Checking In: Goodbye to Hooters Hotel
Numerous blogs are mourning -- okay, noting -- the imminent demise of Hooters Hotel in Las Vegas. World Hum says that "despite the oh-so-clever do-not-disturb signs -- not to mention that fact that Hooters and Las Vegas would seem to be made for one another -- redevelopers have come a knockin'. "
Good line. And I have to say, it actually saddens me to see the place disappear. Apparently the hotel, which was the San Remo in its previous incarnation, will be turned into a boutique property, with construction beginning later this year. I visited shortly after it opened in early 2006 and filed this report. I haven't returned, even though I would have if, ya know, I had to.
Deflating to some, Hooters Hotel is shutting its doors. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
But here's the upshot as far as I'm concerned: Vegas continues to be wildly popular, and it's new phase is not particularly friendly to anyone on a budget. It's gone from family-friendly (ick) to kitschy fun (hello pyramids and fake Eiffel Towers) to ultra-luxe (where it's headed now) in only a matter of years. All the spots on the Strip where you could stay for a reasonable amount of money are quickly disappearing, torn down to make room for all-suites hotels and condos.
Hooters, despite its reputation, was actually a throwback to the good ol' days, so it's not surprising to see it go. The casino was small, restaurants cozy, rooms just a tad above motor lodge fare. But its location right across from the MGM Grand and mid-block from New York-New York and the Luxor/Mandalay Bay empire made it a good option if you wanted to stay cheap.
In fact, I'd just gotten a postcard in the mail advertising $69 rates at the place. Try to stay at that price at the boutique that's replacing it -- or any other casino hotel near the Strip for that matter.
By John Deiner |
March 13, 2008; 12:40 PM ET
| Category:
Hotels
,
John Deiner
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Posted by: sad in D.C. | March 13, 2008 1:42 PM
I don't know much about Vegas, but I stayed at the Tuscany, and it was halfway-decent for not-too-expensive. Decent deal. Not too far from the strip, either.
Posted by: Near-strip option | March 14, 2008 12:02 PM
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OMG - say it ain't so??? It was a great location so close to the strip but much cheaper option and a fun place. Sorry to hear how gentrified Vegas is becoming.