The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas have partnered with InterContinental Hotels Group to form InterContinental Alliance Resorts. To commemorate the partnership and encourage consumers to start taking advantage of the benefits of the alliance, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres served as celebrity concierge for the day, showing how guests can earn IHG Priority Club loyalty points and redeem them at the two properties.

While The Venetian and The Palazzo will maintain their brand identity, they are established as InterContinental Alliance Resorts on property and via various marketing channels, including InterContinental.com, where guests can book a stay at either hotel.

            To celebrate the alliance, IHG has launched the "Unexpected. Extraordinary. Yours for the Taking!" sweepstakes, which runs through year-end. Each consumer who enters the online sweepstakes at www.ihg.com/lasvegas will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a monthly giveaway. Each monthly prize will include a two-night getaway in the Penthouse Suite at The Venetian or The Palazzo, airfare to Las Vegas and VIP treatment, plus another prize valued at $5,000 to $10,000 to experience in Las Vegas. The prizes will vary each month and include, but are not limited to, the chance to party like a celebrity at Tao and Lavo; a private luxury box for four at Lagasse's Stadium during baseball's Fall Classic; and a culinary experience, featuring onsite restaurants like Postrio, Cut, Morels, Pinot Brasserie and Valentino. For more information, call 877-914-5777 or visit www.ihg.com/lasvegas.