Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

Luxurious ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas Recognized Among Top AAA-Rated Hotels & Resorts in North America

LAS VEGAS - November 22, 2010 - In its debut year, CityCenter Las Vegas has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award® for both ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. While the award is bestowed only upon select properties deemed the finest in North America, it is even rarer for hotels to attain the rating within the first year of operation.

"It takes an incredibly special hotel or resort to earn the Five Diamond distinction after being open less than a year. We congratulate CityCenter for accomplishing this feat with not only one property, but two," said Michael Geeser, AAA Nevada spokesperson. "These properties deliver the ultimate in luxury, sophistication and exceptional service."

Bobby Baldwin, CityCenter's President and CEO, said, "From inception to operation, our goal with CityCenter was to create a resort destination that provides guests with services and amenities unmatched in the world. To receive the highest honor in the industry with the AAA Five Diamond Award is a reflection of our commitment to this promise and to delivering unforgettable experiences for each guest from arrival to departure."


Bill McBeath, President & COO of ARIA, said "Receiving this recognition from AAA is the best possible way I can imagine to celebrate our first anniversary. This is a tribute to all of ARIA's employees, who dedicate themselves every day to delivering wonderful memories to our guests."


The AAA Five Diamond Award is North America's most sought-after symbol of excellence in the hospitality industry. Representing the upper echelon of establishments, AAA Five Diamond Award winners make up just 0.27 percent of the rated venues throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. As demonstrated by so few properties attaining this level of quality and service, the guidelines for AAA Five Diamond status are stringent, ensuring consumers truly memorable experiences.

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About ARIA Resort & Casino

ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter features an extraordinary collection of award-winning restaurants, high-energy nightlife, a world-class spa, exclusive shopping, contemporary gaming, a larger-than-life modern art collection, high-tech meeting and event space, and Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil®. ARIA is the largest LEED® Gold certified building in the world. In addition to the AAA Five Diamond Award, in its debut year, ARIA has received multiple accolades including: Travel + Leisure's Top 20 Up-and-Coming Hotels in the World, 2010 Global Vision Award; Conde Nast Traveler's 2010 Hot List; Elite Traveler's World's Top Hotel Suites; Esquire's Best New Restaurants for 2010, Top 11 Restaurants Not To Miss; Food & Wine's Las Vegas' Best Bets, Go List 2010, 100 Best New Food & Drink Experiences; MSN's Top 10 New Dining Destinations; Entrepreneur's Best Business Bars; US Airways Magazine's Top 15 Coolest Hotels in U.S.. For more information, visit www.arialasvegas.com.


About Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance prominently situated at the entrance of CityCenter, a magnificent urban resort destination in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. This 47-story, non-gaming hotel and residences bring fine-dining, a relaxing Spa, spectacular accommodations and the personalized service of the world-renowned hotel group to Las Vegas. Designed entirely by interior designer Adam D. Tihany and architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas sets a new standard of style with stunning suites, amenities and architectural design. Mandarin Oriental has been recognized by several leading industry publications including: Conde Nast Traveler's World's Best Hotels 2010; Spa Magazine's Best New Eco-Friendly Spa and Best New Spa; Spa Finder's Best Spa Director, Top 10, Best Men's Spa, Best Interior Design, Best Getaway Spa, Best Luxury Spa and Best Accommodations and Top Hotel/Resort Spa;, Desert Companion's Chef of the Year 2010 - Pascal Sanchez; and Las Vegas Spa Association Best Director - Jennifer Lynn. For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas or contact (702) 590-8888. Receive news, weekly specials and more by finding us on Facebook.


About CityCenter

CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. It features ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas' first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel & Spa; Veer Towers, the development's only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals at CityCenter, 500,000 square feet of exclusive shopping, dining and nightlife experiences. CityCenter also features Viva ELVIS™, a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled public Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM Resorts International and internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, and Gensler. At the forefront of sustainability, CityCenter is one of the world's largest private green developments. ARIA, Vdara, Crystals, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers all have received LEED® Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This marks the highest LEED achievement for any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas. For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com.


* Consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.


Media Contact:
Natalie Mounier/Jim Cooney
Kirvin Doak Communications
702-737-3100; nmounier@kirvindoak.com / jcooney@kirvindoak.com

With the much anticipated opening of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas at CityCenter, the sophisticated design of Kay Lang + Associates becomes a tangible dream; an unsurpassed Zen retreat blended with stylish haute couture.

"From the lobby through the residences themselves, we sought to create an aesthetic that would take your soul into a space to relax and renew in a sleek and sophisticated setting," said Kay Lang, president and CEO of Kay Lang + Associates. "The result is a peaceful, neutral palette inspired by the classic, yet modern Asian design of the Mandarin Oriental Hotels worldwide."

