GAMBLING

Aria to Close Jewel Nightclub After a Decade on Vegas Strip

Jewel Nightclub at Aria will close permanently on Nov. 21, 2026, ending a 10-year run at the Las Vegas Strip resort. The club was operated by Tao Group Hospitality in partnership with resort owner MGM Resorts International. MGM said the two companies had mutually agreed to the closure.

In a press statement released on Monday, Nov. 2, MGM said it had “no immediate plans” to replace the 24,000 square-foot space. Though the casino giant provided no reason for the closure, Vital Vegas noted that the club was down to two days of operation a week, a frequent sign of trouble.

The entrance to Jewel Nightclub just prior to its May 2016 grand opening. (Image: MGM Resorts)

Crown Jewel

Jewel arrived on the Strip on May 19, 2016. It was the height of Las Vegas’ megaclub era, when resorts were locked in a competition to build ever-more elaborate nightlife venues designed to attract young millennial visitors with celebrity appearances, superstar DJs and high-end bottle-service experiences.

Jewel launched with an opening-night celebration hosted by Jamie Foxx and quickly established itself as one of the centerpieces of Aria’s nightlife offerings.

Usher delivers a surprise performance at Jewel in May 2024, after the Lovers & Friends festival was canceled because of high winds. (Image: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty)

Over the years, the venue welcomed a steady stream of high-profile performers and celebrity guests. Drake, The Chainsmokers, Lil Jon and Usher all appeared at the club. Jewel also hosted celebrations for championship teams, including the Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Warriors, and served as the site of prominent private events, including a surprise Sweet 16 party UFC president Dana White threw for his daughter in August 2006.

Originally operated by Hakkasan Group, Jewel became part of Tao Group Hospitality following Tao’s 2021 acquisition of Hakkasan Group. Tao Group itself was acquired by Mohari Hospitality in 2023.

The club occupied two levels and had an estimated capacity of 1,925 guests. Its most distinctive design feature was a domed ceiling incorporating more than 1,400 square feet of LED ribbon lighting. Five VIP suites overlooking the dance floor helped reinforce the venue’s upscale identity.

Jewel replaced Haze Nightclub, which opened alongside Aria when the resort debuted in December 2009. Haze closed in 2014 despite reportedly generating between $25 million and $30 million in annual revenue.

Jewel’s closure comes as Las Vegas nightlife continues to evolve. While giant nightclubs remain a major draw at select resorts, visitors today have a growing number of alternatives, including cocktail lounges, speakeasies, bars and dining-driven social venues.


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