Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
A look at the entryway of the Greek villa at Caesars Palace’s Octavius Tower. The villa is one of three in the Octavius Tower and is nearly 10,000 square feet.
Thursday, April 29, 2010 | 1:45 a.m.
The New Villas at Caesars Palace
Viewing video requires the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player
You could stay at one of Caesars Palace's three new villas for $40,000 a night - or just come with us on the first local media tour to see the opulent 10,000-square-foot Greek-style Constantine Villa. With self-playing pianos, 24-hour butler service, movie theater-style TV rooms, chairs that massage you to the beat of your music, and remote-control toilets, it's no wonder Caesars spent $15 million to build and furnish each villa.
Map of Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace
3570 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas
Sun Archives
Octavius Tower update
Caesars Palace postponed the completion of its Octavius Tower in January 2009. The company had planned to open the 660-room tower, part of a $1 billion hotel expansion, in summer 2009.
Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner said the opening depends on Las Vegas room occupancy and rates.
“When the decision was made to postpone the Octavius Tower rooms, occupancy in town had fallen from the mid-90s (percent) quickly to the 80s and even upper 70s. Now, it’s pleasing to see that occupancy is back up to the mid-90s to upper 90s, but with much lower rates,” he said.
“I think if that trend continues and the rates begin to firm a little bit, we will be looking at finishing the Octavius Tower regular rooms. When we stopped, we were well underway and we own all the furnishings and fittings so in about five to six months, we could have them open. Once we make the decision, it will be very fast,” Selesner said.
A library with dark, wood-paneled walls and a bookcase filled with leather-bound books sits adjacent to a regal living room at Caesars Palace’s Octavius Tower. You’d almost forget you were in Las Vegas if not for the tanning pool patrons outside the window.
The antique-looking books in the library are seldom used, but they add to the villa’s residential illusion. So does the formal dining room that seats 12 and the media room with movie theater-style seating.
The centerpiece of each villa is the patio overlooking the pool area. The villas opened last fall, but the new Garden of the Gods pool just began to welcome summer visitors.
The three massive villas are the newest suites at Caesars Palace. With nearly 10,000 square feet of space, they’re some of the most opulent and largest suites on the Las Vegas Strip. The villas are on the second floor of Caesars’ unfinished Octavius Tower and are part of the resort’s long line of over-the-top suites.
From the private elevator to the 24-hour butler service, everything about the Octavius villas feels exclusive, including the price tag. The cost for a night is $40,000. The price isn’t recession-friendly, but their patrons aren’t exactly struggling in today’s economy.
No surprise, Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner said customers include celebrities, royalty and high rollers.
“The people that were running Caesars Palace in the 1990s noticed that their best customer lived in houses like the villas,” Selesner said. “So to receive their business in the best way possible, they decided to create something that was reminiscent of these mansions these people lived in, but more over the top.”
The Octavius villas feel more like miniature mansions than hotel suites. Caesars spent about $15 million on each villa – a total of $45 million – to accomplish that goal. The villas are a collection of eclectic furnishings and faux artifacts, giving the feel of a collector’s well-kept home.
Wilson & Associates designed each suite with an individual identity — an opulent Grecian palace, an Old World Spanish home and a Parisian luxury apartment. The design firm is responsible for other suites at Caesars, as well as the fantasy suites at the Palms and the rooms and lobby at the Venetian.
Michael Medeiros, the lead project designer at Wilson & Associates, said this was the first set of suites the company designed at Caesars with separate themes.
“The last time we did a set of three suites at Caesars they all had a very similar and traditional feeling,” Mederios said. “We really wanted these villas to be like three unique residences rather than hotel rooms, and the size of villas alone helps with that.”
At 9,930 square feet, the Greek-style villa, which Caesars Palace dubs “Constantine,” is the largest of the three. The four-bedroom villa is far from subtle, but it’s subtly Greek with its fake marble columns and terracotta painted vases.
After stepping off the private elevator into the marble foyer of the Greek villa, guests will find a formal sitting room, a grand Steinway piano and working fireplace. On the other side of the hall are rooms with a pool table, a restaurant-sized bar and a theater.
Down a long hallway there are four bedrooms, each the size of a large hotel room, with walk-in closets and their own bathrooms. With custom marble and mosaics, no two bathrooms in the three villas have the same stonework.
Inside the Greek villa, the master suite’s bathroom is almost as large as the bedroom itself. The bathroom is covered in green and beige marble and features his and her toilets, sinks and vanities. It also has a steam shower, towel-warming racks and flat-screen TVs, among other amenities. A marble-topped tub with gold-plated fixtures is the centerpiece of the lavish master bath.
