M Resort

The M Resort is named after the Marnell family.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=Whatever the secret, they have been packing M in |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/31/whatever-secret-they-have-been-packing-m/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 31, 2009}} It was proposed by Anthony Marnell III, whose father, Tony Marnell, built and operated the Rio resort in the Las Vegas Valley. Tony's company, Marnell Corrao Associates, would design and build the M. The project received preliminary approval from the city of Henderson in October 2005.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=Two new resorts will give Henderson piece of the Strip |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/oct/18/two-new-resorts-will-give-henderson-piece-of-the-s/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 18, 2005}}{{cite news |title="M" is for megaresort |url=https://nl.newsbank.com |website=Las Vegas Business Press |access-date=April 7, 2021 |date=October 20, 2005 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}

In April 2007, MGM Mirage was announced as a financial partner in the project, providing $160 million. The company learned of the M project while in negotiations to sell two of its casinos to Anthony Marnell.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=MGM Mirage invests in M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/mgm-mirage-invests-in-m-resort/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 27, 2007}} Bank of Scotland also provided financing. Construction began on September 1, 2007,{{cite news |title=An image of M for Henderson |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/an-image-of-m-for-henderson/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 8, 2007}} and lasted 18 months.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Las Vegas celebrates newest resort, the M |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas-celebrates-newest-resort-the-m/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 1, 2009}}

The M was built at the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway,{{cite news |last=Pope |first=Jeff |title=M Resort banking on reasonable prices in tough economy |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/28/m-resort-banking-reasonable-prices-tough-economy/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 28, 2009}} in an area that was expected to see significant future development.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=Building in the boondocks |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/jun/01/building-in-the-boondocks/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 1, 2007}}{{cite news |title=Planned resort gets Henderson's OK |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/nov/08/planned-resort-gets-hendersons-ok/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 8, 2005}}{{cite news |last=Trask |first=Mike |title=Looking In On: The Suburbs |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/feb/09/looking-in-on-the-suburbs/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 9, 2007}} The resort was built on property that was previously occupied by the Last Call Tavern truck stop. Anthony Marnell had an 80-acre site, although he only planned to use a portion of it initially, with the potential for future expansion.

File:EM DSC 3426 (2981592441).jpg

In May 2008, Marnell announced plans for a 1-million-square-foot shopping mall to be added to the resort within four years. It would be built and operated by Taubman Centers, and would be the first mall in the area.{{cite news |last=Spillman |first=Benjamin |title=M Resort reveals big retail plans |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/m-resort-reveals-big-retail-plans/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 20, 2008}}{{cite news |last=Trask |first=Mike |title=Plans burgeon for hot Henderson corner |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/27/plans-burgeon-hot-henderson-corner/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 27, 2008}} Plans for the retail mall and a potential hotel expansion were later canceled, due to the Great Recession.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Gaming commission OKs licensing for M Resort |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan/22/gaming-commission-oks-licensing-m-resort/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 22, 2009}} A Galaxy Theatres had also been planned for the resort, but was never built. Construction proceeded on the rest of the resort,{{cite news |title=M Resort stays on track despite economic wobbles |url=https://nl.newsbank.com |website=Las Vegas Business Press |access-date=April 7, 2021 |date=July 21, 2008 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}} although Marnell did have concerns about opening during the economic downturn.

The resort was worth $1 billion, including $700 million for construction and a $300 million value for the land.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Strip Heads South |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/strip-heads-south/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 1, 2009}} Each week during construction, Marnell met regularly with contractors and designers to keep construction costs on budget.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=One boss means lower costs, Marnell says |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/02/one-boss-means-lower-costs-marnell-says/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 2, 2009}} The hotel tower was topped off on August 8, 2008.{{cite news |last=Tucker |first=Laura |title=View Tube: The M Resort celebrates its topping off ceremony |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/view-tube-the-m-resort-celebrates-its-topping-off-ceremony/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 22, 2008}}

