Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Hotel and casino in Las Vegas

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Aerial view of the property, 2024

Location | Paradise, Nevada
Address | 4455 Paradise Road[1]
Opening date| March 25, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-03-25)
No. of rooms| 1,504
Total gaming space| 60,000 sq ft (5,600 m2)
Signature attractions| The Theater at Virgin Hotels
Notable restaurants| Nobu
Olives (2021–2023)
One Steakhouse
Casino type| Land-based
Owner| JC Hospitality
Virgin Hotels
Operating license holder| Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment
Previous names| Hard Rock Hotel (1995–2020)
Coordinates| 36°06′31″N 115°09′13″W﻿ / ﻿36.10861°N 115.15361°W﻿ / 36.10861; -115.15361
Website| virginhotelslv.com

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a hotel and casino resort in Paradise, Nevada, east of the Las Vegas Strip. It previously operated as the Hard Rock Hotel from 1995 to 2020, before closing for renovations to be rebranded as Virgin Hotels.

Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, had wanted to enter the Las Vegas casino industry for more than 20 years. Virgin Hotels and a group of investment companies purchased the Hard Rock Hotel for $500 million in March 2018. The Hard Rock closed on February 3, 2020, to allow for a $200 million renovation. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opened on March 25, 2021. The opening had been delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada.

The hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, includes 1,504 rooms. The casino is known as Mohegan Casino Las Vegas. It is operated by Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Mohegan Tribe, making it the first Native American tribe to operate a Las Vegas casino. The resort also includes music venue The Theater at Virgin Hotels.

## History

[edit]

### Background

[edit]

The resort originally opened in March 1995, as the Hard Rock Hotel.[2] In January 2018, majority owner Brookfield Asset Management was in discussions to sell the Hard Rock to a group of buyers, including Virgin Hotels, Bosworth Hospitality, and investment firm Juniper Capital Partners.[3] The three companies had partnered together a year earlier to begin looking for an existing casino resort property in Las Vegas.[4] The Hard Rock Hotel sale was finalized on March 30, 2018.[5] On the same day, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson hosted a party-like news conference at the Hard Rock pool,[5][6] announcing that the resort would be renovated and rebranded as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas by the end of 2019.[7][8] The resort would retain the Hard Rock name until the completion of renovations, which would be done in phases, allowing the property to remain partially open.[6][7]

For more than 20 years, Branson had wanted to get into the Las Vegas casino industry.[2][6] At the time of the purchase, the company operated one hotel, the Virgin Hotels Chicago, and there were plans to add approximately 10 more hotels. With around 1,500 hotel rooms, the Hard Rock was the largest property of Virgin's hotels, but it was also small compared to resorts on the nearby Las Vegas Strip. The resort fit Virgin Hotels' desire for a smaller, boutique hotel in the Las Vegas market.[6] The newly renovated resort would compete against newer hotels such as Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Delano, and NoMad.[9]

Richard Bosworth was named as the new chief executive officer of the resort.[6] Bosworth and Juniper Capital were longtime business partners.[4] The two had previously wanted to purchase the unfinished Fontainebleau resort in Las Vegas, and they approached Brookfield as a possible equity partner in early 2017. Plans to buy the Fontainebleau did not work out, and Bosworth and Juniper Capital ultimately began discussions with Brookfield about buying the Hard Rock instead.[10] The resort was purchased for $500 million, in part with a $200 million loan from JPMorgan Chase. Ownership was split between seven investment companies, four of them being Canadian.[11][12] The majority owner was Laborers' International Union of North America's Central and Eastern Canada Pension Fund, which contributed more than $100 million to the purchase of the Hard Rock.[11] By January 2019, JC Hospitality had become the majority owner of the resort.[13] It is a joint venture of Bosworth Hospitality, Juniper Capital, and Virgin.[14] It was led by president and CEO Bosworth, and by Virgin Hotels, the latter of which would manage the resort following renovations.[13]

Base Entertainment had been building a stage facility on the property to host The Voice: Neon Dreams, a live concert show. Base Entertainment pulled out of the project following the Virgin purchase, leaving the facility only partially built.[13]

### Design and renovations

[edit]

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has a modern design with a desert oasis theme.[15][16][17] The design phase was underway in June 2018.[10] Renovation work was originally scheduled to begin and end in 2019, but the amount of work was increased as additional improvements were deemed necessary. During the first year of ownership, Bosworth and the other owners observed how the Hard Rock operated, which helped them in their renovation plans. The design changes increased the cost of renovations from $150 million to $200 million. In April 2019, it was announced that the renovation project would now begin in February 2020,[18][19] with a grand opening celebration at the end of the year.[20] Design work was nearly finished at the time of the announcement. The design team included Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors, Rockwell Group, and Studio Collective. McCarthy Building Companies and Taylor International Corporation were selected as the general contractors.[18][21]