As trivial as they seem, the toilets are often the talk of the suites, Selsener said. They’re controlled by remotes, function as bidets, have heated seats and the lid opens as guests approach. There’s never a reason to touch the toilet seat.
The villas are filled with quirks: mirrors that turn into TVs, pianos that play themselves and chairs that massage to the beat of an iPod’s song. A networked system allows the butler to control every device in the villa.
Though the three villas have different design schemes, they have similar amenities. The French villa, which Medeiros said women are most attracted to, is light and airy. The Spanish villa is designed with distressed wood throughout the main rooms.
Off each living room is the patio that overlooks the pools. Each patio includes a fire pit, dining table and a private Jacuzzi.
The view of Flamingo Road is less impressive. Those views are reserved for penthouses and other suites higher than the pool level. The resort’s two 10,000-square-foot penthouses in the Forum Tower are still the largest suites at the resort. Caesars Palace now has 11 villas, 11 penthouses and about 200 suites.
“The magnitude of the accommodations has grown over the years. I remember in the 70s we had these suites with these big tubs in the middle of the living room and they were the talk of the city,” Selsener said. “I think over time there is a pressure to keep topping the last rendition.”
I have to get my reservations in quick before all the good nights are booked.
Lets see- buy an upscale new car or spend one night at the Villas - such a hard choice.
In this era of depression, this is a disgusting display of opulence and excess that is an insult to those who are struggling to just survive from day to day here in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas has always been a place for opulence and excess and I hope it remains so. I would like to stay in these suites if I played at the Harrah's properties. There still are rich and upper middle class in this world and although some have suffered greatly wouldn't you want them to stay and spend their money in Las Vegas? How is this bad?
There are a LOT of folks livin' off the "grid" and not paying income taxes. Think of all the gamblers, hookers, strippers, and other folks and businesses that deal in CASH just in Vegas and all across the country! THat's why I'd do away with the income tax and put in a national sales tax so EVERYBODY has to pay!
And some of you hate labor unions?
More self-centered 'I'm better than you' types will be in profusion there. I can stay home for that.
kc212203 :
The rich and upper middle class should get tax breaks so they spend their money in ways which will create jobs, and business incentives. Throwing forty thousand dollars a night for a hotel room into the greedy corporate pockets of Harrahs is not going to improve things in Las Vegas.
The reality is that very few guests will pay for these rooms. They are all comped to high rollers.
Should I win Mega Millions tomorrow - I'll try all three.
$40,000 a night? Overpriced.
For $38,500 a night, I booked the "70's" Suite at the Riveria. Plush green shag carpet, Orange Walls and all you can eat Jumbo fried shrimp delivered to your door. Plus if you get too full, then they have a mini-Fridge that is
Solid gold plated with 8 microns of 12 carat of gold so I felt like a king.
Oh, Caesars, stick with salads
I wonder - If a Casino has a $40K price tag on a suite - and then comps the suite - Can they write-off $40,000 grand on taxes? A business expense?
I would bet these rooms are comped much more often than actually booked on a reservation basis.
environ,
I see you post everywhere on this site about how aweful everything in vegas is becoming. Why do you stay if you hate this town so much?
Spending money, making things over the top, and fantasy are what makes this town. Worrying about whether your getting 6/5 or 3/2 blackjack isn't. Stop crying because a CEO makes a lot of money. You couldn't do their job. People like you make the economy slow down. Get out and work and make some money so that you can pay $20 for a sandwhich at a casino. If you think that's expensive, oh well. That's what it costs for casinos to serve them. Your paying for the atmosphere as much as you are the food.
Basically, leave vegas if you dont' like it.
This article about ridiculous excess is in the same newspaper edition as the news that Las Vegas once again leads the nation in foreclosures.
Examined together, the two articles emphasize the tremendous gulf that has developed separating the super rich from the desperately poor.
America is looking more and more like a 3rd world banana republic. I wonder how soon it will be before the super rich will have to hire armed guards for their homes.
navedd :
You might as well stand in line with your " If you don't like it then leave" comment, I've lived here since 1959 and have made my mark in the world, and I could afford that 40,000 a night suite if I wanted it, however I'm not some youngster as you who has absolutely no clue what Vegas used to be all about, so I will just mark off your comment to youth and inexperience in Las Vegas. By the way, I've been a CEO for several major entertainment companies and retired a very wealthy man...so put that where the sun don't shine my young friend..
Comment removed by moderator. Off topic.
SaveLasVegas :
Jealousy is a terrible thing, sorry you have to work so hard for a living, I've paid my dues in life and am now enjoying doing anything I wish, and if that is commenting in the Sun every day, that's my perogative..
These suites will only be available for Chinese New Year. Word is that Harrah's now is asking the govt. of China to declare Chinese New Year to occur every 3 months just in southern Nevada.