An M-branded blimp was flown around in Las Vegas and California to advertise the resort,{{cite news |last=Buhler |first=Brendan |title=Up in the sky, a (moving) sign of suddenly desperate times |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/07/sky-moving-sign-suddenly-desperate-times/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 7, 2008}}{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=M Resort blimp spreads the word in Southern California |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/inside-gaming/m-resort-blimp-spreads-the-word-in-southern-california/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 19, 2009}} months prior to the opening.{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=M Resort blimp grounded after last Vegas flight |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/07/m-resort-blimp/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 7, 2009}} The M hired 1,800 people,{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=M Resort to hire close to 2,000 |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/02/m-resort-hire-close-2000/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 2, 2008}} and the blimp was also used to promote the hiring campaign.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=LED zeppelin |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/led-zeppelin/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 1, 2008}}

The M Resort opened to the public at 10:00 p.m. on March 1, 2009, following a 10-minute fireworks show.{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=Valley's newest resort casino open for business |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/01/m-resort-nearly-open-business/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 1, 2009}} The public opening was preceded by a VIP event for 4,000 invited guests.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=VIPs get first glimpse at latest in locals market |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/02/vips-get-first-glimpse-latest-locals-market/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 2, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Some final observations from the M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/inside-gaming/some-final-observations-from-the-m-resort/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 2, 2009}} It opened two months ahead of schedule, and under budget.

M Resort is the southernmost casino in the Las Vegas Valley. Because of its location just east of Interstate 15, the M is the first resort seen by California motorists arriving in Las Vegas. The M was built eight miles south of the Las Vegas Strip, an area that is popular among tourists. Despite its location, the M was aimed primarily at local residents. Marnell initially estimated that 80 percent of the revenue would come from locals.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=It's on Las Vegas Boulevard, but M Resort aims mostly at locals |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/aug/11/its-las-vegas-boulevard-m-resort-aims-mostly-local/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=August 11, 2008}} Value-conscious tourists were another target demographic; Marnell felt that other Las Vegas resorts had begun to overcharge guests in recent years.{{cite news |last=Knapp Rinella |first=Heidi |title=Focus on value |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/focus-on-value/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 27, 2009}} A number of executives at the new resort had previously worked for the Rio. Marnell strived to recreate the Rio's former reputation for value and friendly customer service;{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=M Resort next in line for Marnell family |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/21/m-resort-next-line-marnell-family/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 21, 2009}}{{cite web |last=Hodge |first=Damon |title=Construction clan behind Vegas' newest property, M |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Construction-clan-behind-Vegas-newest-property-M |website=Travel Weekly |access-date=April 7, 2021 |date=December 11, 2008}} he believed that the latter would be critical to the M's success amid the economic downturn.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=M Resort dares to be different |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/25/his-mission-upscale-yet-affordable/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 25, 2009}}

M was the first locals-oriented resort to serve the nearby communities of Anthem, Seven Hills, and Southern Highlands, none of which had a resort of their own.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Developer hopes M is magnetic |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/developer-hopes-m-is-magnetic/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 1, 2009}} Its nearest competitors were the South Point, the Silverton, and Green Valley Ranch.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=M Resort shaking up south valley |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/27/m-shaking-south-valley/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 27, 2009}}

