Las Vegas - The "M"hotel

Kinda like a "W"only upside down? :D
Got this in my weekly email from travelzoo.com(love them)
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/las-vegas-hotels/510824?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email_top20
Am I right in thinking this is what they have been building on the old Vacation Village(gosh-does anyone remember that place :eek: )site?
I think it might be a little optomistic for them to set mid week winter rates at over $120(including a $25 per night"resort"fee)but let them find that out on their own :D

The M is not at all near Vacation Village. It is basically in Sloan :D

The M is a new construction at the extreme south end of LV BLVD. IIRC it will have about 400 rooms.

here is a story from 2007 on this project:

http://www.lvrj.com/business/11105266.html

"Marnell said M Resort should open ahead of Wynn Resort's $2.2 billion Encore " LOL

10 miles south of the airport? No thanks. If I want to stay south I'll stay at South Pointe. Past that is tumbleweeds and Primm.

With a crunch for employees expected, Marnell said M Resort should open ahead of Wynn Resort's $2.2 billion Encore and CityCenter, which has plans to hire 12,000 workers.Um, yeah. What a difference a year makes.

Anyone care to predict when the first $49 special hits?

Well Marnell has been lauged at before-and he got the last laugh when Harrahs bought his hotel-The Rio for a very nice bit of change.Harrahs then,as is their usual custom,made sure that everything that had made the Rio such a wonderful place was quickly reduced to crud.

If Tony Marnell is behind the project I would be tempted to stay there.I loved the rio when he owned it.

Kinda like a "W"only upside down? :D
_us&utm_medium=email_top20[/url]
Am I right in thinking this is what they have been building on the old Vacation Village(gosh-does anyone remember that place :eek: )site?


Yeah I stayed at VV once after winning a free stay on their wheel. I would have been better off if the wheel had landed on $5 - easily the worst hotel I ever stayed at in LV.

More info here:

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/mresort.htm

More info here:

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/mresort.htm

Ah, as soon as I clicked on that I realized what it was - I've driven past it a few times as it is right on the 15 and St. Rose. Every time I drive by, I'm amazed they haven't stopped construction, but it looks like they're actually going through with it!

No doubt it's in the middle of nowhere, but it's not quite 10mi south of the airport. 10 mi south of center strip maybe. Still not a great location though.

I had a few minutes to kill so I toook a detour and checked out this hotel.
It is going to be gorgeous,but I just do not get the location.
It looks like they are going for a resort feel-bt why not build it a little further away from I-15 then?
I will stay there when it opens-but I do not see why anyone going to LAS for fun would want to stay so far off the strip.I think they are looking to go up against Red Rock-but that area has plenty of shopping and dining nearby.Southern Highlands is not that developed yet so you are syuck in the hotel or have a long drive to get anywhere.
Still,I remember how much fun the Rio used to be-and how great they were to their players-so I will check it out as I am less than impressed with the changes station casinos have done to their players club.

update:

www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/21/m-resort-next-line-marnell-family


opens March 1

Coincidentally, just went to the mail box and there was a letter from the M with an offer to be "one of our first guests" at a $75 rate with $75 in free slot play.

I was in LAX over the weekend and there were ads for the M on the radio station I had on in the rental car. Looks like they're trying to get lots of buzz, hope it goes well for them in this economy.

Anyone know how to get into the VIP "pre-open" on Sunday? Being a new, independent casino, I'm wondering how they come up with their list of VIP's.

Anyone know how to get into the VIP "pre-open" on Sunday? Being a new, independent casino, I'm wondering how they come up with their list of VIP's.

Previous Marnell VIPs from RIO. A number of former executives from RIO (pre-Harrah's) are on board at "M." In addition, I'm certain the hosts/casino marketing folks hired by the resort (of which, I'm going to assume some were previous RIO hosts) will be contacting everyone on their personal VIP (big player) lists.

Considering that the Marnell family has roots in Las Vegas [society], I would assume that it won't be difficult to come up with a long list of gaming and non-gaming VIPs.

Once the games are turned on the place is required by law to be open to the public, so I don't know what this VIP pre-opening is about.

QL

I'll take a guess that it's a "sans-gaming" VIP peak at the overall facilities.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/01/m-resort-nearly-open-business/

Valley’s newest resort casino open for business

loft suites arent bookable online? im curious whether they have double height windows.

loft suites arent bookable online? im curious whether they have double height windows.

