Hilton, once a major player in Las Vegas with the Las Vegas Hilton—home to a string of Elvis Presley concerts—has gone all-in on expansion in Sin City. By the end of the year, the company expects to have more than 30 hotels with more than 11,000 rooms across 12 brands in the market.
“Hilton has a long history in the market beginning with the iconic Las Vegas Hilton, once the largest hotel in the world,” said Matthew Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “In 1970, that hotel made Hilton the first New York Stock Exchange-listed company to enter the domestic gaming business, helping to establish Las Vegas as a prime destination for leisure and business travel. As the market has continued to grow, and given our strong ties, we have been looking for the right opportunities to build on Hilton’s legacy and return to the Las Vegas Strip in a big way.”
Hilton’s expansion in the Nevada city comes at the right time as travelers have come in droves since lockdowns have ended and travel restrictions eased.
“According to a recent survey conducted by Hilton, nearly a quarter (24%) of Americans ranked Las Vegas at the top of their must-visit destination list, with 20% putting the Las Vegas Strip on their travel wish list.” Schuyler pointed out. “The Strip is synonymous with Las Vegas, and we are excited to solidify Hilton’s presence in this sought-after destination.”
Hilton returned to the Strip in June with three hotels inside the Resorts World Las Vegas complex. “Through a historic partnership between Hilton and Genting, Resorts World Las Vegas marked the largest single deal and multi-brand deal in our company’s history,” noted Schuyler.
Offering their own dedicated entrances, lobbies and collections of accommodations, the trio includes the largest Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in the world; Crockfords Las Vegas, one of the first LXR Hotels & Resorts locations in the U.S.; and a marquee Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel.
“As we consider larger hotels and resorts, multibrand properties allow owners and developers to tailor custom offerings and appeal to different types of travelers, while delivering thoughtful service and value-added amenities to enhance the overall guest experience,” said Schuyler. “While every market is unique, part of Hilton’s success is carefully pairing brands with destinations that make sense for owners and consumers. For Resorts World Las Vegas, these three brands rose to the top.”
With the Conrad and LXR properties joining the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas on the Strip, Las Vegas is the only U.S destination to house Hilton’s three luxury brands.
The non-gaming Waldorf Astoria, which opened in 2018, is undergoing a two-phase renovation which, Schuyler said, “will transform guestrooms, meeting spaces, culinary and the lobby experience while continuing to welcome guests to the vibrant and exciting city.” Phase one is slated for completion later this year, while phase two is expected to wrap up in the fourth quarter of next year.
In March, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, opened just off the Strip in the former location of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The resort features more than 1,500 chambers and suites; 110,000 sq. ft, of meeting and event space; 15 F&B concepts, including a Nobu restaurant; and a beach-entry pool complete with sand.
“As we continue to grow our pipeline, partnering with companies like Virgin Group allows us to elevate our portfolio even further and provide our guests with unique memorable experiences,” said Schuyler. “Las Vegas is known for hospitality and entertainment, so the opening of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton offered an ideal opportunity to expand our footprint and solidify our presence in this incredible destination. As part of Curio Collection, a distinctive global portfolio of handpicked hotels and resorts, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas also serves as an opportunity to introduce more Hilton brands to Las Vegas’ global base of tourists and offer another choice to our more than 118 million Hilton Honors members.”
Hilton has also opened two hotels on either side of the Strip under the Hampton flag. The Hampton Inn Las Vegas Strip South is 2.5 miles from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and three miles from the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, while the dual-branded Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Convention Center/Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Convention Center is across the street from the convention center.
“The colorful Hampton by Hilton Las Vegas Strip South offers travelers the reliable comforts and friendly service that Hampton hotels are known for, but in the bright lights of Las Vegas,” said Schuyler. “The dual-branded hotel offers a combined 250 guestrooms. Both brands offer complimentary breakfast and free WiFi, and Home2 Suites is pet-friendly, so it’s easy for the whole family—pets included— to stay comfortably in Las Vegas, whether for a quick trip or an extended stay.”
Schuyler noted that the company is expected to increase its footprint by more than 50% by 2023, adding,
“[We are] slated to open Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Northwest later this year.”