Palms Casino Resort is now open under new ownership.
And officially reopened for business.
After months of rumors about whether or not Station Casinos would reopen Palms, the company decided to sell the property. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (San Manuel) purchased Palms from Station Casinos almost a year ago.
San Manuel is the first Las Vegas casino that is both owned and operated by an American Indian tribe. Mohegan Sun operates the casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas but does not own the property.
Prior to opening its doors to the public, there was a traditional tribal ceremony at the property. The “Celebration of Community” continued throughout the day and into the night.
The Palms has been closed since 2020 due to COVID-19.
“Not many hotels get an opportunity to make a grand reintroduction in Las Vegas, but Palms is a unique property,” General Manager Cynthia Kiser Murphey said. “We are proud that more than 50% of Palms team members are returning employees and we are confident that this new era in Palms history will be one filled with making new and lasting memories.”
Opening night celebration
VIPs and media received early access to check out the casino and restaurants at Palms. The event was a spectacle with plenty of characters roaming the property to highlight different parts of the casino.
The early arriving guests were treated to “A Taste of Palms.” Returning players, VIPs and media were able to sample small bites from many of the restaurants at Palms.
Some of the favorite restaurants from the Station Casinos’ $690 million renovation in 2019 have returned. Scotch 80 Prime steakhouse, Mabel’s BBQ and Tim Ho Wan are all open and were serving tasty bites of food.
Fans of buffets will be happy to know that A.Y.C.E. (All You Can Eat) is also open for breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch. The buffet features seven food stations inspired by food from around the world.
The grand re-opening of Palms was also the debut of a San Manuel staple — Serrano Vista Cafe. The casual dining restaurant offers the staples of a casino cafe that so many guests need to start the day or end the night. Serrano Vista Cafe is open 24 hours on the weekend and opens early on weekdays.
Wednesday night’s grand reopening was also the first time guests could see the new William Hill sportsbook. The space has been reconfigured with more relaxed seating and better lighting.
There’s now a stage for bands to perform in between the Tonic sports bar and the sportsbook. Performances will take place as most game action is winding down on weekend nights.
The casino at Palms officially opened to the public at 9 p.m. on Wednesday night. Shortly after reopening the casino, guests headed outside to see a fireworks show to cap off opening night ceremonies.
Palms Hotel opened Thursday
While the casino opened Wednesday night, the hotel at Palms was open to the public on Thursday.
San Manuel was approved to operate Palms in December. The tribe moved quickly to clean up the property to open in time for the NFL Draft and pool season. General Manager Kiser Murphey said:
“Our team has worked incredibly hard to get to this day, and it’s a great accomplishment to introduce Palms once again to Las Vegas. The excitement and outpouring of support to see Palms reopen has been incredible. This is truly a special property, and we all consider it a privilege to be trusted with its return to the city. Our goal is to deliver a distinctive experience that makes everyone feel at home while they are in Las Vegas.”
Hotel guests will be able to enjoy the large resort pool area originally created by Station Casinos. The 73,000-square-foot, multi-level pool complex features two main pools along with 39 cabanas. Most cabanas feature their own pool.
The pool is complimentary for Palms hotel guests. Visitors not staying at the hotel can pay to reserve a cabana in order to access the beautiful pool complex at Palms.