Within days of its opening, the property experienced strong business and announced that it would hire an additional 250 employees to resolve long lines.{{cite news |last=Green |first=Steve |title=M Resort hiring another 250 |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/05/m-resort-hiring-another-250/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 5, 2009}}{{cite news |title=M Resort off to good start |url=https://nl.newsbank.com |website=Las Vegas Business Press |access-date=April 7, 2021 |date=April 1, 2009 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}} Two restaurants in particular were understaffed.{{cite news |last=Morrison |first=Jane Ann |title=After initially leaving a bad taste, M Resort impresses |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/jane-ann-morrison/after-initially-leaving-a-bad-taste-m-resort-impresses/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 5, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=In its first month, M Resort has hit the 'over' |url=http://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2009/mar/12/first-month-m-resort-has-hit-over/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 12, 2009}} In its first month, the M enrolled over 100,000 members in its rewards club, surpassing the intended goal of 25,000.{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=M Resort enrolls 100,000th rewards club member |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/26/m-resort-enrolls-100000th-rewards-club-member/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 26, 2009}} Because of the recession, planned housing communities and businesses near the M were canceled, which eventually had a negative effect on the resort. Business saw a decrease during the summer months of 2009,{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=M Resort's trial by fire |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jul/20/m-resorts-trial-fire/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 20, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=M Resort chief reflects on first six months |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/aug/18/m-resort-chief-reflects-first-six-months/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=August 18, 2009}} and MGM Mirage stated that its investment in the resort had lost its value.{{cite news |title=Downturn may lead to write-down for MGM Mirage investment in M Resort |url=https://nl.newsbank.com |website=Las Vegas Business Press |access-date=April 7, 2021 |date=August 17, 2009 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}

Business improved toward the end of the year,{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Cy |title=M Resort notes improved business in recent months |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/02/m-resort-notes-improved-business-recent-months/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 2, 2009}} after the resort served as the production location for Top Chef: Las Vegas in 2009,{{cite news |last=Tucker |first=Laura |title='Top Chef' season to premiere tonight with M Resort as venue |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/around-town-top-chef-season-to-premiere-tonight-with-m-resort-as-venue/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 19, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Hodge |first=Damon |title=M Resort site of sixth season of 'Top Chef' |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/M-Resort-site-of-sixth-season-of-Top-Chef- |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Travel Weekly |date=August 31, 2009}} boosting customer visitation.{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title='Top Chef' just the right recipe for marketing M Resort |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/01/top-chef-recipe-marketing-m-resort/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 1, 2009}} In December 2009, the resort featured the tallest non-living Christmas tree in the United States, standing 109 feet.{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=M Resort ends up with nation's biggest cut Christmas tree |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/12/m-resort-ends-nations-biggest-christmas-tree/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 12, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Kyle B. |title=M Resort dedicates grand Christmas tree to less fortunate |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/12/m-resort-dedicates-grand-christmas-tree-less-fortu/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 12, 2009}}{{cite news |title=O.C. no longer home to tallest Christmas tree |author= Jeff Overley |newspaper=The Orange County Register |date= 2009-12-10 |url=http://www.ocregister.com/news/tree-223481-christmas-feet.html |access-date=2009-12-11 }} In 2010, the General Services Administration held a controversial conference at the M Resort that later came under scrutiny, due to the high amount of taxpayer money that was spent.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Chairman likes M Resort publicity in GSA scandal |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/chairman-likes-m-resort-publicity-in-gsa-scandal/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 19, 2012}}{{cite news |last=Tetreault |first=Steve |title=Report refuels fears that feds blacklisting Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/report-refuels-fears-that-feds-blacklisting-las-vegas/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 14, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Tetreault |first=Steve |title=Ex-GSA official indicted in M Resort conference |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/ex-gsa-official-indicted-in-m-resort-conference/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 26, 2014}}

Lloyds Banking Group, which owned Bank of Scotland, controlled $700 million of the M's debt. Lloyds put its stake up in a private auction sale in 2010.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=M Resort facing sale |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/m-resort-facing-sale/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 16, 2010}} Penn National Gaming and Leonard Green & Partners both put up bids to acquire the debt.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Two bidders submit final offers for M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/two-bidders-submit-final-offers-for-m-resort/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 7, 2010}}{{cite news |last1=Jinks |first1=Beth |last2=Keehner |first2=Jonathan |title=Leonard Green, M Resort Founders Marnells Said to Join in Bid |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-10-08/leonard-green-m-resort-founders-marnells-said-to-join-in-bid |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Bloomberg |date=October 7, 2010}} The Leonard Green bid was in partnership with the Marnells, who believed that they would be successful in acquiring the debt. Penn ultimately prevailed in October 2010, with a $230.5 million bid. The acquisition consisted of $860 million in debt, including subordinated debt previously held by MGM.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Penn National buys debt of M Resort for $230.5 million |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/penn-national-buys-debt-of-m-resort-for-230-5-million/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 8, 2010}}{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=M Resort CEO open to a role at casino after Penn National sale |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/08/penn-national-buys-debt-of-m-resort-in-las-vegas/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 8, 2010}}{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=M Resort's debt purchase befuddles bidders |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/18/m-resorts-debt-purchase-befuddles-bidders/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 18, 2010}}

