Las Vegas: Tropicana going for South Beach vibe

South Beach has come to Vegas. The Tropicana Las Vegas hotel and casino later this month is set to complete the first phase of a multi-part renovation that aims to bring the flavor of the Florida resort area to the Nevada desert.

The $180-million first phase is part of the hotel’s first renovation in nearly 25 years. It began two years ago after Chairman and Chief Executive Alejandro “Alex” Yemenidjian, the former president of the MGM Grand, bought the property with Toronto-based Onex Corp.

On May 26, the largest outlet of the international beach club Nikki Beach is scheduled to open at the Tropicana, offering dining at Cafe Nikki and a pool surrounded by bed-sized lounges, lounge chairs and cabanas. For dancing after dark, there’s Club Nikki.

Guest rooms and suites in two towers have been redesigned with a beachy vibe that includes white plantation shutters, warm neutrals and shots of vivid orange. The lighter, brighter casino, lush landscaping and new dining outlets add to the tropical feel. There will be a total of 1,658 guest rooms and suites when all phases of the renovation are complete; 1,375 are open now.

Besides the casino, the face-lift also encompasses the conference center and exhibition hall, new bars and restaurants from chef Carla Pellegrino, former co-owner and executive chef of Rao’s in Las Vegas.

Future improvements include a new spa, set to open this summer, and additions to South Beach Marketplace, a group of casual food and drink spots that will keep night-owl hours.

It wouldn’t be Vegas if a new twist in gaming didn’t come with the upgrades. At the new Race and Sports Book, mobile technology allows gamblers to bet on a variety of outcomes of live, in-progress sporting events.

Room rates vary. A recent check of rates through August showed prices that ranged from $54 for a deluxe room on a Sunday to $399 for a penthouse suite.

Info: Tropicana Las Vegas