After 700 workers from Culinary Union Local 226 organized a strike against Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that lasted 48 hours, the standoff is now over. The strike, which started on May 10, aimed to put pressure on Virgin Hotels Las Vegas executives to sign a new five-year contract which will provide employees with better wages and bebefits.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Employees Demand Fair Deal

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas room attendants, cocktail and food servers, porters, bellmen, cooks, bartenders, and laundry and kitchen staff set up picket lines outside the company’s property located very near the Las Vegas Strip and previously known as Hard Rock Las Vegas, reported the Associated Press.

The union’s Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, said that Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employees hope that their strike will help fast-track the stalled negotiation process and a new agreement will be reached. Following the strike, talks will start again on May 14.

Prior to the strike, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas filed a complaint at the National Labor Relations Board against its employees stating that the union was not sincere in its negotiation efforts. Pappageorge countered the company’s claims defining them as mere corporate tactics.

The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas workers strike comes on the backdrop of a series of negotiations with various Las Vegas hospitality industry giants, which took place earlier this year. As other union members employed by Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, for example, achieved substantial wager increases for the next five years, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employees were left behind. This prompted dissatisfaction among workers, which eventually led to the recent strike.

Workers Optimistic as Negotiations Continue

Ted Pappageorge commented that the contract with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas expired on June 1, 2023, making it almost a year since the company’s employees were left without a new one. This prolonged period without job security and better payment conditions on the backdrop of increased inflation and economic challenges is not to be tolerated, hence, the union resorted to strike measures.

The strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is relatively small in scale compared to previous strike action organized or planned by the Culinary Union. However, its impact was significant considering the property’s strategic location near both the Las Vegas Strip and the Las Vegas airport. As negotiations continue both the Culinary Union and its members are positive regarding a quick resolution in their favor providing them with fair wages and increased benefits.

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Galaxy Entertainment Group, a market leader in gaming and hospitality, has formed a historic partnership with Capella Hotels and Resorts, the best hotel brand in the world, according to Travel + Leisure Magazine. As a result, the former company’s Galaxy Macau property will become the home of the first Capella property in The Greater Bay Area.

Capella’s 5-star hotel is expected to open by the middle of 2025 and will bring visitors the quality the brand is usually associated with. The new property will enhance the Galaxy Macau complex and would redefine Macau leisure.

Capella at Galaxy Macau will feature a 17-storey hotel with 36 Sky Villas and 57 suites. The luxurious property has been designed by the renowned French firm Moinard Bētaille which has drawn strong inspirations by the local flora.

The Sky Villas will feature a balcony, infinity-edge pool, outdoor lounge, sunroom and hidden winter garden, allowing guests to experience a truly relaxing atmosphere. The villas also sport amenities like a karaoke room, a cocktail bar with a selection of rare whiskies and a games lounge, among others.

The Capella at Galaxy Macau hotel will also sport a variety of other luxurious facilities and premium dining options. The property will notably collaborate with Chef Vicky Cheng to provide guests with an opportunity to dine at an outstanding restaurant.

Capella at Galaxy Macau Will Redefine Luxury

Galaxy Entertainment Group’s vice chairman, Francis Lui, said that his team is looking forward to welcoming guests to this ultra-luxurious hotel. According to him, the tie-up with Capella Hotels and Resorts reflects his team’s desire to create memorable properties within the Galaxy Macau integrated resort and beyond.

We are honored that the globally acclaimed Capella Hotels and Resorts has chosen to partner with us, enabling the world’s most discerning guests to forge new and authentic connections with Macau – a global arts and entertainment hub with a rich cultural history and gateway to the Greater Bay Area.

Francis Lui, VP, Galaxy Entertainment Group

According to Lui, the new addition to the integrated resort will help Galaxy Macau remain ahead of the curve when it comes to providing luxurious hospitality experiences in Macau.

Evan Kwee, vice chairman of Capella Hotel Group, called the creation of the new hotel a “pivotal moment” for his company. He said that his team hopes that the property will introduce visitors to Macau’s rich cultural heritage.

Moinard Bētaille’s Bruno Moinard and Claire Bētaille also commented on the matter, thanking Galaxy Entertainment Group for providing them with exceptional freedom when it came to designing Capella at Galaxy Macau. Chef Cheng also commented on the matter, saying that she cannot wait to impress Capella at Galaxy Macau guests with French-meets-Chinese flavors.

Speaking of Galaxy Entertainment, in February, the company published its Q4 and full-year results, highlighting a strong post-COVID recovery.

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At least a few Las Vegas casino resorts have a bed bug problem, the local TV station KLAS-TV reported. Based on information from the Southern Nevada Health District, the report says that bed bugs had been found in two more Las Vegas Strip hotels.

The two properties in question, the report revealed, are none other than The Venetian and Park MGM.

