The construction of the Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace actually was completed in 2008, but the opening of the latest expansion of the venerable Las Vegas landmark was delayed until 2011 as the country sank into recession during those years. But it has been well worth the wait.
   
It’s not often that a 686-room hotel could be considered boutique, but that was the goal of Caesars Palace executives right from the start. The Octavius Tower has a separate entrance on Flamingo Road, giving it an exclusive feel, an impression that is heightened once the guest arrives in any of the rooms in the tower.
   
Starting at 550 square feet, each room offers modern, luxurious décor incorporating earthy shades of browns, grays, taupes and beiges, offset with pops of green and splashes of deep red. The rooms feature marble floors and stylish patterned carpets that complement dark wood furnishings and brushed chrome fixtures. King-sized beds with sleek headboards, plush pillow top mattresses and luxurious Anichini linens provide ultimate comfort, while separate living areas create an inviting ambiance with plush velvet sofas, contemporary chairs and chic stone tables. Dark wood desks with granite overlays feature custom cabinetry containing a premium mini-bar.
   
If you’re lucky enough to book one of the suites, the superlatives don’t ever end. The tower features 60 of the property’s most luxurious suites and nine villas meant for kings, presidents and princes.
   
But you’re still at Caesars Palace and the Octavius Tower continues the full Roman theming of Caesars Palace, with the Palace Tower and Romanization of the three original “arabesque” guestroom towers, together with an overlay of the several low-rise components, Bergman Walls & Associates has supported Caesars Palace’s preeminence as the destination resort to visit in Las Vegas.
   
Technology plays a huge role in the Octavius Tower, as well. Framed 42-inch flat-panel, high-definition television screens and convenient multimedia hubs offer a user-friendly in-room technology package with advanced plug-and-play capabilities. Guests can connect their mobile device to automatically stream videos and music, browse the internet, check emails, give presentations and much more direct to the television. Upon arrival, Octavius Tower guests also have immediate access to the exclusive interactive guest directory bringing the many offerings of Caesars Palace direct to their fingertips. Accessible through any mobile browser, the web application allows direct communication with concierge, housekeeping, room service, transportation, valet, bell and butler services, along with resort information and insider offers. 
  
Caesars President Gary Selesner isn’t resting on his laurels, either. Next year, a true boutique casino will open within the walls of Caesars Palace developed by celebrated Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and a coterie of superstar investors, including actor Robert DeNiro. Stay tuned.

OWNER: Caesars Entertainment
ARCHITECT: Bergman Walls & Associates
INTERIOR DESIGN: Wilson Associates and KNA Design
CONTRACTOR: Marnell Keating Joint Venture
COST: Part of $860 million expansion since 2008

By Roger Gros

Roger Gros is publisher of Casino Connection International, LLC. Global Gaming Business magazine, and Casino Connection Atlantic City are among the monthly publications Gros publishes. Prior to joining CCI, Gros was president of Inlet Communications, an independent consulting firm. He was vice president of Casino Journal Publishing Group from 1984-2000, and held virtually every editorial title during his tenure. Gros was editor of Casino Journal, the National Gaming Summary and the Atlantic City Insider, and was the founding editor of Casino Player magazine. He was a co-founder of the American Gaming Summit and the Southern Gaming Summit conferences and trade shows. He is the author of the best-selling book, How to Win at Casino Gambling (Carlton Books, 1995), now in its third edition. Gros was named “Businessman of the Year” for 1998 by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.