The M marked Penn's entrance into the Las Vegas gaming market.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=Penn National Gaming says M Resort 'first-rate,' but still eyes Strip |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/nov/05/penn-national-gaming-says-m-resort-first-rate-stil/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 5, 2010}} Under Penn, the M saw increased business as part of a new marketing campaign.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Penn National gets nod to take over M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/penn-national-gets-nod-to-take-over-m-resort/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 4, 2011}} Penn was later approved by the state to take over full ownership. The purchase was finalized on June 1, 2011, with the M becoming a debt-free property. Marnell remained involved as president of the resort, but no longer had any ownership.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=Penn National Gaming gets approval to acquire M Resort |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/gaming/2011/may/19/penn-national-gaming-gets-approval-acquire-m-resor/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=VegasInc |date=May 19, 2011}}{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=M Resort officially acquired by Penn National Gaming |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/m-resort-officially-acquired-by-penn-national-gaming/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 1, 2011}}{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Penn, owner of M Resort, posts jump in quarterly earnings |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/penn-owner-of-m-resort-posts-jump-in-quarterly-earnings/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 21, 2011}} In 2013, ownership of the M Resort was transferred to Penn's spin-off company, Gaming and Leisure Properties.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Penn National to begin spinoff of real estate holdings |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/penn-national-to-begin-spinoff-of-real-estate-holdings/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 8, 2013}} Penn continued to operate the property.{{cite news |last=Horwath |first=Bryan |title=M Resort celebrates 10 years, still looking ahead |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/gaming/2019/mar/31/m-resort-celebrates-10-years-still-looking-ahead/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=VegasInc |date=March 31, 2019}} Marnell left as president two years later.{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=M Resort developer Marnell eyes new casino across the street |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/real-estate-insider/m-resort-developer-marnell-eyes-new-casino-across-the-street-2226996/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 20, 2020}}

By 2018, the M Resort owed approximately $15 million to the city of Henderson for infrastructure. A decade earlier, the city had given the M several years to make payments, but the resort failed to do so.{{cite news |last=Lopez |first=Sandy |title=M Resort owners owe Henderson $15M |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/henderson/m-resort-owners-owe-henderson-15m/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 13, 2018}}

In 2019, the M entered a 10-year partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders football team, which had its headquarters a few miles from the resort. Under the deal, the team would rent about 300 rooms at the M each night before a game.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Raiders, M Resort sign partnership deal as 'official HQ hotel' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/raiders-m-resort-sign-partnership-deal-as-official-hq-hotel-1891964/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 13, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Belson |first=Ken |title=As the Raiders Exit Oakland, Las Vegas and a $2 Billion Stadium Await |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/13/sports/football/oakland-raiders-las-vegas-stadium.html |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=December 13, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Knapp Rinella |first=Heidi |title=24/7 Raiders Bar & Grill coming to M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/24-7-raiders-bar-grill-coming-to-m-resort-1892129/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 13, 2019}}