They do. I forget where I saw a picture of one.

certainly not bad, depending on rates. ^

How about a live report :D
I will be in Las Vegas in about 10 days-maybe one of the locals can beat me to a trip report?

How about a live report :D
I will be in Las Vegas in about 10 days-maybe one of the locals can beat me to a trip report?

we're hoping to take advantage of a mailer for a stay soon. If we do I'll post a report. ^

certainly not bad, depending on rates. ^

They really should make the rates of those suites dependent on the floor. With only five loft suites and I believe 16 stories overall, I'd be pissed to pay $1000 per night (I'm guesstimating and being way generous here) for a room on the 6th floor, especially when the strip's lights are 10 miles away.

wow, you think it goes that high?

id hope theyd all be on the higher floors. but good point, dont know.

Just checked TravelZoo and there's a new promo:

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/las-vegas-hotels/546310

Be one of the first to stay at the highly anticipated M Resort in Las Vegas, which opened on March 1. Resort Mountain View Rooms are only $54 per night when you stay Sunday-Thursday through June. Once this special ends on March 13, these same rooms will go for $200 per night.

Also available: Fridays and Saturdays are only $20 more per night.

An additional $25 resort fee applies, which covers in-room wireless Internet, nightly turn-down service and transportation to the airport and shopping on The Strip.

Blackout Dates: March 18-21

Book by March 13.
---------------------

Way better than the $104/night rate. Glad they quickly realized this wouldn't last when places like Mandalay bay are going for $70-90/night around similar dates. ^

i saw ~$50 rates on the hotel site.

m hotel is MUCH smaller. but its clearly not upscale.

i saw ~$50 rates on the hotel site.

m hotel is MUCH smaller. but its clearly not upscale.

It looks pretty upscale. What about it isn't? I was looking forward to checking it out.

It's a brand new hotel opening during a recession in a convention city. $54 rates are products of the economic state of the city, not an indication that the hotel is not upscale.

i saw ~$50 rates on the hotel site.

m hotel is MUCH smaller. but its clearly not upscale.

You're right... I didn't even put in an offer code and it still came up at $54/night for weekdays. I saw the YouTube vid of the walkthrough and I think I have to agree.

Folks are saying the buffet is very good. Free beer and wine, and decent stuff too, is a nice touch. Typically, buffets are very good for the first year or so a place is open. Then they go downhill. I'll give a first hand report next month.:)

The loft suites are stunning. Bulgari white tea bath products, electronic shades and draperies, gorgeous contemporary decor. The hotel is beautiful and definitely upscale. The casino has free self-serve soda stations!

QL

loft base rates?

The casino has free self-serve soda stations!
QL

SOLD! I will definitely go there next time I'm in Vegas. I am a diet coke addict.

Evidently they run 6/5 $25+ blackjack. I sure hope they can't get away with that kind of payout on a shoe at a VERRRY off strip property. If they do then we're doomed! :(

Evidently they run 6/5 $25+ blackjack. I sure hope they can't get away with that kind of payout on a shoe at a VERRRY off strip property. If they do then we're doomed! :(

Most tables are 3/2. Only single (or was it double) deck BJ was 6/5. They have little signs on the tables, if it says "Welcome to M resort" or something like that it is 3/2, if it is 6/5 it will say so.

The loft suites are stunning. Bulgari white tea bath products, electronic shades and draperies, gorgeous contemporary decor. The hotel is beautiful and definitely upscale. The casino has free self-serve soda stations!

+1, incredible, WOW! What an awesome vibe!

Veloce (http://www.themresort.com/veloce.html) was exquisite. The bar, the self-serve wine machines, the view, the food, the staff! Loved it! (and especially Chandler serving @ the bar ;););) )

This resort is most definitely worth the visit. And, $5 dice ^^

Just back from Vegas (on the late WN nonstop LAS-MHT); but I'll most pics (including the loft suites and Veloce) by the weekend.

Coincidentally, just went to the mail box and there was a letter from the M with an offer to be "one of our first guests" at a $75 rate with $75 in free slot play.

A couple of my friends are spending date night there tomorrow night. Apparently, any room, any date during the promotion, for $75 for locals.

A couple of my friends are spending date night there tomorrow night. Apparently, any room, any date during the promotion, for $75 for locals.

