The broader MGM brand and Marriott International have just revealed that they have teamed up to rebrand the Delano Las Vegas and transform it to the W Hotel. The property's transition is expected to happen later on in the year, and there are more plans for the property in the near future. Delano isn't a gaming hotel, so insiders speculate it may become a gaming hotel at the end of its rebranding.

In a major move for Las Vegas hospitality, MGM Resorts International and Marriott International announced their plan to transform the Delano Las Vegas to Marriott's upscale W brand. The transition is predicted to take place later this year, marking another development in the growing relationship between the two industry giants. The rebranding of Delano, a non-gaming property located on the Mandalay Bay campus, strengthens the collaboration between the renowned hotel operator and MGM Resorts.

This rebranding comes as Marriott Bonvoy, part of the broader MGM Collection, was launched earlier this year. Under this arrangement, Marriott Bonvoy members can now book any MGM property through the Marriott website and mobile app, while MGM Rewards members earn Marriott Bonvoy points. As a result, the collaboration extends lucrative benefits to guests across both companies.

Delano to join Marriott's W Hotels portfolio

Delano Las Vegas, a property previously under the Accor Hotel Group, will officially join the W Hotels portfolio later this year, according to a joint statement issued by MGM and Marriott. The W brand, known for its modern luxury and trendsetting design, is part of Marriott's prestigious Bonvoy portfolio. While specific details of the transition remain under wraps, more announcements are expected in the future.

The transformation of Delano Las Vegas into a W hotel represents the latest milestone in the flourishing partnership between MGM Resorts and Marriott International. In July 2023, the companies announced their licensing agreement, allowing 17 MGM properties - including those on the Vegas Strip and various regional casino hotels - to be included in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This collaboration aims to bring enhanced value to the companies' guests by merging MGM's gaming expertise with Marriott's vast global network of luxury accommodations.

The transformation of the Delano Las Vegas

The new W hotel is expected to join the MGM Collection, a selection of properties curated by the two companies for Marriott Bonvoy members. Since the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy officially launched in March 2024, it has exceeded expectations, with MGM Chief Executive Officer Bill Hornbuckle touting its early success. Hornbuckle noted that room bookings have surpassed initial projections, with hundreds of thousands of room nights already reserved. He added that the collaboration has become a key growth driver for MGM this year, benefiting both companies in terms of increased guest engagement and expanded loyalty program offerings.

The partnership allows Marriott Bonvoy's 200 million members to redeem points and enjoy unique perks at MGM properties, while MGM Rewards members benefit from status matching and member advantages across Marriott's portfolio of around 9,000 hotels worldwide.

Impact on Accor and the global hospitality landscape

While the Marriott-MGM partnership is a win for both companies, it represents a setback for Accor Hotel Group, which previously controlled the Delano Las Vegas. With the upcoming loss of the Las Vegas property, Accor will no longer have a presence for the Delano brand in the United States. The remaining Delano-branded hotels are now located in Paris and Dubai, reducing Accor's reach in the North American luxury market.

The conversion of Delano to W Hotels will make it the 12th Strip property under MGM's collection with Marriott. This rebranding adds yet another layer of luxury to MGM's already extensive portfolio.

In another important development for MGM, the company is in the process of rebranding the NoMad. NoMad, a boutique hotel within Park MGM, had been operated by Sydell Group, which was acquired by Hilton earlier this year. Hilton's decision to end its relationship with the NoMad brand in Las Vegas prompted MGM to consider new options for the property. While MGM hasn't yet revealed its plans for the NoMad space, industry insiders expect that the company will continue to prioritize innovation and unique experiences in its offerings.

A bright future for Vegas hospitality

The rebranding of Delano Las Vegas to W Hotels further cements Marriott and MGM's shared commitment to enhancing guest experiences on the Vegas Strip. With the combination of Marriott's world-class hospitality and MGM's dominance in gaming, the partnership between these two industry leaders is all set to drive continued growth and innovation in one of the world's most vibrant markets.