M Resort
Henderson, Nevada
ARCHITECT/DESIGNER: Marnell Corrao Associates
CASINO FLOOR: 92,000 sq feet
ROOMS AND SUITES: 390 ROOMS
MEETING SPACE: 60,000 sq feet
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $1 billion
M Resort opened in March in what originally looked to be a prime location in Henderson, just south of Las Vegas. A nearby real estate development was poised to provide a built-in customer base of thousands, but that development fizzled out. It didn’t phase resort developer Anthony Marnell III, however. He knew his property would be able to compete regardless of the problems with the nearby development-and any other economic problem phasing the valley.
First, his property took advantage of its unique location. M Resort is 10 miles south of the Strip and sits a couple hundred feet higher, offering a commanding view of the valley. That view is a major component of the a majority of the 390 hotel rooms, including the suites, which offer 270-degree views of the Strip and the surrounding mountains. Even the porte cochere is designed to offer a view through the building and out toward the Strip. The 92,000-square-foot casino floor itself is extremely modern in design and offerings, and features 64 table games and 1,800 machines. The 23,000-square-foot sports book, with its offering of wireless wagering, is a particularly strong draw.
The F&B outlets were another area of intense focus. From Veloce Cibo on the roof to the half TV studio/half buffet in the center of the property, everything is built to impress.
The design of the $1 billion resort is a progressive style of architecture combining rich colors with subtle lines that are designed to create a sense of direction and purpose. There are also elements of earth, fire, water and light that help blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
As exciting as the design is, Marnell’s approach to running the casino is what will really set this property apart. He is focusing on customer service more than anything else, something he thinks other operators have lost sight of. The approach seems to be working well, and a month after opening, the property announced it would not lay off workers, but was actually hiring more.
Perhaps the single most impressive thing about the property is that it was built both on time and on budget, something of a rarity these days.