At the moment of entry, guests are seamlessly transformed through a color palette reminiscent of the building's exterior in the residential lobby. The reception desk, dramatically placed, is formed by a translucent white backlit onyx with sustainable Zebrawood, set by the backdrop of Michel Tabori's "End of Day," a dreamlike blend of high-gloss sunrise and sunset tones. A custom chandelier reminiscent of antique gold Chinese coins is suspended from dramatic high ceilings above the residential elevator lobby, a counterpart to the Asian design elements below. Natural textures, teak wood and Zebrawood come together with onyx, bronze, gold and silver to complete the overall palette.

The design of the lobby transitions into the lobby lounge, billiard room and boardroom, where natural elements and wood connect each room to the next.

A tournament size pool table will bring residents together in a space surrounded by teak wood and limestone walls, adorned by Zen objet d'art's and small sculptures. Inky black splashes and oblique lines mark the captivating canvas by artist Scott Waterman acts as a dramatic backdrop at the resident's lounge. A subtle triptych by accomplished artist Daniel Brice adorns the corridor walls connecting the hotel to the residents' lounge.

Within The Residences themselves, Lang has designed a surreal haven where residents will escape to their own Zen retreat; each residence its own unique vantage point with magnificent expansive views. A sense of peace, unquestionable beauty and unsurpassed opulence are found in each of the three distinct finish packages: Majestic Pearl, Sovereign Jade and Imperial Orchid, offering residents the opportunity to personalize their living space with an expression of their own individual taste.

If one were to scour the world's ocean floors and come back with every variation of lovely pearl, those colors would become the palette of "The Majestic Pearl" package. Subtle, cloud-like shades of soothing grey find respite near strong, tobacco-colored browns and blacks. Muted khaki tones pair with warm white tones and occasional accents in neutral beiges and browns.

"Sovereign Jade" blends tones of natural greens with shades of oyster, amber-touched browns and textured mochas. The tranquil palette is balanced by the addition of rich wood and tile accents. Jade is known for bringing a contemplative mood to the soul.

Like orchids in nature, "Imperial Orchid" features the soft tones of orchid flowers, blending subtle notes of orange and coral with varied shades of wheat. Bamboo browns and hues of safari-inspired russet nestle together in an earthy, inviting canvas.

The stunning, approximately 2,000 to 4,000-square-foot penthouse residences at Mandarin Oriental offer the highest level of five-star resort amenities in a personal residence. Incorporating the standards and sensibilities of the most discerning tastes, Lang's expert team of designers developed three luxurious finish packages to complement the opulent residences: Splendid Sunrise, Celestial Clouds and Royal Sunset.

Like the gorgeous hues of a desert sunrise, the "Splendid Sunrise" palette is comprised of orange and tangerine tones, striated like a sunset, paired with lacquered black accents and enduring oak woods. Silver sashays into shades of white, while striped wood variations beckon to sleek, undiluted browns.

Situated on the top floors of Mandarin Oriental, the Penthouse Collection is seemingly in the clouds, providing the inspiration for the "Celestial Clouds" package. Complementing the interiors, honey-spun hues of russet and clay with pops of rust form a perfectly harmonized color story. Dark woods give richness to slate-colored tiles and transparent, frosted accents.

The "Royal Sunset" palette is comprised of the multi-tonal variations of a desert sunset over the western mountains, with seductive reeds of chartreuse draped near gentle shades of eggplant, perfectly setting the tempo near definitive silver and chestnut browns. Blonde marble gives a stoic, centered feel to perfectly placed black and flecks of gold.

The materials used in each of the packages are in compliance with the highest levels of sustainability as part of CityCenter's aspiration to achieve LEED Certification for a silver ranking.

The attention to even the tiniest detail has catapulted Kay Lang + Associates amongst the ranks of the most influential, successful and progressive interior design firms in the world. With successful global projects in Seoul, Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York, UAE and throughout the United States, Lang leads her design team in all facets of interior design with a personal, hands-on approach.

A UCLA graduate, Lang has specialized in the field of hospitality, commercial and high-end residential design for more than 30 years. Her projects span the scope from full-service, luxury high-rise, condo/hotel, boutique, four and five-star destination properties to commercial and urban mixed-used properties all over the globe. After launching her own firm, Lang was inducted into the prestigious Platinum Circle for Lifetime Achievement by Hospitality Design Magazine. Featured in such prominent publications as: Hospitality Design Magazine, Interior Sources, Space Magazine, Interior Design Magazine and Hotel Business Magazine, Kay Lang + Associates is currently one of the "Top 100" Interior Design Hospitality Firms nationwide.