In 2020, the M laid off 352 employees due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last=Horwath |first=Bryan |title=M Resort in Henderson will lay off 300 employees in August |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/gaming/2020/aug/02/m-resort-will-lay-off-300-employees-in-august/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=VegasInc |date=August 2, 2020}} An additional 159 workers were laid off in January 2021.{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=M Resort lays off 159 workers |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/m-resort-lays-off-159-workers-2242840/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 5, 2021}} In 2022, Penn announced plans to eventually build a second hotel tower, part of a $206 million expansion which will also add meeting space.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=$206M M Resort expansion announced by Penn Entertainment |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/206m-m-resort-expansion-announced-by-penn-entertainment-2654642/ |access-date=October 12, 2022 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 10, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=M Resort to double in size following $206 million expansion project |url=https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/m-resort-to-double-in-size-following-206-million-expansion-project |access-date=October 12, 2022 |work=The Nevada Independent |date=October 11, 2022}} Groundbreaking for the new tower took place on December 11, 2023. It will be built southeast of the existing tower, and both will be connected. The opening is expected in mid-2025.{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=M Resort to double capacity with new tower |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/m-resort-to-double-capacity-with-new-tower-2963828/ |access-date=December 12, 2023 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 11, 2023}}

File:M Resort poker room (2010).jpg

The M Resort features a modern design. Marnell oversaw every detail of the property. Glass designs are prominent throughout the resort. The hotel contains 390 rooms, located in a 16-story tower. The resort also includes a spa.

When it opened, the M's {{convert|92000|sqft|abbr=on}} casino included 64 table games, and 1,847 slot machines. Penny slots made up 45 percent of the slot inventory. The casino also included a poker room, and a sportsbook operated by Cantor Gaming.{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=With betting on the fly, M Resort is the new Stardust |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/kats-report/2009/mar/21/betting-fly-m-resort-new-stardust/ |access-date=April 7, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=March 21, 2009}} Cantor compared its sportsbook operation to a Wall Street trading floor. The book offered portable devices that allowed people to place bets from anywhere in the resort.{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=Technology is king at the M Resort sports book |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/mar/20/technology-new-king/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 20, 2010}}{{cite magazine |last=Kaplan |first=Michael |title=Wall Street Firm Uses Algorithms to Make Sports Betting Like Stock Trading |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/11/ff-midas/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=April 11, 2021 |date=November 1, 2010}} The book also allowed bets to be placed in the middle of a sports game.{{cite news |last=Villano |first=Matt |title=In Las Vegas, Sports Books in a Pocket |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/technology/internet/28gamble.html |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=December 28, 2009}}

When it opened, certain areas of the casino floor featured free self-serve soda fountains.{{cite news |last=Arseniuk |first=Melissa |title=M Resort has more than that new casino smell |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/culture/2009/mar/02/m-resort-has-more-new-casino-smell/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 2, 2009}} The casino also included a pharmacy for gamblers to get their prescriptions filled, and customers had the option of using slot club points to cover the costs.{{cite news |last=Morrison |first=Jane Ann |title=Patrons will be able to get prescriptions filled at M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/jane-ann-morrison/patrons-will-be-able-to-get-prescriptions-filled-at-m-resort/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 22, 2009}} The pharmacy idea came from Marnell, in an effort to attract retirees, who made up a substantial portion of Henderson's population. The property includes a gas station, which also accepted slot points as a form of payment.{{cite news |last=Powers |first=Ashley |title=Pharmacy in the casino: What's the deal? |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jul-26-na-hometown-henderson26-story.html |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 26, 2009}}

The M Pavilion was added in 2012, expanding the resort's event space by {{convert|25000|sqft|abbr=on}}, for a total of {{convert|85000|sqft|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Delen |title=Large expansion under way at M Resort hotel-casino |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/gaming/2011/oct/28/large-expansion-under-way-m-hotel-casino/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=VegasInc |date=October 28, 2011}} In 2013, the casino hosted Penn's annual Hollywood Poker Open tournament.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Poker tourney at M Resort offers $500,000 prize pool |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/poker-tourney-at-m-resort-offers-500000-prize-pool/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 26, 2013}} The poker room closed later that year, and was replaced by a slot tournament area, although the casino continued to host poker tournaments in other areas of the property.{{cite news |last=Komenda |first=Ed |title=M Resort shutters poker room, making way for slot-tourney area |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/gaming/2013/aug/05/m-resort-shutters-poker-room-making-way-slot-tourn/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=VegasInc |date=August 5, 2013}} William Hill took over sportsbook operations in 2019.{{cite news |last=Prince |first=Todd |title=William Hill takes over sportsbook operation at M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/william-hill-takes-over-sportsbook-operation-at-m-resort-1611118/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 5, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Horwath |first=Bryan |title=William Hill taking over M Resort sportsbook |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/mar/05/william-hill-taking-over-m-resorts-sportsbook/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 5, 2019}}

