Simmons: For most markets hotel retail is primarily associated as a guest convenience and considered a small portion of the total hotel revenue; in Las Vegas, we have a very unique market in which retail is integrated into the properties and provides an additional guest experience. As the major Casinos brands have established defined offerings (MGM Crystals - City Center, Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes, Caesars Forum Shops) the retail experience has become an integral aspect of planning, developing and operating these properties as well as adding to the ever growing non-gaming revenue. Where previously retail and food & beverage outlets were “back loaded” to draw guests through the casino, the current trend is pulling venues forward and opening-up to Las Vegas Blvd; this helps to activate the frontage and build on capturing more guests into the property. But then again, Vegas is truly special in the hospitality and retail market. Where else can you have two Harry Winston Salons within a half mile of each other?

GlobeSt.com: It's no secret Las Vegas leads the country in hospitality design. What are the current hospitality/design trends in LV that we aren't seeing in other parts of the US or the world?

Simmons: Las Vegas is unique in the hospitality market due to a variety of economic and tourist focused attributes. Nowhere in the world can you find the density of properties and variety of offerings than in Vegas where a 3,000 key hotel is a standard property for the city – there are more hotel rooms along Las Vegas Boulevard between Tropicana Avenue and Flamingo Road (one city block) then there are in downtown Chicago.

I often refer to Las Vegas as an “experimental laboratory” for the hospitality industry in response to the ever changing need to rethink and redefine the large resort properties. This not only encompasses guestroom configurations and room-to-suite mix ratios, but also expands to guest amenities and public spaces. Design of Dayclub-Pool and DJ based amenities are beefing up while expansive check-in front desks are slimming down in favor of a more personal kiosk or personal devise experience. For the rooms, Vegas was one of the first markets to explore the open bathroom concepts and living space configurations; this still continues today and can be seen throughout MGM's City Center properties and the newly opened SLS Las Vegas. In terms of floor plate and room mix, Vegas lead early with increasing suite counts and utilizing suite only properties; the “Hotel within a Hotel” concept was also expanded on in Vegas. This started with the Four Seasons at Mandalay bay and continues today with MGM's Hotel 32 (Monte Carlo), SkyLofts (MGM Grand) and Sky Suites (Aria) along with the branded Nobu Hotel inside Caesars Palace; currently there are plans to develop this concept in other existing properties along The Strip.

GlobeSt.com: How is hospitality design impacting the Las Vegas market?

Simmons: The design trends that are currently being explored could be considered a reaction to the established typology: Services vs Opulence and Wellness vs Indulgence. For service, we are seeing personal experiences catered to the guests needs; this can be in the form of technology advances with personal devises to in-room automation which can both add to the ease of the guests experience as well as helping the efficiency of the property. Rooms filled with opulent materials, surfaces and décor are trending towards a cleaner and “smarter” room. Wellness is now being integrated into the guest experience not only in food offerings, fitness and spa amenities, but also in the guestroom. This ranges from water and air purification systems to therapy designed lighting systems to aid in relaxation and stress reduction. With added room technology components, these new room types create a low-carbon / energy conservation experience that can be marketed to the travelers demands as well as reinforce a company's commitment to sustainability.