It was announced in August 2019 that the Hard Rock would close entirely for about eight months beginning in early February 2020, to allow for the renovations to take place. Although there were initially plans to keep the resort partially open during renovations, Bosworth said, "We determined that a phased closing of four months, followed by a total closure of four months was not efficient from a construction process nor could we provide a hospitality service experience our guests deserve."[22][23] A former Hard Rock Cafe building, located on-site, was demolished in November 2019, to make room for valet parking and ride-sharing vehicles.[1][24] The Hard Rock Hotel closed on February 3, 2020, allowing for renovations to begin.[15][25]

### Opening and early years

[edit]

In 2019, a grand opening celebration was planned for mid-November 2020, shortly after the U.S. presidential election. The opening date was chosen to increase publicity for the resort, as Bosworth felt that the opening would be overshadowed if it were to occur during the presidential campaign season.[20] The resort was later scheduled to open on November 6, 2020.[26] Construction remained on track despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the state.[25][27] However, Bosworth announced in August 2020 that the opening could be delayed because of the pandemic, which had resulted in poor economic conditions. The pandemic had also imposed restrictive health precautions such as limited customer visitation.[27]

In September 2020, Bosworth announced a new opening date of January 15, 2021, as the owners wanted to ensure that pandemic conditions and restrictions continued to improve.[28][29] Six weeks before the resort's scheduled opening, JC Hospitality delayed it again, due to the pandemic.[30] In Nevada, casino occupancy levels had been reduced to 25 percent due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. Bosworth said that under these conditions, the resort would not have been profitable had it proceeded with the January opening.[31]

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas eventually opened on the night of March 25, 2021,[32][33] with a 40-minute opening ceremony that included bagpipe players and a drumline.[34] Attendees to the opening included Mario Lopez, Jon Gruden and Dana White.[35] Branson did not attend the opening due to concerns about the pandemic.[35] By the time of its opening, casino occupancy levels had been increased to 50 percent. Because of the pandemic restrictions, the resort had a low-key opening.[17][36] An official grand opening celebration was expected to take place at a later date.[37] Certain amenities, including some restaurants and a small sportsbook, were not ready with the initial opening.[36][37][38]

After COVID-19 restrictions were eased, the resort held a grand opening weekend celebration from June 10–13, 2021,[39][40] marking the completion of nearly all facilities.[41][42] Attendees at the grand opening included Branson, Nevada governor Steve Sisolak, and singer Christina Aguilera, who performed in the property's renovated theater.[40][43][44] The resort's target demographic consists of people ages 25 to 48.[37] To attract guests, the property opened without resort fees and paid parking, both of which had become common in Las Vegas. It also offers free Wi-Fi.[45][46][47] A nightly resort fee was soon implemented, less than a year after opening.[48]

The resort includes approximately 1,300 former Hard Rock employees, making up the majority of the workforce.[49] Bosworth had sought to retain the Hard Rock's 1,850 employees after its closure, through a program that would give them a paycheck bonus if they returned for the opening of Virgin Hotels.[50][51] The resort also signed a three-year extension to continue hosting the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo,[52] although the 2021 expo was cancelled as an in-person event due to the pandemic.[53]

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas curated programming and managed operations for attendees in the East Harmon Zone of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, through an event partnership with Formula One Racing.[54] In 2024, a tunnel was drilled to the resort for a future station of the Las Vegas Loop, an underground transportation system.[55] Bosworth stepped down as president that year, but retained an ownership stake.[56]

#### Worker strike

[edit]

Workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, who are represented by the Culinary Workers Union, had their labor contract expire in June 2023.[57] Culinary held a 48-hour strike at the resort in May 2024, noting that more than 50,000 union employees at other Las Vegas resorts had won "historic" pay raises.[58] Despite continued protests, Virgin Las Vegas was still without a new labor contract in September 2024. By that time, all casino resorts on the nearby Strip had been unionized and had labor contracts, leaving Virgin as the only outlier in the Las Vegas Valley.[59][60][61]

On November 15, 2024, 700 workers at the resort began a strike for more workplace protections and higher wages.[61][62][63] Unlike the 48-hour strike earlier in the year, this one was open ended and would last until the signing of a new labor deal,[62] with employees picketing 24/7 outside the hotel.[61] It was Culinary's first open ended strike in Las Vegas since 2002.[61][64] Virgins Hotels Las Vegas remained operational by hiring hundreds of temporary workers,[65][66][67][68] allowing it to stay open during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was held a week after the strike began.[69][70] The use of civil disobedience was allowed starting on the first day of the grand prix,[71] with 57 people arrested.[72]

On December 3, 2024, resort management reported that the property was now in financial distress, criticizing the Culinary Union's demands.[73] Management also reported that 60% of its union employees were working at the resort again.[73] A day later, all 700 striking workers held a public meeting with the Las Vegas-based Nevada Gaming Control Board.[74][75] A new, five-year contract was reached in January 2025, putting an end to the two-month strike.[76]

## Features

[edit]

The Opal Tower at Virgin Hotels

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opened with a 60,000 sq ft (5,600 m2) casino, known as Mohegan Sun Casino.[77][45] It was renamed Mohegan Casino Las Vegas in September 2022.[78] It is operated by Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Mohegan Tribe, making it the first Native American tribe to operate a Las Vegas casino.[77][79][80] Mohegan announced in May 2024 that it would end its affiliation with the property by the end of the year, with management of the casino transferring to Virgin.[81]

