The Palms Casino Hotel Las Vegas – Walkthrough & Insider Guide

Welcome to The Palms Casino Hotel, one of the most vibrant and visually stunning hotels in Las Vegas. Located just west of the Strip, The Palms offers a high-end, off-Strip alternative with a chic modern aesthetic and legendary Vegas energy. Whether you’re visiting for a luxury stay, gourmet dining, or a night of excitement, this resort delivers unforgettable experiences in every corner.

As you walk through the grand entrance, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that blends bold art, warm lighting, and contemporary design. Right away, you’ll notice the Damien Hirst shark installation inside the Unknown Bar, anchoring the casino floor with a touch of surreal cool. The Palms isn’t just a hotel—it’s a living gallery. Around nearly every corner, you’ll find curated artwork from global icons like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and more. It’s a true destination for lovers of design, detail, and that signature Las Vegas wow factor.

Unknown Bar is more than just a lobby lounge—it’s a full-on art experience wrapped in a cocktail bar. Located right at the heart of the casino floor, this visually striking venue is named after Damien Hirst’s The Unknown (Explored, Explained, Exploded)—a real preserved shark sculpture split into three tanks behind the bar. It’s not just a centerpiece, it’s a conversation starter. The bar itself offers expertly crafted cocktails in an upscale setting that blends modern design with edgy surrealism. Whether you’re enjoying a drink before a show or kicking off your night in Vegas style, Unknown Bar is one of the most unique lounges in all of Las Vegas.

The casino itself is spacious, sleek, and accessible. It’s the kind of place where you can settle into a slot machine, find a low-minimum blackjack table, or enjoy the energy of a busy craps game without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. The layout is guest-friendly, and everything flows naturally—from the gaming floor to the on-site restaurants, lounges, and theaters. Just beyond the casino, you’ll discover Serrano Vista Café, perfect for casual bites, and the A.Y.C.E. Buffet, which draws foodies from across the city with its fresh, diverse selection and beautifully designed food stations.

If you’re hungry for variety, A.Y.C.E. Buffet (short for “All You Can Eat”) at The Palms is a must-visit dining destination. This isn’t your typical buffet—it’s a bright, modern, and chef-driven experience offering seven unique food stations, each with its own global flavor profile. From freshly rolled sushi and wood-fired pizzas to slow-roasted meats, handcrafted desserts, and plant-based options, A.Y.C.E. brings restaurant-quality dining to the buffet scene. It’s perfect for families, foodies, and anyone looking to sample a little bit of everything without ever leaving the resort.

For those looking to level up their experience, Ghostbar, perched high atop the resort, offers sweeping panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and an elevated cocktail experience with a retro-chic vibe.

The Pearl Theater at The Palms is one of Las Vegas’s most intimate and acoustically brilliant live venues. With seating for just over 2,500 and state-of-the-art sound and lighting, every performance—from chart-topping concerts to comedy icons—feels close and electric. The layout offers fantastic sightlines from nearly every seat, and the venue’s modern design and premium bar access create an upscale yet approachable atmosphere. If you’re a fan of live music or big-name acts without the overwhelming mega-venue feel, Pearl Theater should absolutely be on your Vegas list.

The Palms is divided into two main towers—the Ivory Tower and the more upscale and iconic Fantasy Tower, which used to house the Playboy Club. While the Ivory Tower offers stylish and affordable rooms with clean lines and modern touches, the Fantasy Tower is where the hotel’s most legendary accommodations reside. This includes the famous Hardwood Suite with an indoor basketball court, and the ultra-immersive Make Good Choices Suite, designed for wild weekend getaways.

The Fantasy Tower’s high-end suites are some of the most creative and luxurious in Las Vegas, featuring everything from full bar setups and private screening rooms to in-room massage chairs, glass-walled showers, and skyline views that steal the show.

Beyond its amenities, what truly sets The Palms apart is its bold artistic personality and luxurious comfort woven into every detail. As you stroll through the property, you’re surrounded by modern elegance—polished stone, reflective surfaces, custom lighting, and vibrant contemporary art installations that make even the hallways feel curated. Whether you’re checking in at the sleek front desk or lounging in one of the airy seating areas near the casino, you can sense that The Palms was designed to impress without ever feeling impersonal. It’s hip, it’s elevated, and it’s undeniably Las Vegas.

The Palms Pool area offers a perfect blend of relaxation and resort-style fun. With multi-level pools, stylish cabanas, and palm-lined walkways, the space feels like an upscale oasis away from the Strip’s intensity. You’ll find plush loungers, chilled towels, and full poolside service delivering cocktails and bites from the nearby restaurants. Music fills the space without overpowering it, setting the tone for either a chill day in the sun or a vibrant social scene with friends. Whether you’re renting a daybed or just dipping your toes in the water, it’s one of the best off-Strip pool scenes in town.

Tucked inside The Palms is the Brenden Theatres, a state-of-the-art movie complex with a Vegas twist. Featuring IMAX and luxury reclining seats, it’s the perfect spot for catching the latest blockbusters in high definition and comfort. Unlike most movie theaters, Brenden feels more like a boutique cinema experience, with sleek design elements and a full concession bar serving cocktails, snacks, and even beer. It’s popular with locals and guests alike, making it a great low-key evening option when you need a break from the tables and nightlife.