The Edifice Formerly Known as The Las Vegas Hilton . . .

The opportunity will present itself, if that happens and the statue is relocated.

Bambi and Thumper personally thank you for remembering them.

It is rumored that before he goes out and destroys countries, that Mr. Blofeld (below) wanted to practice on hotels first.

My first trip to Vegas was for a trade show and stayed at the Hilton. It was what got me hooked on Vegas. At the time it was the largest hotel in America; now it is not even in the top 10 in Vegas.

Stayed there in 1970 (known then as the International) and again in 1973. I remember the Youth Hostel, the big swimming pool (think it was on the 2nd or 3rd floor), and of course the Main Showroom, which at the time seated either 2000 or 2200 people for the Elvis show.

A lot has changed over the years. Seems to me that the only constants are the ceiling chandeliers in the main casino and the location of the Main Showroom. Think Benihanas has been there since 69 or 70.

Like Bags said, best sports book in town. I have also found the cocktail service during the day in the main casino to be quick and efficient.

Don't think this property is going to close anytime soon, but it's struggling.

Location, ...... Location, ...... Location.


Rick

I disagree. There are plenty of people who WANT to stay off-strip, not to mention all those willing. I don't think that's the issue.

Most of Las Vegas hasn't been doing terribly well for the past few years. Some people know how to deal with hardship, and some just want to pull up stakes.

It's location near the convention center is what keeps it afloat. That whole end of the strip is hurting. Riviera, Sahara, Circus... It's not nice.

From sionow's daily trip reports:

As I was driving along Paradise, I wanted to get a picture of what used to be the Hilton sign marquee out front. At the time when I put that up, it was the largest sign in all of Las Vegas. I was wandering what the new ownership did. Well, as you can see, they simply took the words Hilton off it. It looks terrible and shabby. They need to do something about that.



It does look terrible and shabby. Some of his interior shots of the sports book still look good.

Last time I was there I held the door open for a gentleman, he said: " Thank you very much. I was just out walking my RAT and seem to have lost my way... "