File:M Resort At Night Sep 2020.jpg

Many of the resort's facilities surround a pool area and a permanent outdoor music venue; the latter is uncommon for a locals casino, but Marnell wanted to include such a feature for ambiance. The cost of dismantling a temporary venue was another factor. The venue is {{convert|1500|sqft|abbr=on}}, and the pool area can accommodate 6,000 people. The outdoor venue would provide much of the resort's live entertainment. The casino also included the 220-seat Ravello Lounge, which would offer a variety of free live bands.{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Outdoor concerts to be property's main entertainment offerings |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/outdoor-concerts-to-be-propertys-main-entertainment-offerings/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 27, 2009}} During its first year, the M struggled to secure top entertainers for its outdoor venue, in part because of the resort's distance away from the Las Vegas Strip.{{cite news |last=Levitan |first=Corey |title=M Resort encounters many challenges in concert market |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/m-resort-encounters-many-challenges-in-concert-market/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 6, 2009}}

The resort hosts pool parties known as Daydream, which are primarily targeted at local residents.Retrieved April 11, 2021:{{ubl

|{{cite news |last=Woodman |first=Xania |title=Daydream, believe it: An exclusive first look at M's party pool |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/nocturnal-admissions/2009/mar/08/daydream-believe-it-exclusive-first-look-ms-party-/ |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=March 8, 2009}}

|{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=M Resort's Daydream pool caters to locals with clubby atmosphere |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/m-resorts-daydream-pool-caters-to-locals-with-clubby-atmosphere/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 10, 2009}}

|{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=M Resort pool caters to those trying to avoid Strip craziness, prices |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/m-resort-pool-caters-to-those-trying-to-avoid-strip-craziness-prices/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 29, 2010}}

|{{cite news |last=Houston |first=Jack |title=M Resort's new pool director Jeff Kenkel is a DayDream believer |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/23/m-resorts-new-pool-director-jeff-kenkel-daydream-b/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 23, 2010}}

|{{cite news |last=Przybys |first=John |title=DayDream pool at M Resort tempts locals with cabana, drink prices |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/nightlife/daydream-pool-at-m-resort-tempts-locals-with-cabana-drink-prices/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 29, 2011}}

|{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Howard Weiss has big plans for daylife at the Tropicana and M Resort |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/industry-weekly/2016/feb/25/howard-weiss-daylife-tropicana-m-resort-daydream/ |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=February 25, 2016}}

}} By 2019, the resort had increased the number of live, indoor performances.

The M Resort opened with nine restaurants,{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=M Resort announces restaurant names |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/inside-gaming/m-resort-announces-restaurant-names/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 22, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=M Resort to include nine restaurants |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan/21/m-resort-include-nine-restaurants/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 21, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Jacobson |first=Max |title=M is for marvelous |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/04/m-marvelous/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 4, 2009}} and five bars. Marnell owned and managed the restaurants and bars, unlike most casino properties which outsource them to third parties. Among the alcohol outlets is the Hostile Grape wine bar, offering more than 100 varieties.{{cite news |last=Karel |first=Janna |title=This Las Vegas bar has a 'wine ATM' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/this-las-vegas-bar-has-a-wine-atm-video/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 15, 2018}} An Italian restaurant, Marinelli's, served dishes based on recipes by Marnell's grandmother.{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=M Resort keeps its Italian restaurant menu all in the family |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/m-resort-keeps-its-italian-restaurant-menu-all-in-the-family/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 29, 2009}}

