Licensing deals are transforming the Las Vegas Strip, expanding the marketing and sales reach of local heavy hitters, while granting a bigger piece of the action to international hospitality giants.
Marriott International increased its presence on the Strip today with the debut of the W Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, while Hyatt welcomed the Venetian Resort Las Vegas into its World of Hyatt loyalty program.
Tower at Mandalay Bay Becomes W Las Vegas
The 1,117-suite tower at the Mandalay Bay Resort, formerly the Delano Las Vegas, is now the W Las Vegas. The debut is the latest step in the strategic licensing agreement signed by Marriott and MGM Resorts that launched in March, the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. Loyalty members now can book stays, and earn and redeem points at the property.
The W Las Vegas becomes the 12th resort on the Strip to join the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, along with properties such as the Bellagio, A Luxury Collection Resort & Casino; the Aria Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection; The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection; and the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. More details about the property designations can be found here.
"W Las Vegas represents an exciting new chapter for MGM Resorts and for our guests seeking a new, sophisticated all-suite luxury experience on the Strip," said Travis Lunn, president and COO of Mandalay Bay and Luxor. "W Hotels is a brand that is celebrated globally for its unique style and exceptional service, and we can't wait to see the hotel come to life over the next couple of years, through its distinct personality, dynamic programming and elevated service culture."
Additional enhancements are planned for the W as part of its conversion, details of which will be provided by MGM and Marriott at a later date.
According to MGM, the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy has welcomed hundreds of thousands of new Bonvoy guests to MGM properties since its launch, exceeding initial projections.
Venetian Resort Enters Agreement With Hyatt
Meanwhile, Hyatt and the Venetian Resort Las Vegas today announced a long-term licensing agreement of their own. Soon, the Venetian will be bookable through Hyatt channels that include Hyatt.com and the World of Hyatt mobile app, and World of Hyatt loyalty members and eligible meeting planners will be able to earn and redeem loyalty points at the resort — which includes the 4,029-room Venetian and the 3,064-room Palazzo hotels, as well as the Venetian Expo.
A recent $1.5 billion reinvestment in the resort has transformed the Venetian's suites, with more upgrades on the way.
According to the terms of the deal, Venetian Rewards members will eventually gain access to World of Hyatt benefits as well. Further details are forthcoming about the collaboration, including ways in which the companies will work together in the MICE segment.
