Lionel Richie is an iconic singer-songwriter known for hits like “All Night Long” and “Hello.” At 73 years old, he is still touring and performing for audiences around the world. Las Vegas, with its legendary concert venues and residency shows, is a popular destination for Richie. So what hotel might fans find Lionel Richie at when he’s in Vegas?
The Early Days of Lionel Richie’s Career
To understand where Lionel Richie stays in Vegas today, it helps to look back at his storied career. Richie rose to fame in the 1970s as lead singer of the Commodores. The Commodores were a funk and soul band that charted multiple top 40 hits like “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady.” While still performing with the Commodores, Richie embarked on a solo career in the early 1980s. His solo music blended pop, soul and adult contemporary styles. Richie found enormous crossover success with singles like “Endless Love,” “Truly” and “All Night Long.” He became one of the most popular artists of the 1980s.
Richie has sold over 100 million records worldwide, putting him among the best-selling musicians of all time. He has won four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year in 1985 for “We Are the World,” which he co-wrote with Michael Jackson. Richie was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994. In recent years, younger audiences have discovered Richie’s music through samples used in pop and hip hop songs. Richie may be in his 70s, but his music remains timeless.
Lionel Richie’s Ongoing Popularity in Las Vegas
Like many classic artists, Lionel Richie found a second home in Las Vegas. He has been performing in Vegas since the 1990s. Richie’s uplifting hits and smooth romantic ballads are perfect for the Vegas crowd. His shows are joyful sing-along affairs that appeal to multiple generations.
Richie has had several extended residency runs on the Strip. He completed a hugely successful residency at The Axis at Planet Hollywood from late 2016 through early 2018. The show featured his greatest hits along with multimedia elements and revealing anecdotes from Richie’s career. It proved so popular that he later returned for an extended “Lionel Richie – All the Hits” residency at The Axis in 2019.
When not performing his own Vegas residencies, Richie frequently collaborates with other headliners. In recent years, he has shared the stage with stars like Mariah Carey and Luke Bryan for special co-headlining concerts. There are few better than Richie at bringing audiences to their feet in Vegas’s largest venues.
Lionel Richie’s Current Vegas Residency Hotel
Lionel Richie kicked off his latest Las Vegas residency in August 2022 at the Encore Theater in the Wynn Las Vegas. Billed as “Lionel Richie: Back to Las Vegas,” these shows will run periodically into 2023. The 5,000 seat Encore Theater can accommodate the demand from Richie’s legions of fans.
As part of this current residency, Lionel Richie is staying at the adjoining Wynn Las Vegas hotel. The Wynn is a luxury resort located on the northern end of the Strip. It opened in 2005 and includes two curved hotel towers with approximately 4,700 rooms. The Wynn is known for its upscale amenities, restaurants and on-site entertainment.
Accommodations at the Wynn
When he’s in residence, Lionel Richie likely enjoys one of the Wynn’s spacious suites. Possibilities include:
- Tower Suites – Lavish two-story suites ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet
- Parlor Suites – Suites with distinct living room and bedroom spaces
- Salon Suites – Comfortable one-bedroom suites of up to 2,000 square feet
All suites at the Wynn provide deep soaking tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and plenty of room to relax and unwind. As an A-list celebrity, Richie may also stay in one of the ultra-exclusive villas adjacent to the golf course behind the Wynn.
On-Site Amenities
Without even leaving the hotel, Lionel Richie can enjoy amenities like:
- Two sprawling pools with cabanas and cocktail service
- A luxury spa and fitness center
- Designer stores like Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton
- Nightlife hotspots like the Encore Beach Club and XS nightclub
- A wide selection of bars and restaurants, from casual to fine dining
There is also a state-of-the-art theater and an on-site casino. With all it has to offer just steps away, the Wynn is a convenient home base for Richie’s Vegas performances.
Other Hotels Where You Might Find Lionel Richie in Vegas
Though he is currently at the Wynn, Lionel Richie has stayed and performed at many hotels up and down the Strip. Here are some other likely locations to potentially spot Richie in Vegas:
Caesars Palace
Iconic Caesars Palace has hosted Richie many times over the decades. Its 4,000 seat Colosseum venue is the site of Mariah Carey’s current residency shows, which have included special appearances by Richie.
MGM Grand
The expansive entertainment complex at MGM Grand has sufficient venues to accommodate Richie’s popular shows. Past Richie concerts have been held in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Planet Hollywood
Lionel Richie performed over 200 shows at The Axis theater in Planet Hollywood from 2016 to 2018. He could easily return to this tried-and-true venue for future residencies.
The Venetian
The Venetian’s premier venue The Venetian Theatre hosted Lionel Richie concerts back in 2012. Its modern facilities and customizable layout work well for Richie’s productions.
Lionel Richie Remains an In-Demand Headliner in Vegas
Based on his staying power so far, it seems likely Lionel Richie will continue performing in Las Vegas for years to come. Fans visiting Vegas have ample opportunity to catch one of his lively shows. With any Richie residency, the accompanying hotel is sure to provide first-class accommodations befitting an international superstar.
The next time you are walking through a casino on the Strip, keep your eyes peeled. That smiling gentleman greeting fans may just be the legendary Lionel Richie himself.