The casino has 44 table games, as well as 650 slot machines; half of the slots are from the former Hard Rock.[34][37][82] A sportsbook, operated by Betfred, opened in February 2023,[83] after delays caused by the Nevada licensing process.[84][85]

The hotel has 1,504 rooms and suites,[86] spread across three buildings: the Canyon Tower, Opal Tower, and Ruby Tower. The Ruby Tower is an all-suite building. A mobile app serves as an optional room key and also allows guests to order room service or check out. In addition, the app allows guests to control lights, televisions, and thermostats in their rooms.[87][88][89] The hotel is part of Hilton's Curio Collection.[13][90]

The resort also has 110,000 sq ft (10,000 m2) of meeting and event space.[16] Other amenities include a fitness center and spa.[91]

### Entertainment

[edit]

Virgin Hotels intended to revive the former Hard Rock's reputation as a top destination for entertainment.[15] The Joint, a Hard Rock music venue,[92][93][94] was renovated into The Theater at Virgin Hotels.[92] Because of the pandemic,[95] the venue did not open until September 2021.[96]

Vinyl, another music venue at the Hard Rock, was renamed 24 Oxford, after the first Virgin Records store, which was located at 24 Oxford Street in London. JC Hospitality spent $500,000 to revamp the Vinyl space.[97] The venue opened in May 2021, hosting the "27" residency, which is dedicated to members of the 27 Club.[98][99][100]

The resort's five-acre pool area is surrounded by several restaurants and an event lawn to host live concerts.[101][102] The event lawn space was previously home to a separate pool area, which hosted the Hard Rock's Rehab pool parties. This pool area was buried beneath the new event lawn,[103][104] which has space for 1,800 people.[93] Élia Beach Club is an outdoor, two-story dayclub, separate from the pool area. It features DJs and electronic dance music,[93][105][106] and was opened in June 2021.[107][108]

### Restaurants and bars

[edit]

The resort features 12 restaurants and bars.[34][36] Like other Virgin hotels, the Las Vegas property includes the Commons Club,[109][110] an upscale restaurant and lounge area built at the resort's main entrance.[1][111] The Commons Club measures 8,500 sq ft (790 m2) and includes The Bar and The Shag Room, two lounges located adjacent to one another. Both will offer live entertainment, and The Shag Room will also be booked for private events.[109][112]

The resort also includes a Thai restaurant named Night + Market,[113][114] and the Funny Library Coffee Shop.[115] Hakkasan Group operates Casa Calavera, a cantina offering food and drinks.[114][116] Kassi Beach House, an Italian poolside restaurant,[117][118] opened in May 2021.[119][120] Olives, a Mediterranean restaurant by chef Todd English,[121] opened three months later.[122][123][124] It operated until 2023.[56][125]

"Money, Baby!", a sportsbook lounge and restaurant, debuted in June 2021.[126][127] It was a multi-level space with 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2),[128] replacing the Hard Rock's former Vanity nightclub.[28][129] Money, Baby! operated in lieu of the resort's primary sportsbook, which had yet to open.[37][117] The restaurant portion was overseen by chef Beau MacMillan.[130][131] Money, Baby! closed abruptly in 2022,[132] with subsequent litigation ensuing between its parent, Clive Collective, and Virgin.[133] That October, the former sportsbook lounge reopened as Skybox.[134]