The house must be doing well at Caesars -- especially that terrible 6/5 blackjack at $100 min.
Meanwhile, just across the street at the Flamingo the place looks like a set from the movie "Casino."
Environprotector has been here since 1959, yet still doesn't "get" Las Vegas, as indicated with the naivete of the comment, "In this era of depression, this is a disgusting display of opulence and excess that is an insult to those who are struggling to just survive from day to day here in Las Vegas."
Las Vegas is all about risk and excess -- or at least the idea of it. It is the single driving force behind the very existence of this city, from Day 1. Kudos to Caesars for not forgetting that.
I like environprotector. I think he's got some real storys of old Vegas to share, and wish he would!
From the article:
"I remember in the 70s we had these suites with these big tubs in the middle of the living room and they were the talk of the city"
Check out the opening scene in the Tom Hanks movie "Charlie Wilson's War". They are totally hanging in one of those hot tub suites, faithfully recreated.
RPJ :
As usual, you are just commenting negative against my post because you don't like me. The truth of the matter is that the concept of Las Vegas was that anyone could come here and strike it rich. Todays exclusion of "anyone" and only catering to the wealthy is not the Las Vegas I have known and loved until recent years. The original business men who invented and built this city promoted the city as a "Come as you are" place and were careful to make sure that every level of player was rewarded for their participation here.
$40,000 a night is fine. I hope they double the rate when Awards Shows and the NBA All Star Game return. ;)
To all the haters out there.....get over it. I say if you can afford it, good for you! Those that work hard, get to play hard.
I think Vegas is more "come as you are" now more than ever. In the 70s, you used to have to dress up to walk around. Now you see every kind of person in the casino. I'm sorry but what kindof rewards do you expect if you betting 5 dollars a hand. You're not exactly going to pay off in the long run.
I don't think the "New Mega Suites" are going to help.
When a casino's bonds become junk bonds, then the entire gaming enviroment in such a casino becomes a program to fleece players out of more money. Not intentionally at first, but as the direct result of upper management putting pressure on individual casinos and their managers to meet unrealistic goals. When this begins to happen, players should just stay away.
Over the next couple of years, I'm sure casinos owned by Harrahs will see a large part of their "Seven Star Players" jump ship to the Wynn and elsewhere because of the casino's junk bond status. Afterall, if we don't want to buy their bonds, then why on earth should we to trust them with our money while we gamble with markers in their casinos. (I don't think the poolside mega suit are going to help much.) Besides, we all get skiddish when we hear of the patron abuse stories in the casino in the LV Sun, from other players, and now from the dealers that work there - (since they've become unionized.)
Just my ten cents,
Staying Away
Vegas sucks.
Vegas Rocks!
$40,000 a night? Does that mean it's $120,000 a night during COMDEX?
Or one could stay at the Imperial Palace for about 3 years. Or Gold Strike for over 4 years. Or a really nice room at Wynn for a couple months! All for the same 40k.
Or for 2 nights rate, I could pay off my house.
At 15 million, assuming that they rented at full rate every night, the 15 mil is recouped in a little over a year. Not a bad investment. Maybe the number is more like 2 years to cover the cost of butlers, utilities, employees, etc.
Good to know that there are some people who can afford this. I know a few millionaires. They wouldn't spend that kind of money on a hotel (that's why they're rich, they live fine, but are watchful at the same time). A $600 suite for extra special occasions would be the most they'd spend, most would take a $200 room at a nicer place and call it good enough. See ya' at the IP!
"If you build it they will come."
Photos 12 and 13 / 24 are too much!! Heated toilette seat?
The story says you never have to touch the toilet seat, so where does your butt go? Do you just sort of hover like I do in service station restrooms?
I wonder what mred has to say about all this?
I hope that is not an actual ivory tusk in the Greek Villa......
futurestia;
"The villas are a collection of eclectic furnishings and faux artifacts, giving the feel of a collector's well-kept home. "
Though for $40k a night,it ought to come with some hookers and a pile of ya-yo ;-) Just kidding.
environprotector--Then how come your "headquarters" was a dump like the Stardust? Just wondering.....
Whoa whoa navedd! We can worry about 6/5 payouts as much as we want :). I'm not sitting down unless it's 3/2.
Logic :
The Stardust was Old School good time! I didn't need any of that Southern Strip crap, and my years association with my hosts garnered me the best suites, best meals in William B's, and best seats in any show anytime in Vegas! They flew me to Hawaii for special events at the Moana Hotel, basically from years of associations held me close and never let go until the very end. And even today they still comp me and treat me royally at The Orleans!
Environ:
Why do you continually criticize those that don't agree with your fetish with "days gone by"? You are quick to tell all about your past comps/freebies/best seats however condemn any that are able to partake in the new amenities this city provides. Pettiness is not a positive trait.
