M Resort slated to open in March 2009

Jenna Kohler

M Resort, Spa and Casino, set to open March 2009, will feature a porte-cochere with a frosted glass canopy from front to back.

By Jenna Kohler (contact)

Friday, Aug. 8, 2008 | 6:34 p.m.

M Resort

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The Marnell name is once again finding a home just off the Las Vegas Strip. Come March 2009, M Resort, Spa and Casino will open its doors.

Marnell Corrao Associates has helped design casinos like the Excalibur, Treasure Island and Wynn Las Vegas, and Anthony Marnell II built the Rio in 1990, which was sold to Harrah’s about a decade later.

In 2008, it’s the same name, but with a different Roman numeral behind it. Anthony Marnell III has taken over the family’s architecture and design business.

M was on display during a media event Friday, when Marnell said he was reminded of the innovative thinking that made the Rio and his family’s company a success.

“I’m not really sure there's any unique ideas left in Las Vegas," Marnell said. "I think it's more how you deliver it."

Marnell said No. 1 on his list of innovations is bringing the service that Las Vegas was known for in the past back to the forefront.

“Bringing service back to this city, the way the local market used to have it 15, 20 years ago. That is the number one thing and on the forefront of everything we do at the M.”

Sitting on a 99-acre plot -- of which only 40 acres have been used for the 400-room resort, spa and casino -- Marnell described the inside of M as modern Italian, with warm colors, yet simple lines, forgoing the crown molding and intricately designed ceiling features seen in other casinos.

“A design that’s timeless, one that‘s not going to age,” Marnell said.

Located south of the Strip on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway, M will be different than other off-Strip properties, Marnell said.

“We’ve done a lot of things architecturally, outside of the service standard, like bringing things and ideas that you see on the Las Vegas Strip that you can’t get at a local casino,” Marnell said. “If you walk through you’ll see that a lot of the restaurants overlook the pool and overlook Las Vegas. They all have outside balconies.”

A retail center integrated into the resort is slated to open in late 2010 or early 2011.

Discussion: 7 comments so far…

By kenoja

8/9/08 at 1:49 a.m.

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I opened the Rio in 1990 and it was wonderful back then. I am sure that Marnell will create a beautiful property that is very upscale.
It may be a little far out for me to go to on a regular basis, but I will definitely have to check it out.

The views should be spectacular.
By Fccfirstclass

8/9/08 at 4:33 a.m.

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Great news for the South End. South Point and now M.
By FleaStiff

8/9/08 at 1:23 p.m.

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>No. 1 is bringing service back to this city...
You mean they throw the dice for you? Place your bets for you? Service? I check in. Six days later, I check out. When I'm down in the casino somebody shows up and makes the bed and leaves new towels. What service do I need?
>Marnell described the inside of M as modern Italian, with warm colors, yet simple lines
Are we to go there to gamble or gawk?
>They all have outside balconies.
Oh great. We can step outside and enjoy the unbearable heat and construction dust. Thats just what everyone has in mind when they think of a gambling trip to Vegas!
By BR5150

8/9/08 at 4 p.m.

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Maybe Marnell would like to disclose how much his campaign contribution were to Mayor Gibson to secure this last 5 acres needed to complete the project. The one that was pulled out of the public auction and given to Marnell for Project M discussed in the newspaper. Ah yes, COH government has always been available to highest campaign contributor.

Maybe Mayor Gibson would like to explain that to the COH taxpayers after Lake Las Vegas declared bankruptcy has been getting away with substandard infrastructure improvements to the property that do not meet current standards. The Mayor and current COH politicians have directed the Public Works department to give away the farm and allow sub-standard improvements. WTG COH Public Works Director you have let down the City of Henderson taxpayers, the Public Works Department and your professional reputation.
By LovinLife

2/4/09 at 2:04 p.m.

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Wow are people a tad bit bitter here? You would think that people would be happy to bring some more revenue to the city and the way the economy is you should be happy there will be a chance for the city to make money. Sounds to me like someone is mad they didn't get the land first. Remember "The early bird gets the worm". And whats it anyones business what someone contributed to anything in the first place? Why does everyone and everything that anyone gets automatically assumed it was on a scam.? If your so concerned what he donated, why don't you apply to be his accountant then?
And for the other comment about the resort having beautiful balconies, Its always nice to sit outside when its evening time and what a better way to take in the sights than to sit on a lovely balcony at the beautiful M resort. I think its pretty much understood that YES its a desert, YES its hot, YES it can be dusty, but do you say that while your at the pool sunning while your here visiting? NO. So quit complaining and let the man enjoy his business. You people complaining will probaly be the first ones in line to check the place out. So don't be jealous. Dont hate the players, hate the game. Your mad now, wait till it expands with more phases. LOL. GOOD LUCK TO THE M RESORT.
Im glad he decided to build it where he did. Besides I hear they are hiring so maybe all you compainers can get a job and lighten up already. Building casinos = more jobs. Thats an easy one to figure out. People are out of work and the more people build the more jobs they create.
Im going to sit on my patio now and enjoy the dust storm.

GET OVER YOURSELVES.
By johnevegas

2/4/09 at 2:34 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By netlivinginc

2/18/09 at 11:38 p.m.

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Man, I don't think I've read a bad thing about this new casino. I think the name is simple thus memorable. My friend who got hired there says the views are incredible even from the cafe. Its great to see that they made real good use of their location on higher ground.

I'll be there for the opening.