A guest of the former property first reported seeing bed bugs on July 29. They were immediately moved to another room, with The Venetian launching an inspection shortly after. Unfortunately, the resort soon confirmed there were indeed bed bugs in the room.

Following that, a Park MGM guest complained about the bugs on August 14, prompting an inspection that identified the bugs’ presence.

News outlets tried to discuss the matter with representatives from the two properties but the hotels did not respond to the requests. In any case, the bed bug cases come at a really inconvenient time for the properties considering the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and upcoming Super Bowl.

Casino.org Advised Visitors to Be Wary

Casino.org, a gambling-focused news outlet, elaborated on this report, saying that KLAS-TV’s report brings the total number of resorts with recent bed bug problems to nine. Over the past two years, bed bugs have been identified at seven other casino resorts, including Circus Circus, Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, The Palazzo, Tropicana, MGM Grand, and Sahara.

Previously, Casino.org managed to contact representatives of Tropicana and Sahara who told the news outlet that such cases are very rare and unlikely. Still, the two properties promised that they would always respond immediately to such reports. The former hotel even reassured Casino.org that it would hire a third-party service that would evaluate the situation and recommend a plan for action.

Back then, MGM Resorts also spoke with journalists, promising that appropriate action would be taken when the need arises.

In any case, Casino.org recommended vigilance, advising hotel guests to thoroughly check their rooms for bed bugs when visiting a hotel. As the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Super Bowl approach, Las Vegas visitors should remain on watch for bugs and file a report to the Southern Nevada Health District if they spot any.

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By joining the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace will help diversify the two properties’ client base, hopefully attracting more foreign visitors. The independent hotel brand will utilize its strategic sales solutions to drive growth and customer retention. This partnership leverages Macau’s ongoing recovery and Wynn Resorts’ financial success, positioning the brand as the region’s leading luxury hospitality provider.

The Two Properties Target the International Market

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is a prestigious brand renowned for curating a collection of distinctive luxury properties worldwide. By joining the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace will become part of an esteemed portfolio representing over 650 exceptional hotels, resorts, and unique venues across 80 countries.

By tapping into Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ distribution channels, the Macau-based resorts can reach a broader audience of luxury travelers seeking unparalleled experiences. A recent announcement by Wynn Macau Ltd outlined the company’s ambitions to draw more diverse visitors from markets beyond China, aiding the region’s economic recovery and bolstering the brand’s global image.

These solutions… will create more growth opportunities for the tourism and MICE industry and further build on Macau’s role as a World Center of Tourism and Leisure.

Wynn Macau Ltd announcement

Through the Legend Collection, guests visiting the resorts will gain access to an array of exclusive benefits, loyalty programs, and individualized support synonymous with Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ global reputation. The two brands’ mutual commitment to excellence, luxury, and personalized service reflects their dedication to providing clients with memorable and extraordinary experiences.

Such Initiatives Align with Macau’s Diversification Plans

As Macau continues on its slow road to recovery, similar initiatives are vital for securing its future as a premier travel destination. Despite the region’s gaming industry still sitting significantly below pre-pandemic levels, recent signs show significant improvement. With an aggregate total of almost 9.44 million for the first five months of the year, the government expects more than 20 million tourists to visit Macau in 2023. 

The region maintains its consistent diversification efforts, hoping to attract more overseas tourists. Macau has been trying to reduce its reliance on gambling, introducing more family-friendly activities and destinations. Appealing to a broader demographic will be crucial in driving sustained growth less reliant on a single industry. Initiatives like Wynn Macau’s recent partnership represent a vital stepping stone toward these ambitions.

The collaboration between Wynn Macau and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Partnership signifies the leading operator’s ambitions for international expansion but also demonstrates the continued growth and sophistication of Macau’s hospitality sector. As the resorts embark on this new journey, they are ready to redefine luxury hospitality and create unforgettable experiences for their diverse guests.

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The decision has surprised some but the ruling is a testimony to the hard work that the property has been putting in over the past months. The venue is located 12 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, but it still offers an exclusive experience to guests.

The property is known for its excellent amenities that easily rival those of the main Strip properties, which is one of the reasons why the hotel was distinguished with the high honor. Although the location may not be ideal to some, the exclusivity of the experience is coveted with reservations for the recently introduced Lotus of Siam going back months in advance, for example.

Red Rock Resorts, the operator of the property was pleased to have received the distinction. Red Rock has plenty to offer when it comes to overall guest experience with the gaming floor featuring everything you would expect from the casino including a sportsbook, poker room, and many popular casino games.

Yet, it’s the availability of diverse food and drink places and great resting options that really crown the Red Rock image as the best accommodation in Las Vegas you can book.

Red Rock Not the Only Distinction According to Forbes

Red Rock may be the prime choice when you are looking for good accommodation in Las Vegas, but Wynn Las Vegas is the best venue when it comes to luxury, Forbes believes. The publication has already awarded 24 five-star awards to Wynn Properties so far in 2023, with many of the company’s distinguished properties based all over the country, and even in Macau, and understandably – the Las Vegas Strip.

