That Time I Was Upgraded and My Boss Wasn’t: Salon Suite at Palms Las Vegas Review

A few years ago, a photo agency hired me to help edit their take at an award show in Las Vegas. A staff member from the agency, another editor, and I stayed at Palms, which is about a 5-10 minute drive from the gig’s venue.

“Gonna ask about a suite upgrade, Carley?” my client said with a grin.

“Why not?” I said. “Worst they can do is say no.”

My client and the other editor smirked and shook their heads. Carley and his games.

But my games got me a suite on that trip.

The Salon Suite Upgrade

When staying at a hotel where I don’t hold elite status or my reservation doesn’t come with a guaranteed room upgrade (through, for example, American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, Chase Luxury Hotels and Resorts, or some promotion), I generally inquire at check-in if any upgrades are available.

If something a little nicer is available, I’ll see what they’re offering. Unless the upgrade is from a standard room to a jaw-dropping suite, I usually stick with what I have.

So I didn’t expect anything this time around, mainly because I was there on a group rate paid by my client.

I gave the young lady at registration my Club Palms number (I’m a basic member), handed her my American Express Platinum card, and politely asked if there were any room upgrades available for the stay.

She smiled, soon handed me an envelope, and added, “I think you’ll enjoy this room.”

Palms Salon Suite

She was correct.

I got to my room and entered the 800 square foot Palms Salon Suite is 800 square feet. Located in the resort’s Fantasy Tower, the Salon Suite consists of a bedroom and living area (which are divided only by a small wall that doesn’t reach the ceiling) and a bathroom.

I called my client and bragged about the room. But to keep things on the up-and-up, I asked him if he wanted the room.

“Nah, you enjoy that stuff way more than I do,” he said. “Just guest me into the Amex Lounge at the airport tomorrow.”

I hustled back downstairs, found the woman who checked me in, and gave her a gratuity.

Let’s check out the room!

Salon Suite Bathroom

This will sound strange – but the Salon Suite’s bathroom steals the show.

Hands. Down.

That’s not at all a knock against the bedroom or living room. Both are quite comfortable and tasteful (more on them in a minute).

But the suite’s Wow! factor belongs to the bathroom.

Its views (yes, the bathroom boasts expansive views of Las Vegas!) and spa-like design make the Salon Suite’s bathroom a place where you might find yourself spending, erm, more time than usual. Never in my life have I so much enjoyed washing my hands, brushing my teeth, and flossing.

The bathroom itself is relatively large. In fact, it has its own climate control system, independent of the bedroom and living room.

The Salon Suite bathroom features a jacuzzi, two sinks, and a shower. As a bonus, there’s a small, flatscreen television next to the tub.

When I first walked in, I thought the space behind the mirror and light sconces were cream-colored panels.

Nope. They were blinds — which can be raised and lowered with an electric switch on the wall!

There are even views of the Vegas Strip!

Want to take a bath or shower with a view?

Now, I probably hadn’t taken a bubble bath since I was five years old. But for the sake of science, I had to have a glass of wine one night while enjoying a bath.

The bathroom was stocked with Molton Brown toiletries that smelled amazing.

Salon Suite Bedroom

My Salon Suite had two queen-sized beds.

I took the bed closer to the window. It was comfortable but didn’t make me long to stay in bed all day. And it wasn’t anything compared to these.

There’s also a big, leather chair off the foot of the bed near the window.

I love how the sheer curtains give the Vegas lights sort of a shimmering effect. There was also a flatscreen TV in the bedroom.

Salon Suite Living Room

The Salon Suite’s living room is comprised of a love seat, chair, table, and workspace with a small desk. There’s also another flatscreen television.

My client and I had some work to finish after the awards show. The living room provided a nice space to spread out, set up our gear, and be productive.

Because the living room and bedroom aren’t entirely separate entities, noise and light may become a problem when multiple guests simultaneously utilize both spaces.

Also Worth Mentioning

When staying at Palms, make sure to check your key/check-in envelope. I’ve been there two or there times and always received two-for-one drink coupons valid at Palms casino bars.

Guests generally receive complimentary admission to Ghostbar, a rooftop nightclub atop Palms’ Ivory Tower. Ghostbar is home to a dizzying glass floor tile.

Final Approach

Was it the nicest suite I’ve ever enjoyed? No. But it certainly was a fun (and free) surprise, gave me some extra space to work, and provided fond memories of Palms.