I highly doubt they will be offering the LOFT SUITES (http://www.themresort.com/accommodations.html) (2400 sq/ft über cool duplex suites) to locals for $75. If per chance they are, I would RUN (and RUN very fast) to take advantage of that offer! ;):D

Check in was easy-lobby is very modern almost "W ish"
Given a room on the 2nd floor :td: with 2 queen beds :( was told there was no kings available-and that they were expecting to sell out most of the week.

Room is very nice,Again very W ish in earth tones.I do not care one bit for the wood grain laminate covering the case goods and doors-looks cheap.
Soft goods are also earth tones with leather head boards and stools.
One neat feature is the power window shades.

I slept very soundly in the super comfy bed.Well appointed with very good linens and down pillws and a real white down comforter that was just the right weight.

The Bathroom is very nice.Double vanity separate large shower and deep soaking tub(non jetted) and seperate toilet closet.Tub has a window with a nice view of the far away strip-there is a power shade for those wishing privacy.There is a TV built into the mirror over the sink.Very good quality bathroom amenities.Very good quality towels.


Casino is very busy.Very large well lit.There is a non smoking section.

Had dinner at the Red Cup coffee shop which was nice.Breakfast at the buffet was good-not great,but good value for the money.


I feel this is one step above the Red Rock and Green Valley resorts-but I was expecting a little better.

There is a mandatory service fee of $27.50($25 plus $2.50 tax)which is supposed to include wired and wireless internet,transportation from the airport and to the stri[ via a scheduled shuttle,"enhanced"turndown service,and a morning paper.I did not recieve turndown service nor was there a paper in front of my door this morning.
Informed the front desk of this upon check out and will mention it in a letter I will write to the GM.

I drove here from the Palms-it took a good half hour on a sunday afternoon.

The casino might get a good locals base-but they are going to have to do some heavy marketing to get out of towners all the way out here once the buzz burns down.

Well, as a local I can tell you the place has become the fastest "locals' favorite" ever! Green Valley Ranch is suffering big time since they opened...I live in the area, and the word is out - "M" is worth every penny of the $1 billion it cost to build.

The buffet is a huge hit - anyplace that can get jaded locals to gladly stand in line for over 2 hours for a buffet is a sign that something special is going on!
I have been at their buffet five times already - I think it ranks up there with Paris and Bellagio, but far cheaper for the same quality. Not only free wine and/or beer with lunch and dinner, but also specialty coffees, home made desserts, European style bread, wide selection of soups and salads and lots of nice touches (check out the huge video screen display for "art" shows).

At any rate, yes "M" is quite far from what is considered "the Strip" (about 6 or 7 miles south of Mandalay Bay) but most certainly worth a visit. There is a free shuttle from the airport, as well as a free shuttle from the Fashion Mall.
Even after City Center and Foutainbleu open (soon), I am sure "M" will still find its niche as a great place to stay and play.

Thanks for the review of the buffet DMark.
I think they will get a lot of locals in the casino/restaurants-but I think the hotel will have to do some heavy marketing to fill the hotel rooms.

I will try the buffet this week-going for an early dinner on the way back home.

Thanks DMark. Free shuttle to/from airport and the mall. I will have to check it out on a day trip.

Buffet's that great, eh? I'll have to make a 'stop' there before heading to whichever hotel I stay on the strip.

My boss and her Son said it was VERY good. They were comped-no waiting in the 2 1/2 (according to the cashier)line for them!

M Resort’s trial by fire
What’s worked, what hasn’t for the still-young, family-run casino on the edge of town


http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jul/20/m-resorts-trial-fire/


The soda machines end up costing the casino more money because the hotel employs as many cocktail servers as similarly sized properties without the machines, Marnell says. But they allow cocktail servers to focus on serving alcohol, which yields bigger tips for servers.

The buffet is a huge hit - anyplace that can get jaded locals to gladly stand in line for over 2 hours for a buffet is a sign that something special is going on!
I have been at their buffet five times already - I think it ranks up there with Paris and Bellagio, but far cheaper for the same quality.

Something special was going on, the locals I talked to were getting their meal free from a coupon that was mailed out to local's.

We waited in line for over two hours and the food was not that good. Many of the locals that I talked to said they would not pay to eat here again.

