Lucky Dragon Hotel brings a new twist to the Las Vegas hotels scene—an Asian inspiration. The hotel project along the northern portion of the Las Vegas Strip was designed to appeal to incoming travelers from Asian countries, especially those from China, and anyone else interested in experiencing a touch of the Orient without leaving the Nevada desert. Developers broke ground on a 2.5-acre lot at 300 West Sahara Avenue, west of the Las Vegas Strip. It’s located near the Stratosphere Hotel and the newly updated SLS Resort. The address is between one of Las Vegas’ classic restaurants, the Golden Steer, and the Allure condos. Construction on the $373 million project began in 2014 without a splashy announcement or major fanfare. Though the project continues to run quietly, some details have emerged about the boutique hotel.
Inside the SLS Las Vegas, located about a five-minute walk away from the Lucky Dragon, nine Chinese gamblers are playing baccarat, located at the back of the gaming floor. It is an early Tuesday.
Lucky Dragon Hotel Rooms
The property reaches 9 stories into the desert sky, putting it on par with the Cromwell Las Vegas and other smaller specialty hotels. Its 206 rooms will be well appointed with the principles of Feng-Shui guiding the design. Expect to see elements like natural wood, cherry-blossom murals, and rich satin linens. Guests will be able to book spa treatments from the comfort of their rooms. The spa carries much of the same feel as the guestrooms, with the mix of Chinese-inspired culture and modern elements expected in luxury hotels. Signs leading the spa and the rooms, as well as others throughout the hotel are written in both English and the languages of China. The staff is bilingual and ready to answer questions in the languages guests prefer.
Like many of the Las Vegas resorts, the hotel is located in a separate tower from the casino. From the rooms, it’s not a far walk to get to gaming. The casino covers 19,000 square feet, featuring Feng Shui elements for its private gaming rooms and the gaming floor. Rather than focusing on traditional Las Vegas games, the focus will fall on games with Asian roots—Fan Tan, Sic Bo, and the always popular Pai Gow. The casino building also has room for boutique shops with luxury goods imported from Asia like clothing and jewelry.
Lucky Dragon Las Vegas Restaurant
Not surprisingly, the dining scene at the Lucky Dragon was inspired by Asia. The hotel will join the list of Las Vegas buffets, adding to it a gourmet sit-down restaurant with a menu inspired by the cuisines of northern and southern China. The fine-dining establishment was built especially with a view of the Las Vegas Strip and the neon lights. Also at the Lucky Dragon, guests and visitors can grab a quick bite to eat at the noodle bars or at the dim-sum restaurant or relax at the tea café. For more of the Asian experience, it’s not far to Chinatown, a short drive to the west.
Lucky Dragon Las Vegas Nv
UPDATE JAN. 17: In December, The Lucky Dragon held a huge celebration for its one year anniversary. Now things are a little more somber.
Earlier this month they closed the casino, leaving just a sign on the door. Now it faces foreclosure. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal , the hotel got a default notice months ago.
It was built just west of the strip on West Sahara Avenue and some experts think this was an obstacle from the get-go.
As for what's next, the foreclosure auction is set for next month.
If the lucky dragon is sold at auction, it doesn't necessarily mean the hotel will close.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Lucky Dragon hotel-casino, which has only been open for a little over a year, has temporarily closed its gaming and restaurant operations. Multiple workers on the property have been laid off as a result.
Las Vegas Lucky Dragon
According to a statement from the property, the Lucky Dragon is 'beginning the process of reorganization.'
The hotel and gift shop will remain open, along with Cha Garden.
'While this is a difficult decision, this reorganization paves the way for Lucky Dragon to establish new partnerships that will enhance the property's long-term positioning and provide a better guest experience,' Lucky Dragon representatives wrote in a statement to the press. 'We would like to thank our outstanding colleagues for their many contributions, hard work and dedication to the resort.'
Lucky Dragon estimates that they'll be able to resume restaurant and gaming operations within six months. Staff that has been laid off will be eligible to be hired again once the restaurants and casino are back open.
'We had hints and you know we had warnings so it was kinda obvious that was gonna happen,' says Kaleb Edwards. Edwards was a dealer at Lucky Dragon up until Thursday.
For months they've noticed the resort was downsizing.
'Laying off let's say managers. And you got a manager who was let's say was just managing for VIP. He's now a manager for Food & Beverage, VIPS, slots.'
Those that still need to redeem their gaming tickets and chips can do so at the front desk of the hotel. Other gaming, food and beverage promotions or offers are no longer valid.
'I can tell you that every single effort to create something, to be successful was put into place.There was nothing skimped. Nobody saved any dollars. As I said the best professionals possible were hired for their positions there,' says Joe Muscaglione. He was a food and beverage consultant for Lucky Dragon.
'I'm shocked and I'll be disappointed if they don't just regroup and come back stronger than ever,' says Muscaglione.
Lucky Dragon Resort Las Vegas
Watch: Lucky Dragon grand opening from November 2016