The Birth of a Legend
In the heart of Las Vegas, a city built on excess and extravagance, there exists a hotel that has stood the test of time. The Luxor Hotel and Casino, with its iconic pyramid design, has been a staple of the Vegas Strip since 1993. vegas-star.com However, what many visitors may not know is that this hotel was actually inspired by another, lesser-known property: the Las Vegas Hilton’s predecessor, the International Hotel.
A Tale of Two Hotels
In the early 1950s, the city of Las Vegas began to experience a rapid transformation. The construction of the Hoover Dam had drawn workers and visitors alike, causing a surge in demand for accommodations. To cater to this need, entrepreneur Kirk Kerkorian purchased a plot of land on the Strip and commissioned architects S.H. Russell & Associates to design a new hotel.
The International Hotel opened its doors in 1959 with great fanfare, boasting over 1,500 rooms and a range of amenities that were unprecedented at the time. Its sleek, modern design and expansive grounds made it an instant sensation, attracting visitors from across the country. However, as the years went by, the hotel’s fortunes began to decline.
A Legacy Lost
In the late 1970s, Kerkorian sold the International Hotel to Hilton Hotels Corporation, who promptly began renovations to bring the property up to date. As part of these changes, the hotel underwent a name change to the Las Vegas Hilton. While it continued to operate as a successful hotel and casino, its original charm and character were slowly lost in the process.
Fast forward to 1993, when Kerkorian’s company, MGM Resorts International, announced plans to build a new resort on the site of the old Sands Hotel. The Luxor Hotel and Casino would rise from the ashes, inspired by the ancient city of Luxor, Egypt. However, as the construction crew broke ground, rumors began to circulate that the design was actually influenced by a lesser-known property – the International Hotel.
Uncovering the Truth
Investigations into the history of the Luxor revealed that its architects had indeed been inspired by the International Hotel’s design. The pyramid shape, often associated with ancient Egyptian architecture, was actually meant to evoke the memories of the original hotel’s sleek, modern lines. However, the new development team chose to downplay this connection, instead emphasizing the hotel’s supposed "Egyptian" roots.
The Luxor opened its doors in 1993 to great fanfare, boasting a range of amenities and attractions that were unmatched at the time. Its massive scale and opulent decor made it an instant hit with visitors, but rumors persisted about the true inspiration behind its design.
Vegas Star: A New Era
In 2007, MGM Resorts International announced plans to rebrand the Las Vegas Hilton as the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. This marked a new era for the property, which was renovated and re-launched with a fresh new image. However, it also raised questions about the legacy of its predecessor, the International Hotel.
The story of the International Hotel serves as a reminder that even in a city built on reinvention and excess, there is always a deeper history waiting to be uncovered. The Luxor Hotel and Casino, while not an exact replica of its precursor, owes a debt to the innovative design and pioneering spirit of the original International Hotel.
A Legacy Lives On
Today, the LVH stands as a testament to the cyclical nature of Las Vegas’ development. From humble beginnings to grand rebranding, the city’s hotels have always reflected its desire for innovation and growth. While the Luxor may not be directly connected to the International Hotel, it serves as a nod to the property that paved the way for modern Las Vegas.
The story of the International Hotel is one of perseverance and creativity in the face of adversity. Its legacy lives on through the hotel’s design, even if its true origins are often overlooked. As we look back on the history of this remarkable city, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the past while embracing the future.
A Glimpse into the Future
As Las Vegas continues to evolve and adapt, one thing remains certain – the spirit of innovation that drives its hotels will always shine through. Whether you’re strolling along the Strip or exploring the inner workings of a hotel’s design, there is always a story waiting to be uncovered.
The Luxor Hotel and Casino stands as a testament to this legacy, with its majestic pyramid design serving as a beacon for visitors from around the world. Its connection to the International Hotel may be subtle, but it serves as a reminder that even in a city built on excess, there is always a deeper story waiting to be told.
The story of the International Hotel and its influence on modern Las Vegas is one of perseverance and creativity. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the past while embracing the future, and to never lose sight of the city’s true spirit – innovation, growth, and above all else, an unwavering commitment to excess.