As to the best hotel design, the distinction went to MGM Grand and its Skylofts. In terms of pure amenities, though, it wasn’t Red Rock that won but once again Aria, another MGM property. Overall, the competition on the Las Vegas Strip is fierce and there is a clear seasonability as to who crowns the hospitality rankings each year. This is good for consumers who are just looking for the best experience possible.

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Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix bagged another high-profile sponsor, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, ahead of the return of the popular car racing series to the Silver City later in the year.

‘Thrilled to be Part of This Historic Event’

According to the official announcement made by Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the hospitality chain has been named the official entitlement sponsor of the East Harmon Zone at the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix that will take place in November this year.

Lia Rispoli, senior vice president of resort operations & asset management at JC Hospitality, commented with excitement on the sponsorship arrangement that will allow Virgin Hotels Las Vegas “to help create truly unique fan experiences in the East Harmon Zone for the race.”

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is thrilled to be part of this historic event and we look forward to a continued partnership with Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc.

Lia Rispoli, SVP of resort operations & asset management, JC Hospitality

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will provide live entertainment and fan activations for visitors in the East Harmon Zone upon the return of the prominent car racing series to Las Vegas under the latest sponsorship agreement.

Unlike in 1982 – the last time F1 took place in Las Vegas – the circuit now is not built in the car park of Caesars Palace but has taken to the city streets, including a 2 km stretch along the famous Las Vegas Strip.

‘Create the Ultimate Fan Experience’

Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer of Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, pointed to the proximity of the East Harmon Zone to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as one of the reasons to select the prominent hospitality brand “to curate programming and build an energetic environment” for the fans in the zone.

The talented team at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are experts in creating memorable moments and together, we will create the ultimate fan experience.

Emily Prazer, CCO, F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Scheduled as a night race, F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will deliver a visual spectacle of the city’s glittering lights while drivers blast by famous hotels like the Venetian, Caesars Palace and the Bellagio and its iconic fountain along the 14-turn high-speed circuit.

Fans of car racing who elect to watch the race from the East Harmon Zone are guaranteed a view of the start and finish line and all the high-stakes drama as drivers fight for a more favorable position through the first two corners. The East Harmon Zone also offers a behind-the-scenes view of the pit lane and the team garages.

Last month, Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix announced that Hard Rock became one of the presenting partners for the inaugural race and will have its own Strip-adjacent grandstand structure for up to 3,000 fans.

In February, the global manufacturer of gaming equipment, Aristocrat Gaming, signed an agreement with Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. to become the event’s official slot machines supplier and boost its brand among fans of the sport.

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The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that several hotel-casino operators on the Las Vegas Strip have filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that accuses them of price-fixing hotel room rates through a revenue management platform, Rainmaker. 

Tourists Sue Las Vegas Hotels for Alleged Antitrust Violations

In January, two tourists filed a lawsuit that accused hotel operators of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and demanded that the defendants repay guests who overpaid. The lawsuit also alleged that Rainmaker unlawfully maximizes profits for its hotel operator users by designing rate recommendations through real-time pricing and supplying information from competitors on the platform. 

The hotels have dismissed these allegations, stating that there is no direct or circumstantial evidence that backs their allegations of conspiracy. The initial complaint did not identify who entered the conspiracy nor when it began. The hotels claimed that the complaint fails to articulate what the defendants agreed to and how the alleged conspiracy operates and instead speaks generally to algorithmic pricing. 

The plaintiffs’ law firm, Hagens Berman, released a statement that the motion to dismiss was expected, and they looked forward to continuing the case on behalf of the sizable class of those harmed by illegal pricing measures. Rainmaker, which is used by 90% of the hotels on the Strip, is accused in the lawsuit of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The plaintiffs claim that Rainmaker’s proprietary software, Guestrev, analyzes real-time pricing and room supply information, then artificially suppresses supply, maximizing resort profits. According to the lawsuit, this artificially inflates hotel room prices, displacing normal competitive pricing and leading to increased room prices.

UNLV Professor Refutes Allegations of Las Vegas Price Fixing

In January, FOX5 reported that the plaintiffs claimed that if someone has rented a hotel room on the Strip on or after January 25, 2019, they may have overpaid due to this alleged illegal price-fixing scheme.

However, according to Amanda Belarmino, an assistant professor at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV, the current record high room revenue in Las Vegas is not because of price fixing. Belarmino stated that the biggest factor contributing to the high demand was the lifting of pandemic restrictions.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs accused MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Treasure Island, and Wynn Resorts of using the Rainmaker software to unlawfully increase hotel room prices by collecting real-time pricing and supply information from competitors. However, Belarmino disagrees and argues that the sharing of pricing and capacity information through Rainmaker is not collusion, but rather competitive research. She believes that unless proprietary information was shared, the plaintiffs will have a hard time winning their case.

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