No shortage of pillows in the master bedrooms!
Hold the phone. $15 million to construct and the columns are FAKE granite?!?!? Screw you! I'm going back to Motel 6!!!! Hey, I just saved $39,961!!! :)
newman2 :
I'm not criticizing anyone about their personal preferences nor their ability to take part in the "current amenities" the new hotels provide. My objection is that the corporate ownership here in Las Vegas is one of greed and a fleece job on their part. They complain about how bad business is and continually try to blame it on the bad economy, however they are in denial that the real reason tourists are staying away is because they have tightened up the slots too much, overcharge for lodging, food, drink, and entertainment, as well as the level of personal customer attention. This is not what traditionally has attracted tourists to Las Vegas. They sense the fix is in, and will stay in their own regions across the country where the Indian casinos are taking those dollars away from Southern Nevada.
i would have to agree with environ on his last post. as a tourist to vegas, the level of play, comps and personal attention i used to receive even 5yrs ago, is not the same currently; to which i must say defies all logic given current economic conditions.
BUT, if harrahs or MGM or whomever feel they've done their market research and can get ppl into these suites then good for them. too bad they don't share with the rest of las vegas or its employees.
I came, I saw, I got comped.
Is there a senior special? I agree with the gentleman about giving tax breaks to rich folk. I also agree with anyone who would like to tax the rich. I seem to be in an agreeable mood today. Well I can look forward to checking into one of these villas if they do it my way, on credit. Wasn't it Thoreau who said, "a man's wealth is determined by those things he can afford to live without?"
Good for Caesars. I do kind of pity a person who needs a quarter million a month just to stay afloat; Here I am satisfied with a Timex and a sandwhich, some of these guys, require a Rolex to tell time with. Umm, Folger's tastes pretty good this morning, happy trails to all, today
envirn,
People still get comped, there is still personal attention but you have to spend money to get those things. Tourists aren't not coming to vegas because of 6/5 blackjack or tight slots. Slot players have indian reservations to go to now and blackjack players are broke. It has nothing to do with all the items you mentioned. I live in a high raise condo
environ
I bet you can tell some stories about Vegas!!
Sometimes I don't agree with you but you are spot on with your comments today.
--Then how come your "headquarters" was a dump like the Stardust? Just wondering.....
The Stardust was NOT a dump back in the day. Read your history on the Vegas Strip. Maybe you'll learn something.
The Stardust at the end is still better than the RIV and Circus2.
Wonder if there will be a "local" discount for the villa?:)
They sure have a lot of lights in there.......
Come on guys if people have the money to and want to spend 40 g for a night at a hotel thats their business. I still would think with the economy the way it is in Las Vegas the owners of the casinos may find more productive ways to spend money ie give back to the community vs build and build with the hopes of making even more of a profit in a Casino where you have very little chance of winning anything. It was interesting to see the comment that they were happy to see the occupancy rates are higher now but the room rates are lower...no kidding! Keep Vegas at a reasonable cost and people will come...raise the rates again and see what happens.
After reading this article and seeing the short clip...I ran upstairs to my big glass jar on the floor emptied it and sat down and began counting....guess what? Hey this is a country of haves and haves nots...Vegas is all about the "haves".Frankly I don't believe ANYONE actually pays that per night or close to it.Its reserved for those very high rollers.Certainly no one with a ounce of common sense would even entertain the idea of paying $40k a nite. Many years ago I had the privilege of staying in the presidental suite at a 5 star texas hotel...(obviously at a VERY reduced rate).Being in the bathroom when the phone rang was scary...which one of the 4 phones in there to pick up???I guess it was nice to do once...
Environprotector.
I enjoy your comments. The truth could not be better said. Keep up the good work.
How much do they pay per hour for someone to clean such a prestigious toilet?
I need a job!
Nice job.
even knowing that they make 40,000 per night on each room, get free advertising in Magazines like yours and Internet.
They don't care that they use a
REGISTERED TRADE-NAME to do business.
To see it just simple go to www.USPTO.gov
or Secretary of state Nevada homepage.
Type i Octavius Tower and look for your self.
Go to Trad name search and you can see it.
All Entertainment rights, Internet rights and much more are in use by them even they know that this is so called Trade-Name infringement and cyber-squatting on his highest level.
This is illegal and against the Law.
Welcome to the Octavius Tower with NO rights of use on this name and the service they offer. They may have to pay me 40 million a day for misusing my property and name pretty soon.
I hope that the editor of this Magazine does not remove this because this is the truth and much more will come regarding this matter and the general publik should know about this.
Thank you for watching.
Owner of OctaviusTower.com and all trade-name and service rights are world wide registered.