Station Casinos is probably most famous for being “just” a casino operator for Las Vegas locals. That’s been changing in the past couple of years. Simple upgrades to the sportsbook and restaurants at Red Rock Casino and Green Valley Ranch have brought the casinos even closer to standards expected from Vegas Strip casino-resorts. The two casinos are resorts in their own right. They’re both a great way to enjoy the fun of Las Vegas without being in the middle of the chaos of the Vegas Strip. Along with M Resort are great casinos if you’re looking to enjoy Las Vegas with fewer tourists.
Between Boyd Gaming properties and the various Station Casinos, there are plenty of options if you’re looking for a hotel-casino away from the Vegas Strip. While most Station Casinos are more than a few minutes away from the Vegas Strip there are two properties being upgraded within walking distance (or a quick taxi) of the Las Vegas most people know and love. Both Palms and Palace Station are just west of the I-15 behind the casinos on the west side of the Vegas Strip.
There’s more happening at the Palms than the hotel room renovations at the Fantasy Tower we recently updated you on. More on the updates at Palms in a second. The casino operator is also in the middle of a massive renovation and upgrades at Palace Station. Both casinos are becoming a serious option for those that like Station Casinos as a company but don’t like staying far from the Vegas Strip.
The updates are needed at both properties. These two casinos will become sort of a gateway to the Vegas Strip for locals and a gateway off the Vegas Strip for tourists. This isn’t quite a new idea for Palms. The property was designed to cater to both types of customer. The main porte cochere entrance has always been intended for tourists. Meanwhile, there’s a garage where locals enter the casino near the movie theater, sportsbook, and slot machines. Guests entering here may never see the tourists. It was the best of both worlds and Station Casinos is looking to bring that back to the casino.
Unlike other Station Casinos properties, the new restaurants at Palms will include celebrity chefs. Bobby Flay, Marc Vetri, and Michael Symon will each open a new restaurant concept. Tao will bring its first restaurant to a Station Casinos property. There will also be the new hotel rooms, upscale lounges, and nightclubs that will target mostly to tourists. New parking spaces, buffet, and upgraded movie theater will appeal mostly to local Las Vegas residents.
Renovations at Palace Station are also targeting both tourists and locals. The new resort style pool will attract tourists looking for a great pool experience they don’t find at many off-strip casino-hotels. Meanwhile, things like a new Bingo room is already attracting more local residents. On a related note, did you know that Palace Station was once called Bingo Palace?
Renovations are currently underway at both casinos. You can see new amenities at Palace Station with much more on the way in 2018. Palms has been under construction all year and there’s a lot more work in store for 2018. Expect to see the renovations complete by the end of 2018.
