Westgate Las Vegas
Hotel and casino in Las Vegas.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is a large hotel, casino, convention, entertainment, and timeshare property in Winchester, Nevada, immediately east of the Las Vegas Strip and next to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The resort occupies approximately 64 acres on Paradise Road and is connected to the Las Vegas Monorail through the Westgate station. Its principal facilities include a 30-story hotel tower, casino gaming, the SuperBook sportsbook, restaurants, convention venues, a large pool complex, fitness and spa facilities, tennis courts, retail space, a wedding chapel, and performance theaters. The property opened on July 2, 1969, as the International Hotel. It was developed by Kirk Kerkorian, who acquired part of the former Las Vegas Park racetrack site and pursued a large resort away from the traditional Strip corridor. Architect Martin Stern Jr. designed the tower in an International Style, using a Y-shaped plan influenced by the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The opening was positioned as a major event in Las Vegas hospitality, with Barbra Streisand appearing in the showroom and Elvis Presley beginning a celebrated engagement later that month. Presley ultimately performed 636 consecutive sold-out shows at the property over a seven-year period, making the venue closely associated with his Las Vegas career. Hilton Hotels acquired the International Hotel in stages in 1970 and 1971 and renamed it the Las Vegas Hilton. Under Hilton ownership, the property expanded substantially, adding room capacity, sports and entertainment facilities, convention space, restaurants, and specialized amenities for high-value casino customers. The hotel became one of the dominant resorts in Las Vegas and was recognized as the world's largest hotel from 1981 to 1990 according to contemporary Guinness World Records treatment. Its later history included the introduction of the SuperBook sportsbook, the construction of the Sky Villas, the creation of a Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare complex, and the addition of a monorail station. The resort also experienced major crises and controversies. A serious fire in February 1981 killed eight people and injured approximately 350 others. The incident resulted in criminal prosecution, civil compensation, and significant changes to Nevada fire-safety requirements. In 1991, the property hosted the Navy's Tailhook convention, which became associated with allegations of sexual assault and led to litigation against Hilton concerning security. The claimant Paula Coughlin ultimately received a multimillion-dollar judgment, and Hilton subsequently supported state legislation limiting hotel liability for injuries caused by third parties. Ownership changed several times after Hilton separated its casino assets. The Las Vegas Hilton became part of Park Place Entertainment in 1998, was sold to Colony Capital in 2004, and later operated through Colony's casino interests. Financial pressures during the Great Recession and an oversupply of Las Vegas hotel rooms contributed to loan-payment defaults and a change of control. The property was renamed LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in 2012 after the Hilton branding ended. Goldman Sachs and Gramercy Capital acquired the property later that year through foreclosure-related proceedings. Westgate Resorts purchased it in 2014 and renamed it Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, subsequently undertaking renovations and converting a portion of the accommodation inventory into timeshare units. The modern property combines traditional casino-resort functions with convention business and Westgate's vacation-ownership model. Its casino includes slot machines, table games, poker, race and sports wagering, and the SuperBook brand. Entertainment remains central to the resort's identity through the International Theater and Westgate Cabaret, while the property continues to use its historical scale, performance legacy, location near the convention center, and transportation access as ke…
History
The Westgate Las Vegas site was formerly part of the grounds of Las Vegas Park, a racetrack whose broader landholding was acquired in the mid-1960s by National Equities. Developer Marvin Kratter considered a large mixed-use project for the area, but Kirk Kerkorian ultimately purchased approximately 65.5 acres in 1967 for a hotel and casino development. Kerkorian believed that the location beside the convention center could support a new resort corridor along Paradise Road, even though it was removed from the established Strip cluster. Kerkorian hired Martin Stern Jr. as architect and Fred Benninger to oversee development. Construction began after a formal groundbreaking in February 1968. The resulting International Hotel opened on July 2, 1969, with 1,510 rooms and a 30-story tower. Its design used an International Style, Y-shaped plan, and themed interior spaces. The resort's opening entertainment included Barbra Streisand, while Elvis Presley started his first engagement there on July 31, 1969. Presley performed at the hotel for seven years and completed 636 consecutive sold-out shows, establishing one of the most important entertainment associations in the property's history. Kerkorian's company, International Leisure, encountered financing and disclosure difficulties after he sought to raise capital while also holding