Have you ever wondered what happened to the iconic International Hotel in Las Vegas? Once the largest hotel in the world, the International Hotel was a famous Vegas landmark for decades, hosting celebrities and extravagant shows.
The International Hotel was the first true mega-resort and the first to utilize Martin Stern Jr.’s distinctive tri-form, with room wings radiating from a central service core. It opened in 1969 and quickly became a popular destination for tourists and locals. The hotel hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, and Diana Ross. But despite its early success, the International Hotel faced financial troubles in the 1970s, leading to its eventual closure in 1990.
So what happened to the International Hotel after it closed its doors? Today, the property is known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and continues to attract visitors with its luxurious amenities and prime location. But the history of the International Hotel lives on, and its legacy as a groundbreaking Vegas landmark will never be forgotten. Keep reading to learn more about the rise and fall of the International Hotel and its impact on the history of Las Vegas.
History of the International Hotel in Las Vegas
The International Hotel in Las Vegas was a landmark hotel that opened in 1969 and hosted celebrities and extravagant shows. It was the first true mega-resort and the largest hotel in the world at the time of its opening. The hotel was designed by Martin Stern Jr. and was known for its mammoth showroom and variety of internationally-themed restaurants.
The International Hotel was a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and was a significant part of the history of Las Vegas. It was also the site of Elvis Presley’s return to live performances in 1969, which helped to establish Las Vegas as a hub for live entertainment.
In 1970, the hotel experienced a tragic event when a fire broke out, killing 85 people and injuring hundreds more. The fire led to significant changes in fire safety regulations for hotels and other public buildings.
The hotel was later renamed the Las Vegas Hilton and the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel. In 2014, it was renamed again to the Westgate Las Vegas. Today, the hotel is still a popular destination for tourists and continues to be a significant part of the history of Las Vegas.
The Rise of the International Hotel
The International Hotel in Las Vegas was a game-changer in the hotel concept. When it opened in 1969, it was the largest hotel in the world with 1,512 rooms. The hotel was designed by architect Martin Stern Jr. and was owned by Kirk Kerkorian. The hotel’s unique tri-form design, with room wings radiating from a central service core, was a hit among visitors. The hotel’s mammoth showroom and variety of internationally-themed restaurants made it a popular destination for tourists and locals.
In 1971, the hotel’s name was changed from the International Hotel to the Las Vegas Hilton. Until the MGM Grand Hotel overtook it in 1980, it maintained its prosperity and held the title of the largest hotel in the world.
The International Hotel’s success was partly due to its location on the Las Vegas Strip, which made it easily accessible to visitors. It was also known for hosting extravagant shows and events, including Elvis Presley’s comeback show in 1969.
The Golden Years of the International Hotel in Las Vegas
The International Hotel in Las Vegas opened its doors in 1969. They quickly became one of the most iconic hotels in the city. The hotel was known for its luxurious accommodations, world-class entertainment, and immense size. At the time of its opening, the International Hotel was the largest in the world, with 1,512 rooms and suites.
Several legendary performances by the biggest names in entertainment took place in the hotel’s showroom. The International Hotel stage hosted acts by Liberace, Barbra Streisand, and Elvis Presley. Elvis Presley played two sold-out shows a night at the hotel almost eight hundred times.
The International Hotel was known for its lavish productions and sold-out shows. The showroom was a massive space that could seat up to 2,000 people, making it the perfect venue for large-scale productions. The hotel’s entertainment offerings were so popular that it was not uncommon for guests to book their stays months in advance just to see a particular show.
During its heyday, the International Hotel was a genuine Las Vegas icon. It was an absolute must-visit location for any visitor to Las Vegas because of its enormous size, abundant lodging options, and top-notch entertainment selection.
Changes and Renovations of International Hotel
The International Hotel in Las Vegas underwent several changes and renovations over the years. In 1971, the hotel was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton. The Hilton was a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
In 1989, the hotel was sold to Bally’s Entertainment Corporation and underwent a major renovation. The renovation included converting hotel rooms into timeshare units sold to guests who wanted to own a piece of the Las Vegas Hilton. The hotel continued to operate under the Hilton name until 2012 when it was sold to Westgate Resorts and renamed the Westgate Las Vegas Resort.