I have frequented almost every buffet in Vegas. Previously, I had found the Spice Market (PH) and Paris buffets to be the best for the money(Wynn, etc buffets are too expensive for a buffet, as I would rather have a traditional sit down for the cost). The M buffet, which I had twice last weekend, blows the all away. My usual tests are to see the quality of the breads and the quality of the beef. There is no question the artisan breads of the M and the quality of the beef, both the steaks and prime rib, are superior to all others. I saw the stations constantly being refreshed, whether the quantity was empty or just low. The salmon, especially the plank salmon (there were three different types, all good) was spectacular. My son, the pizza expert, signed off on the pizzas, saying they were comprable to pizzas found in the better pizza joints ( and I don't mean the chains). Just as an aside, it was the first buffet that offered diet sprite (I know that is an oxymoron when it comes to buffets). The desserts were plentiful in terms of variety and the sugar free desserts were excellent (I particularly enjoyed the lemon maringue). With the free "rewards card", I think we paid around $25/pp. As a side note, the graphics for the slots were magnificent. The television in the sports book were superior to ALL others on the strip. The European pool with the lounge chairs in the pool were inviting. My only question, and perhaps a local could respond is we found the wind to be much greater than on the strip or in town. It reminded me of the winds that come up in the afternoon in Waikaloa....Overall, despite its remoteness, I would certainly stay and eat here...

Tried M Resort’s Studio B buffet today. On weekends they have a brunch until 2:30 followed by their seafood dinner buffet at the same time. I was there for about four hours and always saw a line at the buffet. I got in line at 2:15 and the wait was about 25 minutes before I was seated.

The food was mostly asian style foods. There was a small selection of sushi, mostly rolls and some standard nigiri sushi. There was a sashimi salad which was pretty tasty. Other asian food included teriyaki steaks, BBQ pork, stir-fried dishes, jelly fish (that’s a first at a buffet), Korean BBQ short ribs, tempura fried sweet potatoes, and tempura calamari. There was also some Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pork and lomi lomi. The tastiest dish was actually the pad thai, pretty good. There was a seafood paella, looked a bit dry, I didn’t try. Bamboo salmon which was salmon grilled on bamboo (a la cedar plank style), rotissiree chicken, fried chicken, prime rib, and turkey. For seafood, there was peeled shrimp, oysters, and snow crab.

The snow crab was different in that they served both cold and warmed. And instead of the usual individual crab legs you get a whole half crab, that is the four legs (including claw) and the half body.

Dessert was fairly unremarkable, the usual cakes, crème brulee, etc. They had a banana shooter which was pretty good. Banana puree with banana cream and nuts. They have ice cream which was pretty good. About 14 or so different flavors. The dessert line also serves espressos and with only one person behind the counter serving both ice cream and espressos the line can get bogged down.

The weekend brunch is $24.95 and the seafood dinner on weekends is $25.95. You can get $2.00 off if you are an Imagine Rewards member. Supposedly you must have an active Imagine Rewards account to get the $2.00 off. They did swipe my card to register the $2.00 off.

Try to get a table near the windows with a good view of the city.

Went straight from the airport to the M for the lunch buffet and came away really impressed. Everything I sampled was great, and I sampled a lot. Thomas Kemper Root Beer on tap along with the beers, and chocolate souffle offered in the dessert section.

We played blackjack at a $5 table for a couple hours before heading out for the Mirage, which is where we were staying.

Just before dropping off the rental car three days later, returned to the M for some video poker and a great sandwich from their deli, The Vig.

The place is clean and bright, it wasn't too smoky and the self-serve sodas were a nice touch. The next time I'm in town, I'll be staying here.

Another reason to visit:

LINK>> (http://app.mobilestorm.com/cp/onlinePreview.php?t=NjQ2MHw1OTQxNXxqZXJlbWlhc0BsYX d5ZXIuY29tfDM0ODM4NXwxMjE5NTY4NTB8NTM2NTc1)

I was there mid-September for a conference. Loved the resort, the food, and the staff. It cost a bit to get downtown if shuttle timing wasn't in line with our schedule, but other than that it was great. Highly recommended.

It cost a bit to get downtown

Why would anyone voluntarily visit downtown Vegas? :D

Why would anyone voluntarily visit downtown Vegas? :D

Deep fried Twinkies at the Mardi Gras snack bar. I think that's the place, could be wrong. Need I say more?

You got to love the old school charge of downtown Vegas.

I was just at the M, which is gorgeous, incredibly well priced, and the only place I ever want to stay when visiting Las Vegas. The pool area is beautiful and relaxing, the casino is huge, modern, and clean (especially the air), and well-attended by floor personnel (the drinks are good, and not in plastic, either!:D)
The rooms are beautiful, with wonderful views on either side.
I never waited more than 5 minutes for the buffet, which really was out of this world; free wine and beer, beautifully prepared and presented food in an unbelievable variety. And I thought the desserts were distressingly good (mousse and tiramisu being my new favorites;))
I hope to visit again soon, before the prices become realistic for what you get!