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas retained the Nobu restaurant, which previously operated inside the resort when it was the Hard Rock.[135] Nobu is a Michelin star restaurant,[136] and is operated by chef Nobu Matsuhisa.[114] Two other Hard Rock restaurants, MB Steak and Forte Pizza, were also retained.[20] MB Steak, owned by David and Michael Morton,[114] received a $1.5 million expansion,[137] and was renamed One Steakhouse.[138][139] Nobu was also expanded.[140][141]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Martin, Bradley (October 4, 2019). "Virgin Hotel Now Has Its First Restaurant and Lounge Planned". Eater. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
2. ^ a b Jones, Jay (January 17, 2020). "Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas will party to the end. Here's a look back at 25 years". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
3. ^ Segall, Eli (January 19, 2018). "Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas being sold, sources say". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
4. ^ a b Moore, Thomas (November 2, 2017). "Richard Branson's Virgin Hotels looking to expand to Las Vegas". VegasInc. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
5. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (March 30, 2018). "It's time to knock 'n' roll for Richard Branson in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
6. ^ a b c d e Segall, Eli (March 30, 2018). "British billionaire Branson, partners buy Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
7. ^ a b Akers, Mick (March 30, 2018). "Virgin to remodel, rebrand Hard Rock Hotel". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
8. ^ Forgione, Mary (April 2, 2018). "Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas will be reborn as Virgin Hotels property". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
9. ^ Jones, Jay (January 2, 2019). "Bye, Hard Rock Hotel. Hello, Virgin. Las Vegas hotel to close during changeover". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
10. ^ a b Segall, Eli (June 15, 2018). "New CEO talks about changes coming for Hard Rock in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
11. ^ a b Segall, Eli (April 6, 2018). "New Hard Rock Hotel owners plan to overhaul the Las Vegas property". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
12. ^ Katsilometes, John (April 17, 2019). "Nipsey Hussle's tie to Las Vegas Hard Rock/Virgin 'a big overstatement'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
13. ^ a b c d Katsilometes, John (January 30, 2019). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas set to partner with Curio Collection by Hilton". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
14. ^ Katz, Dan (September 18, 2019). "Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment to Manage Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Casino". Poker News Daily. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
15. ^ a b c Horwath, Bryan (February 4, 2020). "As Hard Rock Hotel goes dark, Virgin promises bright future". VegasInc. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
16. ^ a b Schulz, Bailey (January 30, 2020). "Hard Rock Hotel saying goodbye with 'Party Weekend'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
17. ^ a b Horwath, Bryan (March 19, 2021). "Rebranded Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has feel of desert oasis". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
18. ^ a b Horwath, Bryan (April 1, 2019). "Virgin's Hard Rock renovation project pushed to early next year". VegasInc. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
19. ^ Jones, Jay (April 3, 2019). "Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas closing will happen, but not for a while". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
20. ^ a b c Katsilometes, John (April 1, 2019). "Virgin to begin Las Vegas Hard Rock remodel after next Super Bowl". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
21. ^ Schulz, Bailey (September 10, 2019). "Firms selected to transform Hard Rock to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
22. ^ John, Katsilometes (August 17, 2019). "Hard Rock Hotel going dark for most of 2020, CEO says". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
23. ^ Yasharoff, Hannah (August 19, 2019). "Goodnight, Hard Rock: Las Vegas hotel and casino will close 8 months for renovation". USA Today. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
24. ^ Schulz, Bailey (November 18, 2019). "Hard Rock Cafe demolition starts in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
25. ^ a b Segall, Eli (April 14, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas overhaul on track despite virus, CEO says". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
26. ^ "All The Vegas Podcast: Hard Rock Hotel CEO Richard Bosworth". Las Vegas Weekly. October 21, 2019. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
27. ^ a b Segall, Eli (August 21, 2020). "Virgin-branded hotel in Las Vegas reconsidering fall opening date". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
28. ^ a b Radke, Brock (September 24, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas set to open January 15". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
29. ^ Segall, Eli (September 24, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas announces opening date". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
30. ^ Schulz, Bailey (December 4, 2020). "Virgin Hotels delays opening date for Las Vegas property due to pandemic". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
31. ^ Segall, Eli (March 19, 2021). "CEO: Virgin Hotels project well-planned but pandemic had an impact". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
32. ^ Bartels, Joe (March 26, 2021). "Take a look inside the newest resort to open in Las Vegas". KTNV. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
33. ^ Loftis, Sasha (March 25, 2021). "'This is not your grandfather's old hotel': Virgin Hotels Las Vegas shares first look inside after grand opening". KLAS. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
34. ^ a b c Velotta, Richard N.; Shoro, Mike (March 25, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opens, marking a return to paradise". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
35. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (March 26, 2021). "Richard Branson wants to visit Virgin Hotels Las Vegas 'soon'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
36. ^ a b c Stapleton, Susan (March 25, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Opens in Las Vegas With New Restaurants and Bars to Explore From Nobu and More". Eater. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
37. ^ a b c d e Schulz, Bailey; Velotta, Richard N. (March 19, 2021). "Virgin Hotels set to open Thursday. Here's what to expect". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
38. ^ Shoro, Mike (May 3, 2021). "New pool, beach club coming soon to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
39. ^ "Richard Branson marks launch of Virgin hotel in Las Vegas". Press Herald. Associated Press. June 11, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
40. ^ a b Shoro, Mike (June 10, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas kicks off Unstoppable Weekend festivities". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
41. ^ Katsilometes, John (May 29, 2021). "Christina Aguilera, Richard Branson lead Virgin Hotels' 'Unstoppable' party". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
42. ^ Kling, Matt (May 29, 2021). "Christina Aguilera, Flo Rida to headline grand opening of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". KVVU. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
43. ^ Katsilometes, John (June 12, 2021). "Richard Branson is down to Earth in Virgin Hotel trip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
44. ^ Rice, Nicholas (June 11, 2021). "Christina Aguilera Rocks Black Latex Look During Performance for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Grand Opening". People. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
45. ^ a b Szydelko, Paul (March 9, 2021). "Virgin Hotels opening is a benchmark in Vegas' recovery". Travel Weekly. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