In 1980, the MGM Grand Hotel, which was located next to the Las Vegas Hilton, caught fire and resulted in the deaths of 85 people. This tragedy significantly impacted the Las Vegas hospitality industry, and many hotels in the area implemented new safety measures and regulations.
Legacy and Impact of International Hotel
The International Hotel in Las Vegas, later renamed the Las Vegas Hilton, LVH, and then the Westgate Las Vegas, was a landmark in the Las Vegas landscape. The hotel was a symbol of the city’s transformation into the entertainment capital of the world.
It was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1969, and its mammoth showroom and variety of internationally-themed restaurants made it a hub of Las Vegas entertainment.
Despite its success, the hotel also had an unsettling reputation due to reports of ghost sightings and strange occurrences. Many guests reported feeling uneasy during their stay; some even claimed to have seen apparitions in their rooms.
Today, the hotel still stands as the Westgate Las Vegas, a testament to its enduring legacy and impact on the Las Vegas entertainment industry. The hotel chain has continued to thrive, and its success can be traced back to the International Hotel in Vegas.
Personal Stories and Anecdotes
You may be interested that the International Hotel in Las Vegas hosted some of the most iconic performers of all time, including Elvis Presley and Barry Manilow. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Elvis Presley’s return to Las Vegas in 1969 was negotiated by Colonel Tom Parker and Alex Shoofey, president of the International Hotel, owned by Kirk Kerkorian.
The Colonel took notes on the tablecloth as they hammered out the deal, including a proviso that the contract could be renegotiated if Shoofey left the hotel. Elvis’ performances at the International Hotel were so successful that he performed 837 consecutive sold-out shows in Las Vegas.
Barry Manilow also performed at the International Hotel, and his performances were so popular that he was offered a long-term contract. However, he turned it down and instead signed a contract with the Las Vegas Hilton. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Manilow regretted his decision and should have stayed at the International Hotel.
The International Hotel was also known for its luxurious accommodations and amenities. Many guests have fond memories of their stays at the hotel, including the impeccable service and stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip.
The International Hotel Today
If you’re wondering what happened to the International Hotel in Las Vegas, it’s now known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort. The property was bought by Westgate Resorts, a timeshare developer, in 2014. The Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a 30-story hotel with 2,956 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in Las Vegas.
The Westgate Las Vegas Resort is located on a 64-acre site on the east side of Paradise Road, adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and the hotel offers a wide range of amenities and entertainment options.
A member of the Hilton Worldwide chain of lodging establishments is the Westgate Las Vegas Resort. The property is also home to Hilton Grand Vacations, a timeshare developer and subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide. From 1971 until 2012, when Hilton spun off its Las Vegas properties, the former Las Vegas Hilton was a part of the Hilton chain.
Today, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort continues to be a popular destination for visitors to Las Vegas. With its prime location, luxurious accommodations, and wide range of amenities and entertainment options, it’s easy to see why the hotel remains a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current name of the former International Hotel in Las Vegas?
The former International Hotel in Las Vegas is now known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort.
Has the International Hotel in Las Vegas been demolished?
No, the International Hotel in Las Vegas has not been demolished. It underwent a major renovation and reopened as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort in 2014.
Is the hotel originally known as the International in Vegas still operating?
Yes, the hotel originally known as the International in Vegas is still operating. It has been renamed the Westgate Las Vegas Resort.
What hotel in Las Vegas is associated with Elvis Presley?
The International Hotel in Las Vegas, now known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort, is associated with Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll performed over 800 sold-out shows in the hotel’s showroom from 1969 to 1976.
Which hotel stands on the original site of the International Hotel in Las Vegas?
The Westgate Las Vegas Resort stands on the original site of the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The hotel was demolished in 1993, and the Westgate was built.
Are there any hotels in Las Vegas that are closing down soon?
As of now, there are no hotels in Las Vegas that are closing down soon. However, the hotel industry in Las Vegas is constantly evolving, and changes can happen quickly.
Conclusion
Today, the International Hotel is the Westgate Las Vegas Resort. The property has undergone several renovations and rebrandings over the years but retains some of its original charm and grandeur.
While the International Hotel may no longer be the largest in the world, it remains an important part of Las Vegas history. The hotel’s iconic design and history make it a must-visit destination for any Vegas enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in gambling, entertainment, or just soaking up some classic Vegas vibes, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort is worth a visit.
