Palms Casino Resort closed with the rest of Las Vegas in mid-2020, but the property remained closed until this week, unlike the rest of the city. Last year, the favorite local hotel and casino sold to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for $650 million, bringing some new ownership diversity to Las Vegas.

Palms Casino Resort Returns to Las Vegas

“Our team has worked incredibly hard to get to this day, and it’s a great accomplishment to introduce Palms once again to Las Vegas,” General Manager Cynthia Kiser Murphey said in a statement to the press. “The excitement and outpouring of support to see Palms reopen has been incredible. This is truly a special property, and we all consider it a privilege to be trusted with its return to the city. Our goal is to deliver a distinctive experience that makes everyone feel at home while they are in Las Vegas.”

Palms Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Courtesy Palms Casino Resort)

We got a first look at the property early in the evening along with other members of the press and VIPs; the resort officially opened to the public at 9 p.m. The grand reopening was marked with a blowout celebration featuring a dine-around of the property’s numerous restaurants in “A Taste of Palms” culinary tour, a Tribal ceremony earlier in the day, ribbon cutting, a poolside reception and a fireworks extravaganza.

“A Taste of Palms” offered guests the chance to sample some of each restaurant’s featured items and the Serrano Vista Cafe hosted a dessert party with sweets of all kinds. Throughout the resort, performers and activations provided perfect photo opportunities for guests.

“It’s an honor and a privilege for us to welcome everyone back to Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas,” San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority Chairwoman Latisha Casas said in a recent press statement. “We look forward to introducing our guests to our rich history, culture and signature hospitality. We can’t wait to make history together.”

Atmosphere at Palms Celebratory Return (©Melanie Lee)

If you’re familiar with the Palms from pre-Covid days, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that much of the property and design are still intact. The resort underwent extensive renovations in 2019 prior to the pandemic. At that time, many of the original venues (and new locations that opened with the addition of the Fantasy Tower) were rebranded.

Many of the restaurants have returned as well, with the exception of Vetri, Greene Street Kitchen, Shark, Side Piece Pizza (now Palms Pizza) and Lucky Penny (the space is now occupied by the Serrano Vista Cafe). A pop-up is set to occupy the Greene Street Kitchen space.

“We could not be happier than we are today,” Casas noted to the press. “So many people came together to make today possible. We are grateful for the expertise of our shared services teams and the hard work by Palms team members to make this day a reality. And the Las Vegas community and our brothers and sisters from the local Southern Paiute tribes have been so generous and warm with their hospitality. This is a day our Tribe will never forget.”

Drumline at Palms Reopening Celebration (©Melanie Lee)