46. ^ Seeman, Matthew (February 26, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will open with no resort fees, free WiFi and parking". KSNV. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
47. ^ Bennett, Andrea (May 5, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas: First In". Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
48. ^ "Virgin Las Vegas Adds Resort Fee, $45/Night Surcharge Matches Nevada's Highest". casinos.org. January 24, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
49. ^ "New era begins as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas officially opens its doors". KLAS. March 25, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
50. ^ Schulz, Bailey (August 27, 2019). "Virgin Hotels taking steps to retain Hard Rock Hotel workers". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
51. ^ Shoro, Mike (March 24, 2021). "Virgin Hotels welcomes back former Hard Rock workers". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
52. ^ Katsilometes, John (March 2, 2020). "AVN Awards, convention to return to former Hard Rock Hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
53. ^ Horwath, Bryan (July 31, 2020). "AVN Awards, Vegas' porn expo, latest to go digital for 2021". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
54. ^ "Las Vegas GP signs event deal with Virgin Hotels". blackbookmotorsport.com. Blackbook Motorsport. April 12, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
55. ^ "Las Vegas Loop tunnel reaches Virgin Hotel near UNLV, company announces on X". 8NewsNow. Nexstar Media. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
56. ^ a b Stutz, Howard (January 2, 2024). "Indy Q&A: Head of Virgin Hotels LV management is 'guy that brings everyone together'". The Nevada Independent. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
57. ^ "Culinary contract fight with Virgin heats up, but no Memorial Day strike planned". The Nevada Independent. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
58. ^ Mateer, Noelle (May 28, 2024). "Virgin hotel labor dispute remains holdout in Las Vegas". Hotel Dive. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
59. ^ Sebellius, Steve (September 20, 2024). "Culinary Union celebrates the end of their longest campaign". KTNV. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
60. ^ "23 Culinary Union members arrested during picket outside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". KTNV. August 30, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
61. ^ a b c d Yamat, Rio (November 15, 2024). "Hundreds of hotel workers go on strike at a casino near the Las Vegas Strip". Associated Press. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
62. ^ a b Zalucki, Rachel (November 15, 2024). "Las Vegas union begins strike at Virgin Hotels after failed negotiations". KVVU-TV. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
63. ^ Moreno-Meza, Fidel (November 15, 2024). "Hospitality workers launch strike at Virgin Hotels LasVegas". KSNV. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
64. ^ Moreno-Meza, Fidel (November 19, 2024). "Culinary Union strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas enters fifth day". KSNV. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
65. ^ "Virgin Hotel strike heats up as management fills vacant positions". KSNV. November 18, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
66. ^ "Culinary union strike continues against Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas". CBS News. November 20, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
67. ^ Emerson, Elaine (November 19, 2024). "Las Vegas casino filling positions during Culinary Union strike". KVVU-TV. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
68. ^ Khalafi, Shawna (November 18, 2024). "Las Vegas Strip hotel workers picket in solidarity with Virgin Hotels strike". KVVU-TV. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
69. ^ Doak, Kirvin (November 22, 2024). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 Entertainment Listing". Nevada Business. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
70. ^ Dunn, Lucas (November 20, 2024). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Culinary Workers Strike Enters Fifth Day". Casino.com. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
71. ^ Verastigue, Justine (November 19, 2024). "Las Vegas Culinary Union to host civil disobedience at Virgin Hotels during strike". KVVU-TV. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
72. ^ Ross, McKenna (November 22, 2024). "57 arrested in Culinary strike at Virgin Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
73. ^ a b Chouinard, Kyle (December 3, 2024). "Virgin Hotels says it must protect its financial health as strike in Las Vegas drags on". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
74. ^ "Culinary Union to bring Virgin Las Vegas strikers to the Nevada Gaming Control Board to provide public comment". Culinary Workers Union Local 226. December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
75. ^ Grendzynski, Dave (December 4, 2024). "Hospitality Workers Taking Contract Fight to Nevada Gaming Control Board". Action Network. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
76. ^ Stutz, Howard (January 22, 2025). "Culinary ends strike at Virgin, reaching an agreement after 69 days". The Nevada Independent. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
77. ^ a b Velotta, Richard N. (September 17, 2019). "Mohegan Gaming to manage Virgin Las Vegas when it opens in 2020". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
78. ^ "Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas Unveils New Moniker, Introducing 'Mohegan Casino Las Vegas'". Mohegan Gaming. September 21, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
79. ^ Singer, Stephen (September 17, 2019). "Mohegan Sun owner becomes first Native American tribe in Las Vegas, operating gambling at casino set to open in 2020". Hartford Courant. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
80. ^ Prevatt, Mike (April 30, 2021). "Virgin's Mohegan Sun Becomes First Tribal Casino In Las Vegas". Nevada Public Radio. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
81. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (May 8, 2024). "Mohegan Tribe to end management of Las Vegas casino". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
82. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (October 7, 2020). "Las Vegas resort corridor poised to have first Indian tribe casino operator". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
83. ^ Dixson, Angelina (February 10, 2023). "Super Bowl ready: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas' sportsbook opens". KTNV. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
84. ^ Barnes, Jim (July 7, 2022). "Betfred still plans to open sportsbook at Virgin Hotels". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
85. ^ Velotta, Richard N. (January 25, 2023). "Virgin Hotel on path to open sportsbook". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
86. ^ Katsilometes, John (February 2, 2020). "Hard Rock cranks it up once more in final Las Vegas party". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
87. ^ Schulz, Bailey (September 16, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas to debut with mobile room key, smart assistant". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
88. ^ Olvera, Kaitlyn (September 16, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas debuts room designs". KLAS. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
89. ^ Olmsted, Larry (March 1, 2021). "Newest Vegas Hotel Casino Opens: Preview The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Forbes. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
90. ^ Schulz, Bailey (March 20, 2021). "Resorts World, Virgin Hotels putting Hilton name back in spotlight". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 1, 2022.
91. ^ Szydelko, Paul (April 6, 2021). "First Look: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas brings desert cool to Sin City". Travel Weekly. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
92. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (September 25, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas renaming The Joint". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