Lang is also committed to providing opportunities and assistance to talented new designers and has funded scholarships for promising young students through the charity organization, NEWH. In December of 2005, she was asked to serve as Chairperson and Design Director for NEWH Los Angeles Chapter's yearly gala - "UltraLounge LA." The event served as a new benchmark of success for the organization and established a direction for future NEWH fundraisers.

Kay Lang + Associates is located at 12100 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90025. For more information, call 702.270.6200 or visit www.kaylangassocs.com.

By HOWARD STUTZ
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Size isn't everything.

In any other city, a 392-room hotel would constitute a large resort.

Not Las Vegas.

On the Strip, the Mandarin Oriental is billing itself as a true boutique nongaming hotel that just happens to sit at the entrance to the 67-acre CityCenter campus and is surrounded by 3,000- and 4,000-room megaresorts.

But what it lacks in size -- the Mandarin Oriental's hotel rooms would comprise about six floors of its CityCenter neighbor, the 4,004-room, 61-story Aria -- it makes up for in exclusivity.

The Mandarin Oriental brand has built a reputation on providing guests a luxury setting and personalized service. And guests are willing to shell out big money for that extravagance.

The hotel chain normally commands some of the highest nightly rates in the international cities that it operates.

The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, which opens to the public Saturday after several private events Friday, is no exception.

According to the hotel's Web site, Mandarin rooms in January can be booked from $384 a night up to $922 a night. Rooms range in size from 500 square feet, 648 square feet and 850 square feet.

General manager Rajesh Jhingon said the hotel opens with 75 rooms this weekend, all of which have been booked. He hopes to have most of the hotel rooms online by New Year's Eve.

There hasn't been any concern about the nightly rates, given the current economic environment in which Las Vegas hotel room prices have been slashed to historically low levels.

"We're not getting any push-back on the rates," Jhingon said, which are now at $300 a night for the average room. "We're not worried about numbers of rooms right now. We want to make sure to get it right."

A spokeswoman for the hotel said Mandarin Oriental is running an introductory offer of two nights for the price of one.

The 47-story angular glass building, designed by architect Kohn Pedersen Fox, also has 227 luxury condominium units on its upper floors.

There are separate entrances for the residents and hotel guests, but they have priority when it comes to the property's amenities, especially the dining offerings on the resort's 23rd floor Sky Lobby.

But that's not say the property won't welcome locals and guests from neighboring Strip properties.

"We're very honored to be part of the chapter in this city's life," Jhingon said. "We want to be an intimate hotel but also be part of all of what CityCenter offers."

The Mandarin Oriental is the Hong Kong-based international hotel chain's first property in Las Vegas. Other American locations for the company, which has 10 hotels in Asia, include Boston, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Jhingon spent four years as general manager of Mandarin's 527-room hotel in Singapore, overseeing its remodeling and repositioning. He said the Strip property had to be unique to Las Vegas.

The color schemes, fabrics and materials, and various artwork and design elements, fit the Strip.

"We wanted to draw energy and create a sense of place," Jhingon said. "You couldn't transfer this hotel to any other place but Las Vegas."

Much of the design focus centered on the 23rd floor Sky Lobby, which took advantage of the Strip location. Only the Mandarin Orientals in New York (on the 35th floor) and Tokyo (50th floor) have Sky Lobbys.

The floor serves as the check-in area for hotel guests and operates as a separation between the hotel units (floor 22 and below) and the residences (floor 24 and above).

"Look at the views. It was something we needed to utilize," Jhingon said.

The 23rd floor is also home to the hotel's signature restaurant, Twist from award-winning celebrity Chef Pierre Gagnaire. The 74-seat restaurant, open only for dinner, was designed by Adam D. Tihany. He also designed the interiors for the entire hotel. The restaurant features a glass staircase leading up to a suspended wine loft.

Twist is Gagnaire's first restaurant in the United States and features classic French cuisine with a modern spin. Jhingon estimated the average meal will cost about $125 per person.

The Mandarin Bar and the Tea Lounge, which features English-style High Tea every afternoon, are also on the 23rd floor. The Mandarin Web site says the bar will open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and the Tea Lounge will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.

"It's a place to come, relax, or read a book. It's going to be private in a way," Jhingon said.

Public space includes a two-level, 27,000-square-foot spa and 12,000 square feet of meeting rooms.

On the third floor is MOzen Bistro, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At street level off the Strip is Amore Patisserie, a gourmet bakery serving pastries, sandwiches, coffee and teas. The bakery is the only location for the brand outside the Mandarin Oriental's flagship hotel in Hong Kong.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871.