You’ve probably heard the rumors. Maybe you saw a clip on social media or read a headline that felt like a typo. But it's true. There is a hotel room in Nevada that costs more than a decent house in most of the Midwest. Specifically, we're talking about the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort.
It costs $100,000 per night.
Honestly, even for Vegas, that’s a lot. Most of us feel like big spenders when we spring for a fountain-view room at the Bellagio, right? But this is different. This isn't just a "nice room." It’s basically a two-story, 9,156-square-foot art gallery where you happen to have a toothbrush.
What is the most expensive suite in Las Vegas actually like?
Walking into the Empathy Suite is... a lot. It was designed by Damien Hirst, the British artist known for being a bit of a provocateur. You know, the guy who puts sharks in tanks? Well, there are sharks here too. Right in the foyer. Two bull sharks preserved in formaldehyde, staring at you while you decide which of the two master bedrooms to claim.
The whole place feels like a high-end pharmacy mixed with a butterfly garden. There are pill motifs everywhere. They’re on the wallpaper, the floor, and even inside the 13-seat curved bar. It’s called "Here for a Good Time, Not a Long Time," which feels like a pretty honest meta-commentary on the price tag.
The Numbers That Make Your Head Spin
- Square Footage: 9,156 (spread over two floors).
- Price Tag: $100,000 per night.
- Minimum Stay: Two nights (so, $200,000 minimum).
- Security Deposit: A casual $10,000.
- Resort Credit: They give you $10,000 back to spend at the hotel, which is... kind of like a 5% cashback reward for people who don't need rewards.
People often ask if anyone actually pays this. The answer is yes, but there's a catch. If you're a "whale"—one of those legendary gamblers with a credit line over $1 million at the Palms—they might just give you the keys for free. They know you'll likely leave a lot more than $100k at the baccarat tables anyway.
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Beyond the Sharks: The Wild Amenities
It isn't just about the art. If you're spending six figures on a sleepover, you expect the service to be somewhat psychic.
You get a 24-hour butler service. These aren't just "concierge" folks; they are there to make sure your specific brand of sparkling water is always at 38 degrees. You also get a chauffeured car to take you wherever you want to go. Want to hit a different casino? Done. Want a 3 AM taco run? Also done.
Then there’s the wellness stuff. Most suites have a tub. This one has a cantilevered jacuzzi that hangs off the side of the building with a glass floor. You’re soaking in hot bubbles while looking straight down at the Strip. There’s also a private healing salt room and two massage rooms. You don't go to the spa; the spa is just... where you live now.
Is it better than the "old" most expensive suites?
Before the Palms did their massive $690 million renovation, this space was the Hugh Hefner Suite. It was iconic in its own right, with the Playboy pool and the rotating bed. But the Empathy Suite is a different beast. It’s more sophisticated, more "fine art," and significantly more expensive. The Hefner suite topped out around $40,000. We've more than doubled that.
Why the most expensive suite in Las Vegas matters for the rest of us
You might think, "Why do I care about a room I'll never stay in?"
Fair point. But these mega-suites set the tone for the entire city. When the Palms invested in the Empathy Suite, it signaled a shift in Vegas luxury. It moved away from just "gold and marble" toward "exclusive and curated." It’s why you now see world-class art in the lobby of the Aria or the Cosmopolitan.
The competition is fierce. While the Empathy Suite holds the crown, other spots are nipping at its heels:
- The Mansions at MGM Grand: These are basically private villas hidden inside the hotel. You can’t even book them on a website; you have to know someone or be a very high roller.
- The Villas at Caesars Palace: Specifically the Neptune Villa. It’s about 4,000 square feet and feels like an ancient Roman palace, but with better WiFi.
- The Nobu Penthouse: This is where you go if you want that "Japanese minimalism" vibe but still want to be able to host 50 people for a party.
The Reality of Booking Luxury in 2026
Vegas isn't just about the one "most expensive" room anymore. It’s about tiers. Most people looking for a "high roller" experience are actually looking at the Sky Villas at the Palms (which are $25,000 to $50,000) or the Encore Three-Bedroom Duplex.
The Empathy Suite is the "halo product." It exists to show what's possible when money is no object.
If you're actually planning a trip and want to feel like a VIP without spending a year's salary, look at the Aria Sky Suites or the Wynn Tower Suites. You get the private entrance, the dedicated elevator, and the fancy snacks, but you can still afford to fly home.
Practical Steps for Your Next Vegas Flex
If you want to experience a slice of this world without the $100,000 price tag, try these moves:
- Art Tours: The Palms offers tours of their art collection. You can see Hirst’s work (and KAWS, and Murakami) in the public areas for the price of a cocktail at the bar.
- Mid-Week Upgrades: If you book a standard suite at a high-end property like the Venetian on a Tuesday, your chances of a "complimentary" upgrade to a higher tier are much better than on a Friday.
- The "$20 Trick": It’s a Vegas classic. Sandwich a $20 (or $50 if you’re feeling bold) between your ID and credit card at check-in and ask if there are any "complimentary upgrades available." It won't get you into the Empathy Suite, but it might get you a better view of the fountains.
Ultimately, the Empathy Suite is a monument to Vegas excess. It’s weird, it’s beautiful, and it’s arguably over-the-top. But that is exactly why we love this city.
To book a stay or inquire about the specific availability of the top-tier villas, you can reach out to the Palms luxury sales team directly at 702-942-1222. Just... maybe check your bank balance first.