93. ^ a b c Groves, Alex (April 7, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opens and more entertainment makes its way back". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
94. ^ Katsilometes, John (February 15, 2021). "The Joint is gone, but Virgin Hotels still seeking a name". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
95. ^ Bracelin, Jason (March 19, 2021). "Rock out under the stars; see big names in a luxe, renovated room". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
96. ^ Seeman, Matthew (September 13, 2021). "Gary Clark Jr. opens The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". KSNV. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
97. ^ Katsilometes, John (October 19, 2020). "Virgin rebrands Vinyl venue as 24 Oxford". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
98. ^ Katsilometes, John (April 7, 2021). "Rock retro show '27' counts down the days to Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
99. ^ Katsilometes, John (May 6, 2021). "'27' rock show, Top Rank Boxing 1st events at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
100. ^ Radke, Brock (June 3, 2021). "Virgin's New '27' Show Brings Some of Rock's Biggest Heroes Back From the Other Side". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
101. ^ Schulz, Bailey (October 23, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas offers details on 'desert oasis' pool complex". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
102. ^ Szydelko, Paul (November 2, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas expects to make a big splash with its reimagined pool area". Travel Weekly. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
103. ^ Mancini, Al (March 24, 2021). "6 things to look for when exploring Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
104. ^ Radke, Brock (March 25, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Arrives with a Smooth Style of its Own". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
105. ^ Radke, Brock (November 16, 2020). "A closer look at the Virgin Las Vegas outdoor entertainment complex". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
106. ^ Radke, Brock (June 24, 2021). "Virgin Hotels' Élia Beach Club brings new vibes to the Vegas pool party". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
107. ^ Radke, Brock (April 21, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas to open Élia Beach Club on June 10". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
108. ^ "Former Maxim Cover Stars Alessandra Ambrosio and Audrina Patridge Heat Up Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Beach Club Launch". Maxim. June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
109. ^ a b Knapp Rinella, Heidi (September 1, 2020). "Virgin Hotels restaurants to blend best of Hard Rock with fresh selections". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
110. ^ "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas unveils restaurant partners as remodeling continues". KSNV. September 1, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
111. ^ Radke, Brock (May 13, 2021). "Chef David Werly Refines the Late-Night Nosh at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
112. ^ Katsilometes, John (September 3, 2020). "Virgin Hotels' Commons Club to expand Center Bar scene". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
113. ^ Durano, Genevie (May 13, 2021). "Famed LA Thai Spot Night + Market Dazzles at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
114. ^ a b c d Hahn, Juliana (September 20, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas reveals restaurant partners". tophotel.news. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
115. ^ Martin, Bradley (October 28, 2019). "Virgin Hotel Keeps Some Restaurants After the Remodel, Adds Hugh Jackman to the Mix". Eater. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
116. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (September 10, 2020). "Virgin Hotels' Instagram darling Casa Calavera will bring the beach". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
117. ^ a b Knapp Rinella, Heidi (March 19, 2021). "Unique, natural feel saturates Virgin Hotels Las Vegas restaurants". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
118. ^ Stapleton, Susan (March 18, 2021). "Kassi Beach House Reveals Its Poolside Coastal Italian Vibe at Virgin Hotels". Eater. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
119. ^ Katsilometes, John (May 26, 2021). "Highly-anticipated Kassi Beach House set for weekend opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
120. ^ Shoro, Mike (June 7, 2021). "Virgin Hotel plans to make bigger splash with 'Unstoppable' party". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
121. ^ Radke, Brock (December 9, 2021). "Todd English's new Olives brings destination dining to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
122. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (March 10, 2020). "Todd English to join Virgin Hotels' restaurant portfolio". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
123. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (August 2, 2021). "Todd English's signature Olives set to open at Virgin Hotels". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
124. ^ Criscitiello, Alexa (August 4, 2021). "Chef Todd English Announces Opening Of Olives Restaurant At Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Broadway World. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
125. ^ Wright, Johnathan L. (May 25, 2023). "Chef Todd English closing Vegas outpost of restaurant that made him famous". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
126. ^ Sampson, Amber (August 26, 2021). "Virgin Las Vegas' sports bar and club Money, Baby! shows off". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
127. ^ "Inside 'Money, Baby!'—The Baller New Sports Betting Club in Las Vegas". Maxim. May 20, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
128. ^ Radke, Brock (March 29, 2021). "New Las Vegas resorts innovate by blending sports and nightlife". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
129. ^ Radke, Brock (February 25, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has a broad entertainment array coming our way". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
130. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (February 22, 2021). "Food Network star MacMillan to head Virgin Hotels restaurant". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
131. ^ Stapleton, Susan (July 20, 2021). "Smiley Face Art and Hot Pink Vibes Bedeck the New Sportsbook and Lounge Overlooking the Pools at Virgin Hotels". Eater. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
132. ^ Seeman, Matthew (June 29, 2022). "'Money, Baby!' sportsbook lounge at Virgin Hotels abruptly closes". KSNV. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
133. ^ "Restaurant, off-Strip casino in legal fight over failed sportsbook concept". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
134. ^ "Virgin Las Vegas Reopens Shuttered Sports Lounge as Skybox". casino.org. October 14, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
135. ^ Radke, Brock (February 16, 2020). "Taste Trends: Nobu pops up at Bally's and more Vegas food news". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
136. ^ "Top 10 Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Las Vegas (2025)". Las Vegas Direct. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
137. ^ Martin, Bradley (April 15, 2020). "MB Steak Remodel Underway as Virgin Hotel Promises a Fall Debut". Eater. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
138. ^ Stapleton, Susan (October 22, 2020). "The Morton Brothers Change MB Steak Into One Steakhouse When Virgin Hotels Opens". Eater. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
139. ^ Knapp Rinella, Heidi (March 9, 2021). "Virgin Hotels' reimagined steakhouse promises some surprises". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
140. ^ Stapleton, Susan (February 18, 2020). "Todd English's Olives Returns to Las Vegas This Fall". Eater. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
141. ^ Radke, Brock (March 25, 2021). "Nobu and One Steakhouse Enhance and Advance as the Casino Around Them Changes". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved June 9, 2021.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Virgin Group

