The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is a mainstay of the famed Strip today. But this towering hotel-casino actually has a long history behind its current name. If you’ve wondered what was on that prime piece of Vegas real estate before the Westgate, you’re not alone.

In short, the Westgate rose up on the ashes of the former Las Vegas Hilton. But the story of this location is richer than you might expect.

This approximately 3,000 word article will traverse the complete timeline of the hotel now known as the Westgate in Las Vegas. We’ll cover its origins as the International Hotel, renaming as the Las Vegas Hilton, sale and rebranding as the LVH, and eventual transition into the Westgate resort of today.

You’ll learn interesting details about the different owners, expansions, and reinventions of this location over decades. Let’s dive into the untold history leading up to today’s Westgate hotel and casino.

The International Hotel Era (1969-1971)

The International Hotel, now known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, has a rich history that dates back to its opening in 1969. During this period, the hotel experienced significant milestones that contributed to its fame and reputation in the Las Vegas hospitality industry.

Opening as the largest hotel in the world

When the International Hotel first opened its doors, it made headlines as the largest hotel in the world. With over 1,500 rooms, it quickly became a symbol of luxury and grandeur in Las Vegas. Visitors from around the globe flocked to the International Hotel to experience its state-of-the-art amenities, exquisite dining options, and world-class entertainment.

The grandeur of the International Hotel was not limited to its size alone. The interior of the hotel was meticulously designed to provide guests with a luxurious and comfortable experience. From the elegant lobby to the spacious guest rooms, every detail was crafted to ensure that visitors felt like royalty during their stay.

As word spread about the International Hotel’s opulence, it attracted a wide range of guests, including celebrities, politicians, and business tycoons. The hotel became a hub for high-profile events, conferences, and conventions, further solidifying its status as a premier destination in Las Vegas.

Hosting Elvis Presley’s Vegas shows

One of the most significant events during the International Hotel era was the residency of the legendary Elvis Presley. In 1969, Presley began performing a series of sold-out shows at the hotel’s showroom, captivating audiences with his iconic music and charismatic stage presence.

Presley’s performances at the International Hotel became synonymous with Las Vegas entertainment. Fans from all over the world flocked to witness the “King of Rock and Roll” in action, creating an electric atmosphere in the showroom.

As word spread about the unforgettable performances, demand for tickets skyrocketed, and Presley’s residency at the hotel became one of the hottest tickets in town.

Elvis Presley’s shows at the International Hotel not only elevated the hotel’s reputation but also had a lasting impact on the Las Vegas entertainment scene. His success paved the way for other iconic performers to establish residencies in the city, making Las Vegas a premier destination for world-class entertainment.

Today, the International Hotel era is remembered as a pivotal time in the history of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The grandeur and glamour of that era continue to resonate with visitors, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of vintage Las Vegas.

Becoming the Las Vegas Hilton (1971-2012)

In 1971, the famous Vegas hotel known as the International Hotel underwent a major transformation and became the Las Vegas Hilton. This change marked the beginning of a new era for the hotel, as it entered into a partnership with the renowned Hilton brand.

Taking the Hilton brand name in 1971

By aligning itself with the Hilton brand, the Las Vegas Hilton gained instant recognition and credibility in the hospitality industry. The Hilton brand was synonymous with luxury and quality, and guests knew they could expect a top-notch experience when staying at the hotel.

The decision to take on the Hilton name was a strategic move that helped the hotel attract a wider range of clientele. The Hilton brand was already well-established and had a loyal following, so by becoming the Las Vegas Hilton, the hotel was able to tap into that existing customer base.

With the Hilton name came a new level of service and amenities. The hotel underwent extensive renovations to upgrade its facilities and create a more luxurious atmosphere. The guest rooms were redesigned with modern furnishings and state-of-the-art technology, and the public areas were revamped to provide a more welcoming and comfortable environment.

Expanding with new towers and amenities

As the Las Vegas Hilton continued to grow and establish itself as a premier destination, it embarked on a series of expansion projects. The hotel added new towers to accommodate the increasing demand for rooms and amenities.

One of the notable additions was the Paradise Tower, which opened in 1981. This tower featured spacious suites with panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. The Paradise Tower also introduced new dining options and entertainment venues, further enhancing the guest experience.

Throughout the years, the Las Vegas Hilton continued to innovate and introduce new amenities to stay ahead of the competition. The hotel added a state-of-the-art fitness center, a luxurious spa, and a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences.

By constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs and desires of its guests, the Las Vegas Hilton remained a popular choice among visitors to Sin City. Its strategic partnership with the Hilton brand, along with its commitment to providing exceptional service and amenities, solidified its reputation as one of the premier hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

A Rebranding as LVH (2012-2014)

Sale to Goldman Sachs in 2008

In 2008, the famed Vegas hotel underwent a significant change when it was sold to Goldman Sachs. This sale marked a turning point in the hotel’s history, as it brought in new ownership and management. The sale to such a prestigious and influential financial institution brought a renewed sense of optimism and excitement to the property.

With the backing of Goldman Sachs, the hotel had the resources and support to embark on a rebranding journey that would redefine its identity and appeal to a new audience.

Name change but few other updates

As part of the rebranding process, the hotel changed its name to LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. This new name aimed to reflect the hotel’s commitment to providing a luxurious and unforgettable experience to its guests.

While the name change was a significant step, there were few other updates made to the physical structure of the hotel during this time.

However, despite minimal changes to the hotel itself, the rebranding efforts focused on enhancing the overall guest experience. The management team at LVH implemented new and improved customer service initiatives, as well as innovative marketing strategies to attract a diverse range of visitors.

These efforts paid off, as the hotel saw a rise in occupancy rates and positive guest feedback.

During this period, LVH also focused on collaborating with renowned entertainment acts to create unforgettable shows and events. This strategic move helped solidify the hotel as a premier entertainment destination in Las Vegas.

Guests could enjoy spectacular performances by world-class artists, making their stay at LVH a truly memorable one.

Transition Into the Westgate (2014-Present)

Takeover and revamp by new owners

In 2014, the Hilton Las Vegas Hotel underwent a significant transition when it was taken over by new owners and rebranded as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The new owners, Westgate Resorts, saw an opportunity to revamp the hotel and transform it into a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.

The takeover by Westgate Resorts brought fresh energy and new ideas to the hotel. They recognized the potential of the property and made it their mission to create a unique and unforgettable experience for guests.

With a focus on exceptional customer service and top-notch amenities, the Westgate quickly became a favorite among visitors to Las Vegas.

The new owners also brought their expertise in the hospitality industry to the table. Westgate Resorts is known for its luxurious resorts and hotels in various locations across the United States, and they applied their expertise to elevate the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino to a new level of excellence.

Renovations and additions as the Westgate

As part of the transition, the Westgate underwent extensive renovations and additions to enhance the overall guest experience. The hotel’s rooms and suites were given a fresh, modern look with upgraded furnishings and amenities.

The casino area was also revamped to create a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for guests. New gaming options were introduced, along with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the gaming experience. The Westgate’s casino quickly became a popular destination for both gamblers and casual players.

In addition to the renovations, the Westgate also added several new attractions and amenities to further entice guests. The property now boasts a world-class spa, multiple restaurants and bars, and a variety of entertainment options, including live shows and concerts.

These additions have made the Westgate a true destination within itself, offering a wide range of experiences for guests to enjoy.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, today’s Westgate Las Vegas stands on land that has hosted many iconic resorts over the decades. While names have changed, this prime spot on the Strip has continued expanding and reinventing itself to draw guests.

The Westgate is the latest evolution of this famed address, building on a long legacy of Vegas history.