BACKGROUND
The Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace was the first Nobu hotel to open in the world back in 2013 – now there are eight with another eight coming in the next couple of years in destinations such as Chicago, Toronto, Barcelona and Sao Paulo.
The Las Vegas property takes the form of a 182-room “boutique” hotel within Caesars Palace, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. It has six towers including the Nobu tower (formerly known as the Centurion Tower). The Nobu Hospitality restaurant and hotel empire was built by chef Nobu Matsuhisa with investment from people such as the actor Robert De Niro.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Guests need to pass through the main entrance to Caesars Palace or go through a secret door by the valet. They then turn right through the casino, past Cleopatra’s barge and left into the Nobu’s modest reception opposite the Montecristo cigar bar. It’s easy to miss if you are not paying attention as there is no dedicated lobby. Once you are checked in, you can take the keycard-activated lifts (panelled with sting ray skin and five types of wood) to your room.
David Rockwell was tasked with doing the interior design for the hotel, which is far more understated that almost anything else in Sin City. The ambiance is calm and muted, with neutral palette or brown, beige, plum and cream. There are hints of Japanese influence, such as the custom shodo style calligraphy on the walls, teak bathing stools and traditional black Umi tiles in the bathrooms, but overall it’s pretty Western.
There are no slot machines inside the Nobu or any evidence that you are in Las Vegas, except for the views of the Strip from many of the rooms. Others look on to the recently renovated Julius, Augustus and Palace towers.
WHERE IS IT?
On the Strip, in Caesars Palace, about 15 minutes’ drive from the airport.
ROOM FACILITIES
There are six room categories – Deluxe King, Deluxe Two Queens, Luxury King, Hakone suite, Sake suite and Nobu penthouse – plus the three-bedroom Nobu Villa, which costs from $35,000 a night. Suites offer more space, as well as steam showers, huge walk in closets, Neorest toilets and Moen deep sinks. The lifts appear to take you to on levels 73-83 for access to the rooms as suites, although this is misleading as they are actually floors three upwards.
I was staying in a 32 sqm entry-level Deluxe King, which was of a good size and faced the Tropicana casino opposite and a replica of the Eiffel Tower to the right. Like all the other rooms it came with a very plush, comfy, soft bed made up with Filo d’Oro linen, air conditioning, free wifi (with the resort fee), bottles of Fiji water, a Sony alarm clock, US sockets by bed but no USBs, an iron and ironing board, a safe, dressing gowns, short sleeve yukata robes, Japanese slippers and Natura Bliss bathing products.
There was also a well-stocked minibar loaded with things like beef jerky, gourmet popcorn, emergency flat shoes by RollaSole, and Rescue Kits with Advil and Band Aids, as well as the usual soft drinks and booze. Big 55-inch Samsung TVs can be used to order room service, which is delivered 24 hours a day from the Nobu kitchen. I tried a cute Japanese-style continental breakfast one morning served in a bento box. Other options were matcha green tea waffles and yuzu soba pancakes.
In my room there was no workdesk – instead there was a low table by the couch but it wasn’t very comfortable to sit at for extended periods of laptop use and there was no nearby plug socket. If you want to connect your device to the TV, there is a media hub with (chargeable) cables in a drawer. There were no UK/universal adapters though or portable chargers, which would have been handy.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
There is just one place to dine in the Nobu hotel and that is the Nobu restaurant, which is open for dinner only. I didn’t eat there on this occasion but have tried it before and remember it being fantastic. Dishes on the menu include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, Japanese snapper with dry miso and rock shrimp tempura.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
On the 72nd (second) floor is an executive lounge with a communal boardroom area, a conference room that you can book for a half or full day for up to 12 delegates, free coffee and bottled water. There is also a concierge and the option of private check-in. Two Mac books are available to borrow. The Hakone, Sake and Nobu Penthouse suites can host groups of five to 45. Caesars Palace, meanwhile, has a greater choice of meeting space for bigger events.
LEISURE FACILITIES
There is a 24-hour gym with Technogym equipment and natural light. Guests can also use the gym and pools in Caesars Palace.
VERDICT
An excellent choice for business travellers, especially those who find being in Las Vegas overwhelming. It doesn’t have a lot of facilities but being inside of Caesars Palace means you get access to everything it offers as well. Staff are very polite and helpful.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 182 rooms including 18 suites.
- HIGHLIGHTS Nobu room service, peaceful ambiance and good business facilities.
- PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in April started from US$270 for a Deluxe King room.
- CONTACT Nobu hotel Las Vegas, 3,570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Nevada; +1 (0)800 727 4923; caesars.com/nobu-caesars-palace
