Venetian and Hyatt have announced a long-term licensing agreement, which means Venetian is now part of the Hyatt family of hotels, also known as World of Hyatt.
Such licensing agreements are common in Las Vegas hotels, and are mainly motivated by casinos gaining access to massive marketing databases to drive new business.
This is a a great partnership for Venetian and Palazzo, not so much for Rio, which is awkward, so naturally we’re talking about it.
There are several World of Hyatt hotels in Las Vegas (Hyatt Place Las Vegas, Hyatt Place Las Vegas at Silverton Village), but the only one that really matters is Rio.
Rio has invested many tens of millions in refreshing the off-Strip resort, also a World of Hyatt partner, now Hyatt fans get to choose between Venetian and Rio.
Rio has vastly improved recently, but still. It’s the Venetian.
On the bright side, Rio is getting an NBA arena out back, so that could change the game substantially.
What does Venetian’s partnership with Hyatt mean? Per the news release, “Soon, World of Hyatt members and eligible meeting and event planners will be able to earn and redeem loyalty points on qualifying stays, earn credit toward the Brand Explorer Award and, for World of Hyatt elite members, enjoy additional on-property benefits. With this long-term licensing agreement, Hyatt will offer more choice for rewarding travel experiences and stays in the all-suite resort at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.”
Things can work in the other direction as well, with Venetian Rewards members getting Hyatt benefits.
Again, from the official announcement, “As part of this long-term licensing agreement, World of Hyatt will, in the future, offer elite Venetian Rewards members benefits within World of Hyatt. Additionally, in the near future, these two hospitality powerhouses will work together in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and convention space to also complement each other’s strengths in group business.”
The convention thing is huge for Venetian because of its massive Venetian Expo (Venetian Convention and Expo Center, formerly the Sands Expo Convention Center). That’s the one Sheldon Adelson used to own. He’s the one who pretty much kicked the door in at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority offices when he heard they wanted to expand the Las Vegas Convention Center because it competed with his venue. Those were the days.
Hotel loyalty clubs are akin to casino loyalty clubs. People tend to frequent places where they can get perks for their repeat business. You know, loyalty.
A company like Hyatt brings a lot to the table in a partnership. Global reach, trust, better online visibility, operational expertise and economies of scale. Hyatt benefits by expanding its footprint in the world’s greatest destination, Las Vegas.
Hang in there, Rio. Maybe bringing back the “Masquerade Show in the Sky” isn’t such a bad idea after all.
Update (12/20/24): Everyone plays nice in Vegas.
We’re all friends here. 🤗
— Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas (@RioVegas) December 20, 2024