Assets|

| Lifestyle|

* Active
* Balloon Flights
* Experience Days
* Red
* Voucher
* Wines

|

Travel /
transport|

* Atlantic
* Holidays
* Galactic
* Hotels
* Chicago
* Las Vegas
* Limited Edition
* Natirar
* Necker
* Roof Gardens
* Ulusaba
* Virgin Australia Holdings
* Australia
* Regional
* Oceanic
* Voyages

Music|

* Megastores
* Virgin Music Group
* Caroline Records
* Records
* V2 Records

Money|

* UK
* Australia

* Media

* Connect
* Virgin Media O2
* Virgin Media UK
* O2 UK
* Virgin Media Ireland
* Television
* Virgin Mobile
* Chile
* Ireland
* Kuwait
* Poland
* Saudi Arabia
* Plus

Radio|

* UK
* Canada
* Halifax
* Montreal
* Toronto
* Kitchener
* London
* Windsor
* Winnipeg
* Edmonton
* Calgary
* Vancouver
* Victoria
* Italy
* Dubai
* Turkey
* Lebanon
* Romania

Former|

* America
* Books
* Brides
* Cars
* Care
* Charter
* Cinemas
* Comics
* Connect Airways
* Flybe
* Tigerair Australia
* Digital
* Digital Help
* Drinks
* Cola
* Vodka
* Electronics
* Virgin EMI
* Energy
* Express
* Festival (Australia)
* Festival (England)
* Festival (North America)
* Films
* Games
* Gaming
* Green Fund
* Health Bank
* Heaven
* Hyperloop
* Interactive
* Limobike
* Limousines
* Little Red
* Megastores (UK)
* Media Television (UK)
* Mobile (Australia)
* Mobile (France)
* Mobile (India)
* Mobile (South Africa)
* Mobile (UK)
* Mobile (USA)
* Money (South Africa)
* Money (US)
* Virgin Music
* Nigeria
* Orbit
* Plane Handling
* Play
* Produced
* Radio Free
* Northern Rock
* Oüi FM
* Racing (Electric)
* Racing (F1)
* Radio (Jakarta)
* Radio (Jordan)
* Radio (Kelowna)
* Radio (Ottawa)
* Radio (UK)
* Classic
* Groove
* Xtreme
* Virgin Radio France
* Samoa
* Sun
* Trainline
* Trains
* CrossCountry
* East Coast
* ExpressCoach
* International
* Open Access
* USA
* West Coast
* Travel City Direct
* Vacations
* V Australia
* Vie
* Virgin.net

People|

* Richard Branson
* Stephen Clarke-Willson
* Nik Powell
* Steve Ridgway

Other|

* "Dirty tricks" campaign
* Losing My Virginity
* Timeline of Richard Branson's business ventures
* Unite (charity)
* Virgin Earth Challenge

* Category
* Commons

* v
* t
* e

Las Vegas area casinos

Las Vegas Strip|

* Aria
* Bellagio
* Caesars Palace
* Casino Royale
* Circus Circus
* Cosmopolitan
* Cromwell
* Encore
* Excalibur
* Flamingo
* Fontainebleau
* Harrah's
* Horseshoe
* The Linq
* Luxor
* Mandalay Bay
* MGM Grand
* New York-New York
* O'Sheas
* Palazzo
* Paris
* Park MGM
* Planet Hollywood
* Resorts World
* Sahara
* Slots-A-Fun
* Treasure Island
* Venetian
* Wynn

Boulder Strip|

* Arizona Charlie's Boulder
* Boulder Station
* Eastside Cannery
* Railroad Pass
* Sam's Town

