arena for entertainment with spacious bedrooms and glass-fronted spa and exercise center, in addition to the sprawling living and dining-room areas. Each suite on the 39th floor uses light, space and art to create a unique atmosphere and memorable stay for select guests.
On the 50th floor, the Big Kahuna Suite was toured with delight by Connie Erberle, Beth Pope, Tamara Koch, Ginger Tracy-Walker and architectural photographer James Lindstrom. With 3,700 square feet and two master bedroom suites, this address offers every conceivable luxury, including a private deck, spacious swimming pool and cabana. Sunny and spacious with more than a touch of the Pacific Rim in mind, this graceful suite is accented with Nambe pieces and contains many conversation groupings of inviting chairs and side tables, ideal for privately conducting business with pleasure. It is the hotel's largest suite and provides treasured guests a lifestyle shared only with the rich and famous.
In bright contrast, the much smaller Mardi Gras Suite, also on the 50th floor, is done in rose and gold, showing a decidedly French and New Orleans influence with choice furnishings and art in masterful use of the 1,500-square-foot space. The bedroom with rose fleur-de-lis fabrics was dazzling, with its focal point a four-poster bed and dramatic hangings. Accenting the unique space given over for the suite and the designer's skill was the eagle's view of our sparkling city from the curving, floor-to-ceiling windows that formed the suite's outer walls.
The crowning glory of the hotel's most exclusive accommodations is the Presidential Suite atop the Rio tower on the 51st floor. Set apart, given great privacy, this most lavish, yet very appealing and comfort-laden, suite had tour members longingly wishing to stay. With guidance from Marnell Corrao's own Glennis Peterson, guests, including Sharon Watkins, Michelle McDonald, Laura Checkowich and Paula Sparkhul, took an intimate look at these home-sized quarters, including a view of the suite's Limoges china and Baccarat crystal.
Stepping beneath the domed ceilings of the rotunda entrance with its massive chandelier, each of us seemed welcomed into a private home, a country estate. Rich mahogany woodwork was used extensively to complement the marble fireplaces, grand piano and tasteful furnishings that bespoke the restful comforts of this penthouse suite. Discreetly present during the tour through the Presidential Suite were Rio staff, among them a butler, chef and housekeeper, who devote their energies exclusively to Reserve Suites' guests around the clock.
Adding another bit of drama to the afternoon was the walking tour of the VooDoo Cafe and Lounge, atop the Rio Tower, also on the 51st floor. For most guests, this was a first visit, and they were beguiled by the interior design chosen for the New Orleans-style restaurant and lounge. Many stopped to gaze out at the spectacular views or venture onto the decks for better vantage of specific landmarks on the valley floor. Some inquired for menus and made reservations for lunch and dinner in the week to come. All commented on the striking voodoo symbols painted on the walls and ceilings, making plans to return soon for a closer look.
The final session of ASID's tour was held downstairs in the Rio's bridal center. Led by Victoria Morgan, president-elect of ASID's Central California-Nevada chapter, the informal program praised Barbara Hicks and Robert Stanley for their work in planning the tour. Gracious thanks were bestowed upon Lee Cagley and his associates at Marnell Corrao Design for hosting the event, as well as acknowledgments to the Rio hotel-casino. Denise Keasler was introduced as administrator of ASID's Las Vegas office, which will open in September.
ASID is a professional organization devoted to maintaining high industry standards and providing members with timely information on new product standards and design trends.
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