"Reopened under San Manuel Tribal ownership with a $690 million renovation. The art collection is the most impressive in Vegas. The rooms are exceptional."
Overall Rating
The Palms has had a complicated history — opened in 2001, became the party resort of the early 2000s (Real World Las Vegas was filmed here), went through multiple ownership changes, and closed in 2020. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians acquired it in 2021 and invested $690 million in a complete renovation, reopening in 2022.
The result is one of the most impressive resort renovations in Vegas history. The art collection — commissioned specifically for the renovation — is the most impressive in Vegas, with works by Damien Hirst, KAWS, and other major artists throughout the property. The rooms are exceptional. The pool is well-designed. The casino is well-run.
The trade-off is the location — off the Strip on Flamingo Road, about a mile west of the Strip. You need a car or rideshare to do anything on the Strip. But if you want exceptional rooms, an impressive art collection, and a quieter atmosphere than the Strip, the Palms is a legitimate choice.
The $690 million renovation included a major art collection commissioned specifically for the property — works by Damien Hirst, KAWS, and other major artists throughout the hotel. It is the most impressive art collection in any Las Vegas resort.
The Palms is about a mile west of the Strip on Flamingo Road. You will need a car or rideshare to do anything on the Strip. Budget for this.
Exceptional rooms after the 2022 renovation. The art collection extends into the rooms and public spaces. The rooms are among the best in the valley. The views from upper floors are good.
How this resort holds up in peak Vegas summer (June–September)
The Palms is a solid summer value — off-Strip pricing, a decent pool, and recently renovated rooms. The lack of indoor connectivity to other properties is the main summer drawback. The pool is less crowded than Strip properties.
The Palms opened November 15, 2001, developed by George Maloof. It became famous as a celebrity hangout and party resort in the early 2000s — Real World Las Vegas was filmed here, and the Ghost Bar became one of the most famous nightclub venues in Vegas. The Maloof family sold the property to Station Casinos in 2016. Station Casinos closed it in 2020. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians acquired it in 2021 for $650 million and invested $690 million in renovations.
Art enthusiasts. Guests who want exceptional rooms at a lower price than the Strip. Off-Strip regulars who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
One of the largest nightclub/dayclub complexes in Vegas, operating both a nightclub and a dayclub at the Palms pool. The 2022 renovation updated the entire complex. A legitimate off-Strip alternative to the Strip mega-clubs.
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare — fastest option
Taxi (Metered)
Metered. The Palms is west of the Strip on Flamingo Rd.
No shared shuttle service
No direct shuttle service. Rideshare recommended.
The Palms is the right call for guests who want exceptional rooms and an impressive art collection at a lower price than the Strip. The off-Strip location is the trade-off.
Boyd Rewards
Yes
Palms Spa
95,000 sq ft
2022 (full renovation)
The best off-Strip resort in Vegas. The views of Red Rock Canyon are spectacular. The pool is excellent. The casino is the best locals casino in the valley.
The SuperBook is the best sportsbook in Vegas. The hotel is fine. Elvis played here for seven years. The location is close to the convention center.
Rio Hotel & Casino is in the middle of a major transformation — refreshed rooms, renovated pools, new exterior lighting, and a new identity under Dreamscape Companies. Still off-Strip, still all-suite, still home to Penn & Teller.