The drinks are good but at the end of the day the location will slaughter them. I would never stay there if I had to pay for the hotel room. Even when I have my own car, which I frequently do. Besides, you can't enjoy the drinks if you're actually planning to DRIVE anywhere-- and you do have to drive, because it's in what we in the south rudely call East Elvis. Well, we don't say "Elvis" but I'm not in the mood to blaspheme and get another of my posts pulled for my bad behavior.

It's a wonderful resort but the location stinks...they're going to need to continue to be aggressive with free rooms/suites or else they'll end up a backwater IMHO.

I do love those marvelous (and HUGE) Lemon Drop Martinis that they bring right to a video poker machine without any dilly dally but it's just an impractical spot for a casino for anyone who a) drinks and b) wants to see the sights. At the end of the day, a crummy Capri Room at Imperial Palace may not be glamorous but it'll save us a DUI arrest which is probably even more expensive than our little craps hobby...

I did not try the buffet but that wine bar hidden in the M basement after you follow an entire treasure hunt...whew...that was GOOD! I'm still astounded that we stumbled our way through the maze back to our rooms again...

My only question, and perhaps a local could respond is we found the wind to be much greater than on the strip or in town. It reminded me of the winds that come up in the afternoon in Waikaloa....Overall, despite its remoteness, I would certainly stay and eat here...

First of all, glad to hear people are agreeing with me about the buffet. Granted, when it first opened it was far cheaper, but even at the current price, it is a deal. Plus, locals are getting 2 for 1 coupons, so the price is really a deal!

Regarding the wind in Las Vegas; ya know, when I first moved here, nobody had warned me about that. We get amazing winds here...back when our house was first built, there was a wind that dented every single garage door on the entire block of new homes! I worked for attorneys back then and got the builder to pay for repairs, and put in stronger garage doors, but that should give you an indication of the kind of winds that are "normal" here. It doesn't happen daily, but let's just say that at least once a month, I expect to see Elmira Gultch and Toto fly by my window.

Last time I was there I noticed the wind to be MUCH stronger =maybe because there is nothing around to act as a buffer?But watching the wall of sand coursing through the desert was interesting-As was wathcing a lightning storm that night.

I am a little dissapointed in the non playfulness of the machines.I was hoping for a bit of history repeating i.e. back when the Marinellos owned the Rio and had set the machines to be very playful.

Has anybody been able to find the M Hotel on any of the major online travel booking sites (Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelworm etc)?

I have been looking to take advantage of a promo offer, and book a discounted room....but booking appears to exclusive to the M's website.

It is hard to believe the M does not participate with the major booking sites. They can't be running at full occupancy in today's Las Vegas economy.

Has anybody been able to find the M Hotel on any of the major online travel booking sites (Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelworm etc)?

I have been looking to take advantage of a promo offer, and book a discounted room....but booking appears to exclusive to the M's website.

It is hard to believe the M does not participate with the major booking sites. They can't be running at full occupancy in today's Las Vegas economy.
They must be on various web sites, otherwise they wouldn't have a stiff $23 resort fee. The only reason to do that is to snag people who book on the net. Has anybody here encountered the M on PL or HW?

They must be on various web sites, otherwise they wouldn't have a stiff $23 resort fee. The only reason to do that is to snag people who book on the net. Has anybody here encountered the M on PL or HW?

The M has not been reported on the hotel lists at Bidding for Travel and Betterbidding for Priceline and Hotwire.

The hotel has dropped their daily resort fee.

Under $70.
Still high for such a wierd location-but it is a pretty nice place and if one just wants to hang in one place this would be a good choice.

Under $70.
Still high for such a wierd location-but it is a pretty nice place and if one just wants to hang in one place this would be a good choice.

Thanks.

I noticed the M is also listed on Travelocity. Lots of $65 -$75/day November and December dates.

They do run a free shuttle every couple hours to the Wynn Hotel (actually to the valet parking area for the Fashion Show Mall, behind the Capital Grille). The M also runs a free shuttle to the airport.

I did a shuttle buffet run last time I was in Vegas. The highlight was a shuttle stop at some highrises located across the street the South Point Hotel. A large group of senior citizens got on-board in order to get the M buffet just before the 4 pm price changeover from lunch to dinner.