Americans were hesitant to travel, which pushed tourism-dependent Las Vegas into a major economic slump.īut the timing turned out to be “fascinatingly good and bad,” according to UNLV associate professor of history Michael Green. The property opened in November 2001, when the country was still reeling from the 9/11 attacks. … They had a niche, and they were very successful.” “The Rio had (catered to locals and tourists), but I think (the Palms) took it to another level.

Maloof had a grand vision for the West Flamingo Road property, with a focus on attracting a hybrid of locals and tourists to the off-Strip location, while also creating a space where celebrity guests would feel comfortable. He and a group of family members owned 88 percent of the property, while Station Casinos owned 6 percent. The Palms project was spearheaded by George Maloof, who had developed the Fiesta casino in North Las Vegas. You have to constantly be evolving in a way the visitors want.” “In Vegas, you can never really be complacent. “I think it’s a property that’s been very innovative, and I think it’s got a ton of potential,” UNLV gaming historian David Schwartz said. Industry watchers say the property - recently sold to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for $650 million - is still capable of creating future success stories. It is one of the few Las Vegas properties yet to reopen 14 months after orders to shut down to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Nearly 20 years later, the property sits in the dark. And through all of the flashy amenities meant to convince tourists to venture off-Strip, it was also able to successfully draw in locals.

It had a partnership with an MTV’s “The Real World,” over-the-top suites with bowling alleys and basketball courts, trendy clubs where guests could rub shoulders with celebrities. The property was a trailblazer, pioneering new operational and marketing techniques. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) 2001, the Palms was making waves as Las Vegas’ newest hot spot.

Bottles of champagne are delivered to a table in the nightclub area during the grand opening weekend of Kaos, the new dayclub and nightclub at the Palms, in Las Vegas on Friday, April 5, 2019.

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