Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas marked the opening of the newest luxury property in the hotel group on Friday, December 4, 2009. The festivities included a dramatic ribbon cutting ceremony in the morning and a distinguished private gala in the evening.
Ribbon Cutting
Taiko drummers rhythmically set the pulse as guests filed in to the richly decorated morning ceremony, hosted on the hotel port-cochere. Speeches included comments by Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Jim Murren, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, MGM MIRAGE, William Grounds, President and Chief Operating Officer of Infinity World Development Corp., Congressman Dean Heller and General Manager Rajesh Jhingon.
A feng shui master inaugurated a bright future for the hotel with a harmonizing ceremony followed by a traditional lion dance. Distinguished guests including interior designer Adam D. Tihany, celebrated chef Pierre Gagnaire and violin virtuoso Vanessa Mae assisted the executives and politician in cutting the red ginger flower ribbon to open the hotel. Guests then proceeded to the hotel’s 23rd Floor Sky Lobby for a champagne reception and preview tours.
Grand Gala Celebration
A gala designed with elements to represent 21st century luxury with oriental charm transformed the hotel for an evening affair for over 500 influential guests including hotel executives, entertainers, politicians and media.
A red carpet and photographers welcomed guests as a reminder of the appreciation of every invitee. Nearly 400 bottles of Dom Pérignon champagne were uncorked for the festivities, bite-sized spoons of delectable treats and 4000 chocolate truffles were handmade to delight. Whimsical entertainment elements were created throughout the event including a snow geisha on the balcony of the ballroom and a spirited performance by world renowned violinist Mandarin Oriental “fan” Vanessa-Mae to wrap up the evening.
The crowd in The Oriental Ballroom rose to give Ms. Mae a standing ovation for a performance that included an entire back-up band including a bassist and drummer.
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
Will be a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance. The 47-story, non-gaming hotel and residences will deliver spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, and the legendary service of the renowned hotel group to Las Vegas for the first time.
Architecture
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox with contemporary interiors by Adam D. Tihany, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas acts as a gateway to CityCenter, while simultaneously conveying a sense of intimacy and seclusion for guests and residents. The interlocking glass and metal elements of the façade draw inspiration from traditional Chinese motifs and serve to create a level of transparency that invites a flow of natural light within.
Dining
Situated on the 23rd floor will be the first U.S. restaurant by world-renowned, three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire. Twist by Pierre Gagnaire will infuse the simplicity of classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is renowned. Guests also can enjoy small bites and high tea rituals at the Tea Lounge; fresh preparations of world-class cuisine at MOzen Bistro; and gourmet pastries, sandwiches and more at Amore Patisserie, located directly on Las Vegas Blvd.
Art
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will display Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, 1998-1999, a 19-foot stainless steel and fiberglass sculpture that depicts a giant blue and red typewriter eraser with the bristles of the brush turned upward in a graceful gesture. In its lobby, the hotel will feature sculptures soaring as high as 11 feet by Jun Kaneko: Untitled, Triangle Dango, 1996; Untitled, Dango, 2002; and Untitled, Dango, 1992. Jack Goldstein's Untitled (Volcano), 1983, depicting an explosive and vibrant image of an erupting volcano, also will be featured in the lobby. The property's exterior will display Masatoshi Izumi's sculpture Untitled, 2007-2008, made of large pieces of intricately carved basalt, a form of lava that has cooled on the surface of the volcano.
Accommodations
Spacious and welcoming, 392 rooms and luxurious suites and 227 residences will provide ultimate comfort in a sophisticated setting. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city, surrounding mountains and glittering lights of The Strip, these well-appointed rooms will combine contemporary elegance with subtle Oriental design. State-of-the-art environmentally conscious technology and cutting-edge entertainment systems, a Mandarin Oriental hallmark, will be found in every guestroom and suite.
Spa
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a 27,000-square-foot oasis for serenity and rejuvenation. This 1930s Shanghai-design inspired spa was developed to reflect the glamour and fusion from that era. This two-level relaxation haven will feature a menu based on Eastern methodologies with Western applications. The Spa includes 17 treatment rooms, including seven Couple's Suites, multiple relaxation and water experiences, a Rhassoul for women and a co-ed Hammam. An expansive Fitness Center with a Yoga and Pilates Studio and Technogym cardiovascular and strength equipment also will be available.
Bar and Lounge
Also located on the 23rd floor with windows overlooking the spectacular Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar will provide an elegant respite from the bustling bars of the Las Vegas Strip. Decorated with plush furnishings, the boutique Mandarin Bar will offer creative snacks and an extensive cocktail menu. A team of molecular mixologists will be available to develop customized concoctions upon request, and there also will be a separate VIP room, available by reservation.
Meetings and Social Event Space
More than 12,000 square feet of versatile space, state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled service will make Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas an ideal venue to present a variety of events, from a grand-scale conference to a glamorous wedding. The meeting space will be situated on the hotel's third level, flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook The Strip.
Pool
Guests and residents will enjoy a magnificent pool facility featuring 20 cabanas and a Pool Café, serving seasonal market-fresh fare. The property's two lap pools are in the shape of long blades, symbolic of blades on the Mandarin's signature Fan logo.
Residences
One of Las Vegas' most desirable addresses, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will have a private residential entrance. Owners of these 227 luxury condominiums will enjoy full access to Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas' amenities – including housekeeping, in-room dining, concierge, access to The Spa & Fitness Center and other personalized services to complement their lifestyles.
Reservations
Call (702) 590-8881 or visit //www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas.
