Established In: 1962, 2000
Former Names: Aladdin
Owner: Caesars Entertainment
Number of Rooms:2,494
Location: Las Vegas Boulevard near Bellagio and Cosmopolitan
What happens when a bunch of celebrities gets together to put their name (and their money) on a restaurant chain in the 1990s? You end up with a place like Planet Hollywood – the acting version of Hard Rock. The restaurant chain was so popular back then that its owners decided to get into the casino game, and with that, Planet Hollywood Casino was born. Today, while the restaurant business has shuttered, the name lives on in Las Vegas on the Strip – do the hotel and casino live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look.
A brief history of The Hotel
The location and building that is now Planet Hollywood was once the site of the long-standing resort known as Aladdin. The original Aladdin, which stood from 1962 to 1997, was demolished to build a new version of the hotel with the same name. That hotel, opened in 2000, did not fare well financially in a new, highly competitive environment, so the hotel was sold in 2007 and rebranded as Planet Hollywood. A major renovation was done at that time to modernize the hotel and change the esthetic from desert-themed to movie-themed. There was much fanfare when the hotel opened, but again the challenge of keeping up with so many casinos on the Strip was too much, and the owners sold the hotel to Harrah’s Entertainment (now Caesars) in 2009.
Gaming at The Hotel
Despite the size of the property as awhile, the casino floor at Planet Hollywood is not all that big at 67,000 square feet. This is still plenty of space to cram in thousands of slot machines and dozens of table games, but the casino does feel a little cramped when you are walking through it.
The casino has a look and feel of the Hollywood lifestyle, with loads of memorabilia strewn throughout. There is also a small poker room that hosts daily tournaments along with its cash games that attract lower-level players. While it isn’t the largest poker room on the Strip, there is good value and good fun to be had in these games.
Top 3 Suites at The Hotel
Planet Hollywood is right in the middle of all the action on the Strip, so you may find yourself not spending much time in your room. However, that shouldn’t stop you from investigating all the options when it comes to suites on the property, including these ones that caught our attention.
PH Bay Suite
This is the biggest and most luxurious of all the suites at Planet Hollywood, and staying here is definitely going to make you feel like movie royalty. This massive suite is two floors and is situated on the 51st floor of the tower, giving guests a stunning view of the Las Vegas Strip. The huge living area is large enough to host dozens of guests comfortably, and when they are gone, you can take a break in a spa-like bathroom featuring a shower with multiple heads. This level of decadence is not cheap, but it is worth every penny to feel this good.
Ultra Apex Suite
This 1,800 square foot one-bedroom suite can be upgraded to add a second bedroom very easily. The Apex suite gives you views of both the North and South Strip, which can be seen from the separate living and dining areas. Settle in with a cocktail on the U-shaped couch and turn on one of the multiple flat screens in the suite, or dance the night away after a long session at the casino.
Ultra Boulevard Suite
Another two-bedroom suite that gives you a look over Las Vegas Boulevard, the focal point of the Ultra Boulevard’s décor has to be the couch that is suspended from the ceiling. This modern flair adds to the experience in the room, making it a place you will want to bring your friend to show off a bit. This suite isn’t as large as some of the others, but it still has plenty of space that will have you feeling like a high-roller.
Top 3 Dining Options at the Hotel
With Planet Hollywood being right in the middle of some of the best resorts in all of Las Vegas, there is no shortage of choices when it comes to places to eat. On the property itself, guests and visitors can choose from lots of different options that vary in taste and price. Here are some of our top choices.
Koi
This Japanese restaurant is a favorite with diners in New York and Los Angeles, and the Las Vegas version of Koi brings the same level of quality to guests who choose to eat here. A top choice of celebrities as well, Koi features some of the best sushi in all of Vegas, and if that isn’t your thing, then you can try their hot dishes that feature Japanese flavors with a California twist.
Striphouse Steakhouse
With its all-red décor, Striphouse Steakhouse transports you into a Hollywood vibe the second you walk in the door. With pictures of acting royalty on the walls and flat-screen with more modern visual art displayed, you may not even look down to see some of the best steaks you have ever eaten. This is a place where you can feel glamorous with a huge glass of wine while you enjoy the amazing combination of food and ambiance.
Gordon Ramsay’s Burger Las Vegas
A burger joint on the list? Well, when it features recipes from one of the world’s top chefs, then it deserves to be here. While you won’t likely see Ramsay himself at the restaurant, you will find a menu laden with some of his favorite ingredients, all coming together in mouth-watering choices. Stack your burger with loads of great sides in this casual spot that is right in the middle of the action on the casino floor.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss at Planet Hollywood
IT goes without saying that the top attraction at Planet Hollywood has to be the shopping area. With dozens of shops to choose from, you can take a well-deserved break from the heat of the Strip and the slot machines here. The centerpiece of the Shops at Planet Hollywood is the Zappos Theater, which has an “A-List” of acts performing. From Brtiney Spears to the Backstreet Boys to Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera, if top entertainment is what you are looking for, then this is the place for you!