
Las Vegas continues to evolve as an essential hub for travelers, attracting 38.5 million visitors in 2025, according to recent findings from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Although the overall visitor numbers saw a slight decrease from the previous year, the demand for accommodations remained buoyed by conventions, which welcomed approximately 6 million attendees. This influx contributes significantly to the local hospitality sector, which boasts around 150,000 hotel rooms across various districts.
The vitality of the convention sector is critical for Las Vegas as it sustains midweek hotel occupancy and generates substantial economic benefits for Southern Nevada. Enhancements made to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) have increased its size and service capabilities, fortifying the city’s reputation as a prime venue for significant business gatherings and exhibitions.
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The LVCC recently saw a transformative renovation, completed in early 2026, which expanded its campus to an impressive 4.6 million square feet. This redevelopment aims to optimize the visitor experience and improve attendee flow, all while accommodating an increasingly full calendar of prominent events, including the renowned CES, a showcase for cutting-edge consumer technology.
With the expanded capabilities of the convention center, Las Vegas is set to cement its position in the worldwide events arena, hosting over 48 trade shows and expecting attendance of more than 1.2 million trade show participants in 2026. Such upgrades enhance the surrounding infrastructure, heightening the demand for nearby hotels tailored for business professionals, those seeking extended stays, and leisure travelers.
In light of the booming convention market and shifting traveler needs, a new dual-branded AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott is set to break ground adjacent to the LVCC in June 2026, with an expected opening in summer 2028. This project exemplifies contemporary trends in hotel design, successfully catering to both business and leisure travelers.
The new development spans approximately 233,330 square feet and will feature a total of 397 guestrooms, including 237 AC Hotel rooms suited for short stays and 160 Residence Inn suites crafted for extended stays. These two brands under Marriott collectively offer shared amenities that cater to diverse travel preferences.
The design of this upcoming property emphasizes a blend of functional and experiential spaces. Guests can anticipate a range of options, including versatile meeting and event spaces perfect for conferences and business gatherings, a comprehensive fitness center, a cozy coffee bar and retail market, and a Residence Inn lounge featuring complimentary breakfast. Additionally, guests can enjoy a rooftop pool deck and AC Hotel lounge with stunning skyline views.
These facilities are meticulously crafted to accommodate convention-goers and business travelers seeking convenience near the LVCC, while also appealing to leisure visitors who desire modern, well-appointed lodging close to the famous Las Vegas Strip and other attractions. The combination of short-stay and extended-stay options reflects broader trends in the hospitality sector that emphasize flexibility and guest preferences.
Establishing a significant hotel development beside one of the globe’s busiest convention centers holds considerable strategic value for Las Vegas. Events like conventions and trade shows consistently drive hotel occupancy during weeks when leisure demand might be less robust. Furthermore, being close to the LVCC allows guests easy access, minimizing travel time between their accommodations and event locations.
For many attendees, having hotels within walking distance significantly enhances convenience, a factor that can play a pivotal role in booking block room rates and organizing coordinated group stays. With the LVCC consistently attracting international events, anticipation for strong demand for quality accommodations nearby is high.
Las Vegas boasts one of the largest collections of hotel rooms in the United States, drawing visitors throughout the year for a variety of experiences, from conventions to nightlife, entertainment, dining, and gaming options. The LVCVA’s research highlights the importance of the convention segment in maintaining stability within a tourism sector that often faces fluctuations in visitor numbers from year to year.
Recently, the city has seen a surge in hospitality investment, including new hotel towers and adjacent mixed-use developments aimed at diversifying the lodging market and meeting the needs of both business and leisure patrons. These projects align with Las Vegas’s reputation as a destination that promises varied experiences beyond traditional casino-based resorts.
Looking to 2026, Las Vegas is poised for a vibrant year in terms of events. With a renovated convention center and a lineup of global gatherings that include technology showcases, entertainment festivals, and major sporting events, the city remains relevant in the realm of business travel.
As the travel landscape transforms, properties that enhance convenience, provide extensive amenities for prolonged business stays, and cater to leisure visitors will be indispensable to maintaining Las Vegas’s market presence among both domestic and international travelers. The new Marriott-branded hotel next to the LVCC epitomizes this forward-thinking approach.
Source: The post How Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion Influences Local Hotel Development: What You Need To Know first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.