In December 2024, the Las Vegas Strip welcomed a vibrant addition to its hospitality scene as the 1,117-room Delano Las Vegas officially rebranded as the W Hotel Las Vegas. This transformation, part of a strategic partnership between MGM Resorts International and Marriott International, marks a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration, integrating the property into the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Here’s an in-depth look at what this rebrand means for travelers, the property’s offerings, and its place on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
A New Chapter for a Storied Property
The 43-story tower, located within the Mandalay Bay complex, has a rich history. Originally opened in 2003 as THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, it was rebranded in 2014 as Delano Las Vegas in partnership with Morgans Hotel Group, drawing inspiration from the chic Delano South Beach in Miami. The 2014 rebrand introduced a Mojave Desert theme, an all-suite layout with 725-square-foot rooms (among the largest standard rooms on the Strip), and unique features like a 126,000-pound metaquartzite boulder at the entrance. Now, as of December 18, 2024, the property has transitioned to W Las Vegas, aligning with Marriott’s W Hotels brand, known for its bold design, vibrant energy, and luxury lifestyle focus.
The rebrand is part of a 2023 licensing agreement between MGM and Marriott, which has already brought 12 MGM properties, including Bellagio, ARIA, and The Cosmopolitan, into the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. This partnership has exceeded expectations, with hundreds of thousands of room nights booked since its launch in March 2024, showcasing the power of Marriott’s distribution channels and loyalty program.
What’s Changed with the Rebrand?
While the rebrand to W Las Vegas is complete in terms of branding, signage, and integration into Marriott Bonvoy, the physical transformation is ongoing. The property retains its non-gaming status, focusing on luxury accommodations and amenities. Key features include:
All-Suite Accommodations: The 1,117 suites, including 28 penthouses and dog-friendly options, remain a hallmark. However, a full room renovation to align with W Hotels’ modern, edgy aesthetic is planned for completion by 2027.
Dining and Lounges: Current food and beverage outlets, such as the Alain Ducasse-led Rivea restaurant and Skyfall lounge with its 180-degree Strip views, remain unchanged for now. The Delano Beach Club will be rebranded as W Wet Deck, with a refresh planned, and a new lobby lounge concept, Living Room, is in development. The 3940 Coffee + Tea bar and other dining spaces will also see updates.
Amenities: The hotel continues to offer a spa, a beach club, and 20,000 square feet of meeting space across 31 breakout rooms, ideal for conventions. The property’s dog-friendly policy remains, aligning with W Hotels’ brand ethos.
Renovation Timeline: Major renovations, including the entrance, lobby, front desk, and a transition hallway from Mandalay Bay, are slated for completion by 2028. These updates aim to infuse the property with W’s signature high-energy vibe and bold design.
The exterior signage has already been updated, and the booking system is now fully integrated with Marriott Bonvoy, allowing guests to earn and redeem points and access elite benefits.
Why the Rebrand?
The shift from Delano to W Las Vegas reflects strategic moves by both MGM and Marriott. For MGM, the rebrand leverages Marriott’s massive marketing database and loyalty program, with over 200 million Bonvoy members, to drive bookings. For Marriott, it strengthens their presence on the Las Vegas Strip, where they had no properties before 2023. The W Hotels brand, known for its trendy, nightlife-driven appeal, is seen as a perfect fit for the Strip’s vibrant energy, offering a more distinctive identity than the Delano, which some felt lacked the same international recognition.
The Delano, while successful as a boutique-style property, was often perceived as an extension of Mandalay Bay rather than a standalone brand. The W rebrand aims to give the hotel its own “spirit and energy,” as emphasized during its earlier Delano transformation. This move also ends MGM’s partnership with Morgans Hotel Group (and by extension, Accor, which controls the Delano brand), redirecting the property to Marriott’s portfolio.
Guest Experience and What to Expect
For now, guests will find the W Las Vegas largely resembles the Delano in its physical offerings, with the same spacious suites and amenities like Rivea, Skyfall, and the beach club. However, the integration into Marriott Bonvoy is a significant draw for loyalty members, offering seamless point earning and redemption, as well as elite perks like upgrades and late checkouts. The property’s location, connected to Mandalay Bay, provides easy access to the casino, dining, and entertainment options there, while maintaining a quieter, non-gaming retreat.
Some guests have expressed concerns about the lack of immediate room updates, noting that the Delano’s suites, while comfortable, could use a refresh. Others see the W brand as a better fit for Vegas, with its hip, international appeal. Social media feedback suggests the property remains a favorite for its spacious rooms, proximity to Mandalay Bay’s pool and casino, and dog-friendly policy, though some worry about potential price increases post-rebrand.
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Looking Ahead
The W Las Vegas is poised to elevate the Strip’s luxury offerings, blending Marriott’s global reach with MGM’s operational expertise. While the full transformation, including room and public space renovations, won’t be complete until 2027-2028, the rebrand already positions the property as a compelling choice for travelers seeking a sophisticated, all-suite experience. Future enhancements, like the W Wet Deck and Living Room lounge, promise to amplify the hotel’s vibrant, nightlife-driven identity.
For Marriott Bonvoy members, the W Las Vegas adds another reason to stay on the Strip, joining iconic properties like Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan. For Vegas visitors, it offers a fresh take on luxury, with the promise of more exciting changes to come. Whether you’re drawn to the spacious suites, the Skyfall lounge’s panoramic views, or the chance to earn Bonvoy points, W Las Vegas is ready to make its mark.