major interests in other businesses. Hilton Hotels acquired the International in stages during 1970 and 1971 and renamed it the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971. Hilton completed several expansions, including a 620-room east-tower addition in 1975, the Hilton Pavilion for sports and entertainment in 1977, and a further 644-room expansion completed in 1979. Another expansion completed around the end of 1981 brought the total to 3,174 rooms and helped the property claim the world's-largest-hotel title under the relevant contemporary record criteria. On February 10, 1981, a fire started in an eighth-floor elevator lobby of the east tower. The blaze spread rapidly up the exterior of the building. Eight people died and approximately 350 were injured, including 48 firefighters. Philip Bruce Cline was convicted of arson and murder in 1982 and received a life sentence without parole. Hilton and other parties paid a reported $23 million settlement to victims. The disaster, occurring shortly after the MGM Grand fire, contributed to substantial changes in Nevada fire-safety rules and enforcement. The hotel reopened its casino and about 1,000 rooms nine days after the incident, with the remaining rooms returning to service over the next several months. During the 1980s and 1990s, the resort expanded its event, gaming, accommodation, and high-roller infrastructure. The Hilton Center opened in 1984, and the SuperBook race and sports book opened in 1986. The property added Sky Villas in 1995 and invested in baccarat facilities aimed at premium international customers. The Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare arm developed a 230-suite complex on part of the site, opening it in 1999. The Las Vegas Monorail, for which Hilton had been an early supporter, opened in 2004 with a station serving the property. Hilton separated its casino assets in 1998, placing the Las Vegas Hilton within Park Place Entertainment. A proposed sale to developer Edward Roski Jr. in 2000 did not close and generated litigation that continued until a settlement in 2003. In 2004, Caesars Entertainment, the successor to Park Place, sold the resort to Colony Capital, which partnered with Goldman Sachs. Colony's casino affiliate later operated the property, but the Las Vegas market weakened during the Great Recession while room supply increased. The resort defaulted on loan payments in 2011, and the Hilton franchise relationship ended. The property became LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in 2012. Goldman Sachs and Gramercy Capital subsequently acquired it through foreclosure-related proceedings. Westgate Resorts bought the resort in 2014 and restored a Westgate identity, renaming it Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Under Westgate, the property has combined conventional hotel and casino operations with vacation ownership, while renovations have included the conversion of some rooms into timeshare inventory. Its historical entertainment venues, large convention facilities, casino, SuperBook, monorail access, and proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center remain central to its commercial role. Current operating details require confirmation from the property or Nevada regulatory sources.
- 2014
Westgate acquisition and renaming
[1]Westgate Resorts acquired the property and relaunched it as Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
- 2012
LVH rebranding
[1]The resort adopted the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino name.
- 2004
Colony Capital acquisition
[1]Caesars Entertainment sold the property to Colony Capital and its investment partners.
- 1998
Casino properties spun into Park Place Entertainment
[1]Hilton separated its casino holdings, placing the Las Vegas property within Park Place Entertainment.
- 1995
Sky Villas completed
[1]Hilton completed a penthouse renovation that created three high-end Sky Villas.
- 1991
Tailhook convention controversy
[1]The resort became associated with the Tailhook sexual-assault controversy and related litigation.
- 1986
SuperBook opens
[1]Hilton opened its large race and sports book, later known as the SuperBook.
- 1981
East-tower fire
[1]A major arson fire killed eight people and accelerated changes to Nevada fire-safety requirements.
- 1974
Benihana Village opens
[1]The Japanese-themed Benihana Village dining area opened within the resort.
- 1971
International becomes Las Vegas Hilton
[1]Hilton completed its acquisition process and renamed the property the Las Vegas Hilton.
Products and positioning
A large, full-service Las Vegas casino resort combining destination gaming, convention infrastructure, entertainment venues, hotel accommodation, and vacation ownership.
Gaming · 1969
Casino
The resort casino provides slot machines, table games, poker, and race and sports wagering. The cited property description records approximately 54,923 square feet of gaming space in 2017, including 576 slot machines, 38 table games, and a seven-table poker room. The exact current inventory may change with operating conditions and regulatory approvals.
Sports betting · 1986
SuperBook
The SuperBook is the resort's race and sports book. It opened in 1986 during the expansion of Nevada sports wagering and became one of the property's signature gaming amenities. It is promoted as a particularly large sportsbook, although current size and operating specifications should be checked against the operator's latest information.