File:Buffet at M Resort (2013).jpg

The Studio B Show Kitchen Buffet offered seating for 500 people, and included space for live cooking demonstrations.{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=After 'Top Chef,' M Resort plans to launch cooking show |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jan/18/after-top-chef-m-resort-plans-launch-cooking-show/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 20, 2010}} The buffet has been well received since its opening.Retrieved April 11, 2021:{{ubl

|{{cite news |title=Top 10 places to indulge |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-oct-10-la-tr-10dens-20101010-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 10, 2010}}

|{{cite news |last=D'Angelo |first=Marco |title=The M Resort gets A for Studio B buffet |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/news/the-m-resort-gets-a-for-studio-b-buffet/ |work=Gaming Today |date=July 9, 2013}}

|{{cite news |last=Grimes |first=Stephanie |title=7 of Las Vegas' top buffets |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/7-of-las-vegas-top-buffets/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 28, 2014}}

|{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Five casino buffets worth the gorge |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2017/dec/28/five-casino-buffets-worth-the-gorge/ |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=December 28, 2017}}

|{{cite news |title=Las Vegas buffets: Your guide to lavish nonstop dining on the Strip |url=https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2020-01-31/las-vegas-buffet-guide |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 31, 2020}}

|{{cite news |last=D'Angelo |first=Marco |title=M Resort's buffet still delivers the goods |url=https://www.gamingtoday.com/vegas_style/vegas_style_Dining/article/79953-M_Resort_s_buffet_still_delivers_the_goods |work=Gaming Today |date=December 25, 2018}}

}} Each restaurant, except the buffet, includes outdoor seating.{{cite news |last=Pope |first=Jeff |title=Studio buffet highlights M Resort dining options |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan/29/m-resort-offer-plethora-dining-options/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 29, 2009}} Upon opening, the resort included a steakhouse and oyster bar known as Terzetto.{{cite news |title=Terzetto rounds up its own beef for dinner at the M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/terzetto-rounds-up-its-own-beef-for-dinner-at-the-m-resort/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 14, 2009}} A new steakhouse and seafood restaurant was later opened, under the name Anthony's Prime Steak & Seafood. It was named after Marnell.{{cite news |last=Knapp Rinella |first=Heidi |title=Anthony's Prime Steak & Seafood wins with its Rockefeller |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/heidi-knapp-rinella/anthonys-prime-steak-seafood-wins-with-its-rockefeller/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 23, 2014}} A 24-hour coffee shop, Red Cup Cafe, was closed in July 2010. It was replaced by a Hash House a go go, which was operated independently from Marnell.{{cite news |last=Scott |first=Dylan |title=Hash House a Go Go opens at M Resort |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/07/hash-house-go-go-opens-m-resort/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 7, 2010}}

One of the M's original restaurants, Veloce Cibo, operated on the top floor of the hotel tower and overlooked the Las Vegas Strip to the north.{{cite news |last=Knapp Rinella |first=Heidi |title=Veloce Cibo at M Resort offers wonderful view, artfully designed dishes |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/heidi-knapp-rinella/veloce-cibo-at-m-resort-offers-wonderful-view-artfully-designed-dishes/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 17, 2011}} It offered a variety of regional dishes.{{cite news |last=Levitan |first=Corey |title=Something for all tastes at Veloce Cibo |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/something-for-all-tastes-at-veloce-cibo/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 6, 2009}}{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Restaurant review: Veloce Cibo at M Resort worth a try |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jun/11/quite-m-pressed/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 11, 2010}} In November 2011, Marnell decided to close Veloce Cibo due to poor revenue. He liked the restaurant and said that closing it was among the most difficult decisions he had to make for the resort. The space was converted into an area for special events, becoming much more profitable.{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Marnell: M Resort is at 'turning point' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/marnell-m-resort-is-at-turning-point/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 21, 2013}} A new restaurant and cocktail lounge, known as 16 — A Handcrafted Experience, opened on the top floor in 2018.{{cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Susan |title=Meet the Newest Lounge with a Sky-High View of Las Vegas |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2018/5/17/17363830/m-resort-lounge-16-las-vegas-open |website=Eater |access-date=October 12, 2022 |date=May 17, 2018}}

