Hotel32 to offer technology, VIP treats, gateway to CityCenter

By Richard N. Velotta

Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 | 3 a.m.

A VIP experience at a price everyday tourists can afford is what the Monte Carlo’s new hotel-within-a-hotel concept is attempting to deliver to guests.

But the repositioning of the Monte Carlo and its Hotel32 will provide much more as the property prepares itself as a gateway to MGM Mirage’s CityCenter with an array of technological amenities new to Las Vegas.

The 3,000-room Monte Carlo began taking guests Aug. 10 for the 60 rooms and suites on the 32nd floor, offering tours of the new accommodations to local media this week. Monte Carlo President and CEO Anton Nikodemus said the first weekend was a sellout and bookings are strong for the months ahead.

Rates for the 22 studio units start at $250 with the two-bedroom penthouse lofts going for up to $1,800 a night. The cost could go as high as $2,500 a night in high-demand periods.

“It’s really a great introductory rate that doesn’t necessarily compete with the upscale, luxurious properties (in Las Vegas),” Nikodemus said during the media event.

“It doesn’t compete and we didn’t want it to compete directly against that uberluxury-type property,” he said. “This is supposed to be a property that was a great venue that you can have a gateway into CityCenter, a gateway into those types of amenities. But it wasn’t necessarily going to be competing with them. We could draft behind them for those customers who really wanted to be a part of it, but in no way, shape or form wanted to pay the dollars associated with that.”

The hotel-within-a-hotel concept was pioneered in Las Vegas by Mandalay Bay that dedicated five floors to the four-star Four Seasons Hotel when it opened in 1999.

The Hotel32 experience comes with limousine service from McCarran International Airport and the personal attention of a suite assistant — a cross between a butler and a concierge — upon arrival at the porte-cochere.

Hotel32 guests bypass check-in lines and are escorted straight to their suites by the assistant, who offers a tour of the room features that include oversized custom furnishings with tables of marble, onyx and granite. Chocolate and cream color schemes are accented with citrine, turquoise, amethyst, ruby and orange.

Flat-screen televisions are everywhere and several suites have Crestron remote systems that control drapes, lights and electronic entertainment systems. Suites have Blu-ray players and television screen integrated into bathroom mirrors.

Rooms have Wiis and docking stations for iPod players. Rooms have wireless Internet access and travelers can request the use a laptop computer.

The bathrooms are like spas. Each suite has a hydrotherapy soaking tub, most with views of the Strip. The showers have programmable chromatherapy — the use of colored lights to create a mood — with a gentle rainfall program as well standard shower heads. Some suites have steam-room features.

Nikodemus said a new-to-Las Vegas technological feature will be the issuance of iPod touch personal media players with applications that highlight the Monte Carlo’s amenities. Guests with iPhones can download the Monte Carlo applications to their devices.

Guests also have access to lounge32, just off the dedicated elevator to the 32nd floor. The lounge overlooks CityCenter and will offer guests refreshments and cocktails.

The Monte Carlo plans the unveiling of three new restaurants over the next few months, leading up to the Dec. 17 opening of Aria, the centerpiece of CityCenter, which will be accessible from the Monte Carlo by tram. Nikodemus said the opening of Hotel32 and the rebranding of the property is part of MGM Mirage’s strategy to keep Monte Carlo relevant with the arrival of CityCenter.

“If you look at the $250 for our suite rate, that’s a tremendous opportunity to come in and have the personalized service, transportation to and from the airport, private check-in and the incredible lounge that overlooks CityCenter,” Nikodemus said. “It’s all part of the big plan.”