Hospitality · 1969
Hotel accommodation
The main tower provides conventional hotel rooms and suites, while the upper floors include three Sky Villas designed for high-value guests. Historical descriptions identify 2,956 rooms in the main hotel tower and a 375-foot, 30-story structure. Westgate also renovated and converted some accommodation inventory into vacation-ownership units.
Vacation ownership · 1999
Timeshare and vacation ownership
The property includes Westgate vacation-ownership accommodation alongside its hotel operation. Timeshare activity at the site began with a Hilton Grand Vacations complex opened in 1999, and Westgate later continued the vacation-ownership model while converting some rooms during renovation.
Entertainment venue · 1969
International Theater
The 1,607-seat International Theater is the resort's principal performance venue. It inherited the entertainment legacy established by the International Hotel, including the long Elvis Presley engagement, and continues to serve as a venue for concerts, residencies, and other live programming.
Events · 1984
Convention center
The convention operation includes approximately 225,000 square feet of event space. Notable components include the 70,000-square-foot Paradise Event Center and the 43,000-square-foot Pavilion, supporting meetings, trade events, sports, entertainment, and private functions.
Controversies
1991
Tailhook convention sexual-assault controversy
The hotel hosted the Navy Tailhook convention, where numerous officers were accused of sexual misconduct. Paula Coughlin pursued a claim against Hilton alleging inadequate security and ultimately received a multimillion-dollar judgment. The dispute also contributed to legislative changes concerning hotel liability.
1981
Las Vegas Hilton fire
A deliberately set fire in the east tower killed eight people and injured approximately 350. The perpetrator was convicted of arson and murder, victims received a reported settlement, and the incident helped drive Nevada fire-safety reforms.
Marketing campaigns
- 1969International Hotel opening entertainment
United States
The opening program used major entertainment bookings, including Barbra Streisand and subsequently Elvis Presley, to establish the new resort as a destination beyond gaming alone.
Outcome. Presley's extended engagement became one of the property's defining cultural associations.
Brand decisions
2014
Westgate Resorts acquisition and timeshare strategyM&ABackground
The property changed hands after the LVH period and required repositioning following financial distress in the Las Vegas market.
Action taken
Westgate Resorts purchased the resort, restored the Westgate name, began renovations, and converted some rooms into timeshare accommodation.
Aftermath
The resort became a hybrid casino-hotel and vacation-ownership property under the Westgate portfolio.
2012
End Hilton branding and adopt LVHStrategyBackground
The Hilton franchise relationship ended after the property experienced financial pressure and changes in ownership.
Action taken
The resort was renamed LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
Aftermath
The property operated under the LVH name until Westgate acquired and rebranded it in 2014.
1986
Launch the SuperBook sportsbookProduct launchBackground
Nevada sports betting was gaining popularity and the resort sought to broaden its gaming proposition.
Action taken
Hilton opened a dedicated race and sports book at the property.
Aftermath
The SuperBook became a signature feature of the resort's casino identity.
1971
Adopt the Las Vegas Hilton identityStrategyBackground
Hilton acquired the International Hotel during 1970 and 1971 and sought to integrate the property into its hotel and casino portfolio.
Action taken
The International Hotel was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton, with Hilton eventually taking complete ownership.
Aftermath
The property expanded into one of Las Vegas's largest and most prominent resorts.
Recent events
- 2014
Westgate Resorts purchases and renames the resort[1]
M&A
Westgate Resorts acquired the property and changed its name to Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, followed by renovation and timeshare-conversion work.
- 2012
Property renamed LVH after Hilton branding ends[1]
Leadership change · Other
The resort adopted the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino name after the Hilton franchise relationship ended.
- 2004
Colony Capital acquires the Las Vegas Hilton[1]
M&A
Caesars Entertainment, formerly Park Place Entertainment, sold the property to Colony Capital in a transaction reported at $280 million.
- 1981
Las Vegas Hilton becomes the world's largest hotel under contemporary records[1]
Other
A further room expansion brought the property to more than 3,000 rooms and gave it the world's-largest-hotel distinction in contemporary Guinness treatment until 1990.
- 1969
International Hotel opens in Las Vegas[1]
Other
Kirk Kerkorian's International Hotel opened near the Las Vegas Convention Center, introducing a major resort project outside the traditional center of the Strip.
- 1969
Elvis Presley begins landmark engagement at the International Hotel[1]
Campaign · Other
Elvis Presley began the first of a long sequence of performances at the newly opened property, eventually completing 636 consecutive sold-out shows.
Sources1 sources
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