LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
As the sun set over the Las Vegas Hilton Monday evening, the bright red logos that once illuminated the area are gone. The only thing bearing any resemblance to the Hilton name is an outline of the symbolic "H" and a rudimentary sign cover on a rear building.
"This is a really big change," said David Schwartz, director of UNLV's Center for Gaming Research, noting the symbolic nature of the transition to LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on Tuesday.
The days were numbered for the Las Vegas Hilton in November when it was revealed that Hilton, and the owner of the property, Colony Resorts LVH Acquisitions, LLC had a falling out. The franchise agreement ended on Jan. 1, although the official change is scheduled to happen Jan. 3.
"It's not a good sign that they lost the Hilton franchise for whatever reason. That's definitely not a good sign," said Schwartz, pointing out that at least the property will still be functional and employees will retain their jobs.
Draped along the side of the building is a banner bearing the new name. Marketing campaigns and the new LVH website are using the moniker "Same Fame. New Name!"
That fame refers to four decades of history. The property originally opened as The International Hotel in 1969 by Kirk Kerkorian. The name changed to the Hilton in 1971, offering performances by Elvis, Liberace and Barbara Streisand, to name a few.
"It's actually sad, because we've always been loyal Hilton guests, and we just think that it's part of Vegas... part of Vegas history," said Shahir Bader, who is visiting Las Vegas from Baltimore.
And now, a new piece of history is about to unfold.
"A good friend of mine once said: ‘Change is inevitable… growth is optional.' And in Vegas, change is always happening," said Barry Costa, a Kingman, AZ, resident who stayed at the Hilton Las Vegas in its final days.
LVH, via its website thelvh.com, promises that nothing will change except for the name of the resort. Guests, however, will no longer be able to use the Hilton rewards program.
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A banner bears the name that will replace Las Vegas Hilton
An outline of the Hilton "H" symbol is all that remains on the building's exterior