Downtown Las Vegas|

* Binion's
* California
* Circa
* Downtown Grand
* El Cortez
* Four Queens
* Fremont
* Golden Gate
* Golden Nugget
* Main Street Station
* Plaza
* The D

Resort corridor
(surrounds the Strip)|

* Aztec Inn
* Ellis Island
* Gold Coast
* Mohegan Casino (Virgin Hotels)
* Orleans
* Oyo
* Palace Station
* Palms
* Rio
* Silver Sevens
* Strat
* Tuscany
* Westgate

Other areas|

* Airport Slots
* Aliante
* Arizona Charlie's Decatur
* Cannery
* Durango
* Green Valley Ranch
* Jerry's Nugget
* Jokers Wild
* Klondike Sunset
* M
* MonteLago
* Ojos Locos
* The Pass
* Poker Palace
* Rampart
* Red Rock
* Santa Fe Station
* Silver Nugget
* Silverton
* Skyline
* South Point
* Suncoast
* Sunset Station

Proposed|

* Dream

Cancelled|

* Casinos never opened
* Craig Ranch Station
* Crown Las Vegas
* Echelon Place
* Las Vegas Plaza
* Santa Fe Valley

Former|

* Aladdin
* Bill's
* Boardwalk
* Bourbon Street
* California Club
* Castaways (Las Vegas Strip)
* Castaways (Boulder Strip)
* Clarion
* Desert Inn
* Dunes
* El Rancho
* El Rancho Vegas
* Frontier
* Fiesta Henderson
* Fiesta Rancho
* Gold Spike
* Hacienda
* Hard Rock
* Holy Cow
* Hondo
* Imperial Palace
* Key Largo
* Klondike
* La Bayou
* Landmark
* Las Vegas Club
* Lucky Dragon
* Marina Hotel
* Meadows
* Mermaids
* Mint
* Mirage
* Moulin Rouge
* Northern Club
* Opera House
* Pioneer Club
* Riviera
* Royal Nevada
* Sands
* Silver City
* Silver Slipper
* Stardust
* Texas Station
* Tropicana
* Vacation Village
* Vegas World
* The Western
* Westin
* Westward Ho
* Wild Wild West

Nevada portal • Outstate & Reno casinos

* v
* t
* e

Las Vegas area hotels

Las Vegas Strip|

* Aria
* Bellagio
* Caesars Palace
* Casino Royale
* Circus Circus
* Cosmopolitan
* Cromwell
* Encore
* Excalibur
* Flamingo
* Fontainebleau
* Four Seasons
* Harrah's
* Horseshoe
* The Linq
* Luxor
* Mandalay Bay
* MGM Grand
* New York-New York
* Palazzo
* Paris
* Park MGM
* Planet Hollywood
* Resorts World
* Sahara
* Signature
* Treasure Island
* Trump
* Vdara
* Venetian
* W
* Waldorf Astoria
* Wynn

Boulder Strip|

* Arizona Charlie's Boulder
* Boulder Station
* Eastside Cannery
* Railroad Pass
* Sam's Town

Downtown Las Vegas|

* Binion's
* California
* Circa
* Downtown Grand
* El Cortez
* Four Queens
* Fremont
* Golden Gate
* Golden Nugget
* Main Street Station
* Plaza
* The D

Resort corridor
(surrounds the Strip)|

* Ahern Hotel
* Alexis Park
* Aztec Inn
* Ellis Island
* Gold Coast
* Lexi
* Grand Chateau
* Orleans
* Oyo
* Palace Station
* Palms
* Palms Place
* Platinum
* Rio
* Silver Sevens
* Strat
* Tuscany
* Virgin Hotels
* Westgate
* Westin

Other areas|

* Aliante
* Arizona Charlie's Decatur
* Cannery
* Durango
* Grandview
* Green Valley Ranch
* Hotel Jefe
* JW Marriott
* M
* Red Rock
* Santa Fe Station
* Silverton
* Skyline
* South Point
* Suncoast
* Sunset Station
* Tahiti Village

Proposed|

* Charlie Palmer Hotel
* Dream

Cancelled|

* All Net Resort
* Craig Ranch Station
* Crown Las Vegas
* Echelon Place
* Grand Central Hotel
* Las Vegas Plaza
* Majestic
* Santa Fe Valley
* W

Former|

* Aladdin
* Algiers
* Boardwalk
* Bourbon Street
* Castaways (Las Vegas Strip)
* Castaways (Boulder Strip)
* Clarion
* Desert Inn
* Dunes
* El Rancho Hotel and Casino
* El Rancho Vegas
* Fiesta Henderson
* Fiesta Rancho
* Frontier
* Gold Spike
* Hacienda
* Hard Rock
* Harmon
* Key Largo
* Klondike
* La Concha
* Las Vegas Club
* Landmark
* Lucky Dragon
* Marina Hotel
* Meadows
* Mint
* Mirage
* Moulin Rouge
* Riviera
* Royal Nevada
* Sands
* Silver Slipper
* Stardust
* Texas Station
* Tropicana
* Vacation Village
* Vegas World
* The Western
* Westward Ho
* Wild Wild West

Hotels portal • Nevada portal
*[No.]: Number
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template