Name: BarryNet Briefs
Date/Time: 7/27/2019 12:30 PM
Subject: Westgate celebrates 50 years of star power

"Westgate celebrates 50 years of star power" by Sam Novak
Las Vegas Magazine, 26 July 2019

Fans of Westgate Las Vegas love it for its superlative restaurants, world’s largest Superbook and of course, Barry Manilow. But the hotel that launched the era of the megaresort also has a rich history. Many staff members who have been there since the beginning join us in looking back at five amazing decades. Westgate began as Las Vegas International Hotel. When it opened on July 2, 1969, at a cost of $50 million, it was the largest hotel in the world. Announcements boasted, “An embodiment of everything the Las Vegas resort industry has learned in the last 10 years.” But what really set the International apart was an outstanding staff and legendary entertainment ... The resort was acquired by Hilton brands in 1971. Star Trek: The Experience opened in 1998, drawing thousands of fans, celebrities and television coverage. Remnants of the attraction, which closed in 2008, can still be spotted by eagle-eyed guests. The Hilton partnership was dissolved in 2012, but the resort operated under the name LVH until Westgate Resorts acquired it in 2014 and invested more than $160 million in renovations and updates, which include high-end dining options and the award-winning Serenity Spa. They also lured back Hilton favorite Manilow. Usher Angel Lopez Rosas has been on property the entire 50 years. He’s witnessed performances by Charo, Liberace, Wayne Newton and Manilow. “The most amazing thing for me is all of the headliners I’ve seen over the years. All of the biggest names. If they came to Las Vegas, they performed right here.”