In 2013, chef Seonkyoung Longest won the reality television series Restaurant Express, which was produced in affiliation with the M Resort. As a result of her victory on the show, Longest won a restaurant space in the resort. She opened an Asian restaurant, Jayde Fuzion, in December 2013.{{cite news |last=Lyle |first=Michael |title=M Resort's Jayde Fuzion chef is living the American Dream |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/m-resorts-jayde-fuzion-chef-is-living-the-american-dream/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 27, 2013}} Longest departed a few months later to pursue other interests, but the restaurant remained open,{{cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Susan |title=Seonkyoung Longest OUT at Jayde Fuzion |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2014/3/4/6269777/seonkyoung-longest-out-at-jayde-fuzion |website=Eater |access-date=April 11, 2021 |date=March 4, 2014}} eventually offering an all-you-can-eat format.{{cite news |last=Belcher |first=Caitlyn |title=Jayde Fuzion bets on all-you-can-eat concept at the M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/jayde-fuzion-bets-on-all-you-can-eat-concept-at-the-m-resort/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 5, 2015}}

In 2021, as part of the Raiders partnership, the M opened Raiders Tavern & Grill. The {{convert|8000|sqft|abbr=on}} space includes two bars, a restaurant, and various Raiders merchandise.{{cite news |last=Akers |first=Mick |title=Raiders Tavern Grill opens to the public at M Resort |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/raiders-tavern-grill-opens-to-the-public-at-m-resort-2317506/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 31, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Raider Puppet? Bedazzled helmet? New tavern has it all. |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/raider-puppet-bedazzled-helmet-new-tavern-has-it-all-2320932/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 2, 2021}} It replaced Jayde Fuzion.{{cite news |last=Akers |first=Mick |title=M Resort's Raiders-themed restaurant slated to open early next year |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/m-resorts-raiders-themed-restaurant-slated-to-open-early-next-year-2223394/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 17, 2020}} In 2022, the resort partnered with the Henderson Silver Knights to open another sports-themed bar, the Knight Time Hockey Bar.{{cite magazine |last=Champion |first=Aidan |title=Hockey-Themed Bar to Open at M Resort in Honor of Silver Knights |url=https://www.si.com/nhl/golden-knights/news/hockey-themed-bar-to-open-at-m-resort-in-honor-of-silver-knights |access-date=October 12, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=September 21, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Johnathan L. |title=M Resort launches Silver Knights-themed sports bar |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/m-resort-launches-silver-knights-themed-sports-bar-2643503/ |access-date=October 12, 2022 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 20, 2022}}

In 2009 and 2010, the M received a four-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide.{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=Encore, M Resort added to Forbes Travel Guide list |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/10/encore-m-resort-added-forbes-travel-guide-list/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 10, 2009}}{{cite news |last1=Dostal |first1=Erin |last2=Finnegan |first2=Amanda |title=Three Strip hotels earn prestigious five-star rating |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/nov/18/three-strip-hotels-earn-prestigious-five-star-rati/ |access-date=April 11, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 18, 2010}} As of 2017, it had won this and the AAA Four-Diamond Award every year since its opening.{{cite web |title=M Resort press kit |url=https://www.themresort.com/-/media/png/west/mresort/pdfs-1/press-kit-2017.pdf |date=2017 |access-date=October 12, 2022 |page=2}} Readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal also ranked it among the top 10 locals casinos in 2014.{{cite news |last=Grimes |first=Stephanie |title=10 best locals casinos in Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/10-best-locals-casinos-in-las-vegas/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 4, 2014 |access-date=October 12, 2022}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|http://www.themresort.com}}

{{Las Vegas casinos}}

{{Las Vegas hotels}}

{{Penn Entertainment}}

Category:Buildings and structures in Henderson, Nevada

Category:Casinos completed in 2009

Category:Hotel buildings completed in 2009

Category:Hotels established in 2009

Category:Casino hotels in the Las Vegas Valley