For many years, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas concealed a significant transformation behind the windows of its top floor in the Venetian South Tower. This unexplored area, measuring nearly 80,000 square feet, had remained an empty concrete shell since the resort’s inception over 25 years ago.
In early 2022, a landmark acquisition by Apollo Global Management and VICI Properties for $6.25 billion heralded a new era for the Venetian. Shortly thereafter, the resort announced a comprehensive multiyear reinvestment project totaling $1.5 billion to revitalize the property and optimize its vacant spaces.
Patrick Nichols, who became the Venetian’s CEO in August 2022, has been instrumental in this revitalization strategy. He highlighted the "gray space" available within the resort: “We benefited from almost half a million square feet of ‘gray space’ with concrete floors, stud walls, all ready to go.”
New Luxurious Suites
The previously vacant top floor has been transformed into exquisite penthouse-caliber suites tailored for group gatherings. These newly designed three- and four-bedroom suites cater to many celebrations, such as birthday parties or bachelor parties, with ample space for festivities. Nichols explained, "If someone accidentally sprays a bottle of champagne on the ceiling, it’s not the end of the world. We heard from our customers that they wanted a spot for celebrations."
The expansion has added 78 suites to the resort’s inventory, boosting its total to 7,167 accommodations.
Culinary Expansion at the Venetian
The reinvestment also aimed to enhance the dining experience at the Venetian, resulting in the establishment of what Nichols claims to be "the largest restaurant collection of any similar resort-gaming complex in Las Vegas." With over 40 restaurants already in service, more culinary delights are on the way. Nichols observed that guests increasingly prioritize dining options when planning their trips: “Food and beverage has become more and more important every year.”
Prominent culinary additions include extensions of established brands such as Gjelina, a popular spot from Venice Beach, and HaSalon, a Mediterranean restaurant by celebrity chef Eyal Shani.
The centerpiece of this culinary expansion is the Via Via food hall, described by Nichols as a hub for quick-service concepts from across the United States. Diners can indulge in favorites like Scarr’s Pizza and Ivan Ramen from New York, as well as Molly’s Rise and Shine from New Orleans and B.S. Taqueria from Los Angeles. The property also features Nomikai, which offers Tokyo-inspired handrolls, ideal for convention attendees in need of a fast meal.
Upcoming Additions and Entertainment Venues
Anticipated for this fall are two high-profile restaurants: a Michelin-starred Korean barbecue establishment, Cote, and Bazaar Meat, a Spanish steakhouse from renowned chef José Andrés.
In addition to the dining enhancements, the Venetian has introduced entertainment venues, including Voltaire, a 1,000-seat theater featuring cabaret-style seating. Renowned performers such as Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera are set to grace the stage in this intimate setting.
Overcoming Previous Challenges
Addressing why these spaces were underutilized for so long, Nichols remarked on the prior ownership’s “decision paralysis.” He noted, “There were just too many options, and while we encountered similar challenges, we made decisive choices."
The reinvestment project has not only focused on developing vacant spaces but has also included comprehensive renovations of existing areas. The Venetian South Tower’s 1,000 suites recently underwent a refresh, while renovations for the North Tower’s 3,000 suites are expected to conclude by the year’s end. According to Nichols, the redesign retains the Italian architectural spirit, complete with ornate details, but introduces a more contemporary flair in furnishings.
Enhanced Convention and Gaming Spaces
The resort’s convention center, which typically supports about a third of its visitors, received a major redesign featuring advanced digital technology and new lighting systems throughout the meeting spaces. On the gaming side, the Yahoo Sportsbook has been added, along with a refresh of the main casino floor.
This holistic approach illustrates Nichols’ ambition to create an all-encompassing destination that encourages guests to spend more time on-site during their Las Vegas visits. "We’re in a battle for guest time," he stated. "People come for two days, three days, and the goal is to build a very sticky mousetrap, where there’s no reason to leave—you can get everything you need at the Venetian."
