The International Hotel: From Biggest in the World to Name Change Razzle Dazzle
Las Vegas, baby! The city of bright lights, questionable life choices, and hotels with more stories than a dusty poker deck. Today, we're setting our sights on a particular property with a history as colorful as a Vegas showgirl's costume: The International Hotel, a place that's seen its fair share of ups, downs, and enough name changes to make a chameleon blush.
From Humble Beginnings (Well, Kinda Humble)
The International burst onto the scene in 1969, boasting a whopping 1,500 rooms – that's right, folks, it was the biggest hotel in the world at the time! Imagine the bellhops – their calves must have been legendary. Unfortunately, the "international" part of the name wasn't quite as impressive. Back then, Vegas wasn't exactly a global destination, so picture tourists wandering around, muttering, "Isn't this place a little...American?"
Enter Elvis: The King and the Hilton Shuffle
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But hey, things were about to get a whole lot more interesting. In 1970, the one and only Elvis Presley took up residence at the International. Can you say SOLD OUT SHOWS? The place became a magnet for fans, with sequined dreams shimmering in every hallway. This splash of star power caught the eye of hotel magnate Barron Hilton, who swooped in and bought the property in 1971. Adios, International – hello, Las Vegas Hilton!
Hilton Hilton Hootenanny (and a Dash of Arson)
For the next four decades, the Las Vegas Hilton reigned supreme. It became synonymous with Vegas glamour, hosting legendary performers and witnessing more than its fair share of high-roller action. There were some bumps along the way, of course. A nasty fire in 1981 sadly took eight lives, but thankfully, firefighters – forever vigilant after the MGM Grand fire – were able to minimize the tragedy.
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The Name Game: From Hilton to LVH and Beyond
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Fast forward to 2011, and the Hilton name came to a glittery end. Franchise agreements went poof, and the once-mighty Las Vegas Hilton became the slightly awkward LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Let's be honest, that name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, does it?
Thankfully, the musical chairs ended in 2014 when Westgate Resorts came to the rescue. The old dame of the Las Vegas Strip was reborn as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
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| What Happened To The International Hotel In Las Vegas |
So, What's the Deal Now?
The Westgate Las Vegas stands proudly today, a testament to the ever-evolving Vegas landscape. It's still got that Elvis Presley magic, with a stage where you can catch a show and pretend you're part of the King's entourage.
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But hey, enough from me! Here are some pressing questions you might have:
How to relive your Elvis dreams? Check out the Westgate's entertainment schedule for tribute shows!How to avoid an awkward "LVH" conversation? Just call it the Westgate – everyone will know what you mean.How to impress your friends with useless Vegas trivia? Whip out the story of the International Hotel, the biggest hotel in the world (once upon a time)!How to deal with serious Vegas FOMO? Book a trip, baby! The Westgate (and the rest of Vegas) awaits!
How to find out more about the Westgate Las Vegas? Head on over to their website – they've probably got some amazing deals waiting for you!
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