Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, January 2017
General information
Type	Condo hotel
Location	Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
Address	2000 Fashion Show Drive
Coordinates	36°07′47″N 115°10′22″W
Groundbreaking	July 12, 2005
Construction started	November 2005
Topped-out	May 25, 2007
Opening	March 31, 2008 (2008-03-31)
Owner	Phil Ruffin (50%) and The Trump Organization (50%)^[citation needed]
Management	The Trump Organization
Height	622 feet (190 m)
Technical details
Floor count	64
Floor area	185,805 m^2 (1,999,990 sq ft)
Design and construction
Developer	The Trump Organization
Other information
Number of suites	1,282
Number of restaurants	2
Parking	550
Website
trumphotels.com/las-vegas

The Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is a 64-story hotel, condominium, and timeshare located on Fashion Show Drive in Paradise, Nevada, US, named for part owner Donald Trump. It is located down the street from Wynn Las Vegas, behind the former site of the New Frontier Hotel and Casino on 3.46 acres (14,000 m²), near the Fashion Show Mall, and features both non-residential hotel condominiums and residential condominiums. The exterior glass is infused with gold.^[1]

The property opened on March 31, 2008, with 1,282 rooms.^[1] It has two restaurants: DJT, the developer's initials, and a poolside restaurant, H2(eau).^[2] Trump announced that a second, identical tower would be built next to the first tower, but the plan was suspended after the mid-2000s recession. It is Las Vegas's tallest residential building at 622 feet (190 m).^[3] In September 2012, the Trump Organization announced that it sold roughly 300 condominium units in Trump International Hotel Las Vegas to Hilton Worldwide's timeshare division, Hilton Grand Vacations.^[4]

History

Early years

In April 2002, Phil Ruffin announced that he had partnered with Donald Trump to build Trump Tower Las Vegas, a $300 million 60-story condominium tower with 300 units and the possibility of a casino, to be constructed on Fashion Show Drive, near Ruffin's New Frontier Hotel and Casino. Trump had initially approached Ruffin two years earlier about developing a property on or near the Las Vegas Strip. Construction on Trump Tower Las Vegas was to begin in six to seven months and was expected to last approximately 18 months.^[5] In August 2003, Ruffin said the tower had been decreased to 43 stories and was expected to cost $272 million.^[6]

In November 2003, Trump denied that the project had been delayed or that it was suffering from a lack of financing. Trump also said he was considering "something on a larger scale" for the project.^[6][7] In July 2004, Ruffin said the project had been delayed up to that point because of other business ventures, including Trump's reality television show, The Apprentice.^[8] That month, Trump and Ruffin announced revised plans for Trump International Hotel and Tower, a $300 million condominium-hotel with over 1,000 units.^[8] Although Trump held a Nevada gaming license, he chose not to include a casino on the property.^[9] Donald Trump's son Eric Trump later said, "We have no problem getting a gaming license, but we wanted to do something different here. We wanted a true luxury resort experience. It's hard to have a high-quality product when you walk into 'ding, ding, ding' and there are people walking around in Hawaiian shirts with big plastic drink mugs."^[10]

Ruffin appeared in an October 2004 episode of The Apprentice to sign a $300 million deal with Trump regarding the project.^[11] The project was referenced again in the show's second-season finale, when winner Kelly Perdew was offered a job at the property.^[12] Jack Wishna, who introduced Trump to Ruffin, was a minority partner in the project.^[1][13] In January 2005, the project was valued at $1 billion.^[14] Groundbreaking was initially scheduled for May 2005, with completion expected by the end of 2006.^[15] By May 2005, all of the tower's 1,282 condominium units had been reserved by prospective buyers.^[16]

Trump and Ruffin held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on July 12, 2005.^[13][17] The Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote that the event was "really a ribbon-cutting and photo opportunity". News programs such as Access Hollywood and Extra provided coverage of the event, which was attended by approximately 300 state and local government representatives, as well as Carolyn Goodman, showgirls, Steve Wynn and his wife Elaine Wynn, and Miss USA 2005 winner Chelsea Cooley.^[13][18]

Condominium units went on sale the same day with the opening of a $3 million temporary sales center at the corner of South Las Vegas Boulevard and Fashion Show Drive, in front of the New Frontier. The building was 8,100 sq ft (750 m²), and featured a 10-foot replica of the tower.^[13][15][19] That month, an NBA team was in negotiations to purchase an entire floor of the tower, while Trump was considering an alternative version of The Apprentice that would involve the tower.^[20] Construction was expected to begin by the end of that summer, and was expected to last 24 to 30 months.^[18]

Construction began in November 2005, when the building's foundation was poured.^[21] After the completion of a 36,000-square-foot recreational deck in March 2006, an average of 800 workers constructed one new floor for the tower approximately every six days.^[21] The tower was topped out on May 25, 2007.^[21] The project was constructed at a cost of $500 million,^[22][23] on 3 acres (1.2 ha) of land that was part of the rear parking lot for the New Frontier.^[13] The project was designed by Bergman, Walls & Associates and built by Perini Building Company.^[21]

Trump Hotel Las Vegas opened on March 31, 2008. An opening ceremony was held by Trump and Ruffin on April 11, 2008.^[24] By October 2008, only 21 percent of condo unit sales had closed, as potential buyers had trouble securing mortgages.^[25] As of 2013^[update], Eric Trump oversees operations at the tower.^[10]

Second Tower proposal

By April 2005, a second, identical 64-story tower was being planned.^[15] Sales of the second tower were planned to begin by the end of 2005, with a 35 percent increase in prices from the first tower.^[18] In November 2005, the second tower was planned to open sometime in 2009.^[26]

In April 2007, the second tower was the subject of an episode of The Apprentice in which the show's candidates were tasked with creating a marketing program for the new tower.^[12][27] Condo units for the tower went on sale the next day.^[12][21] Trump said the tower would be nearly identical to the first tower, and would also include 1,282 units.^[12] Because of rising construction expenses, the second tower was expected to cost $625 million, which would have brought the total cost of Trump International Hotel and Tower to $1.1 billion.^[12] This number was later reported to be $1.2 billion in February 2008, at which point the second tower was expected to begin construction at the end of the year.^[28]

In April 2008, Trump said he had not decided on a start date for the second tower, choosing to wait until all sales had closed on the first tower's rooms. At that time, reservations were still being accepted for the second tower's units.^[29] The second tower was ultimately put on hold because of bad credit markets.^[30] In August 2015, Eric Trump spoke of the potential for the second tower: "I think in time it's a very good possibility."^[30]

Recent history

Labor relations

On December 4–5, 2015, employees voted in favor of unionizing the hotel property. It was organized by the Bartenders Union and the Culinary Workers Union and supervised by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under the Obama administration.^[31] Donald Trump owns a penthouse on the 61st floor.^[32]

Potential sale of property

In 2024, there were discussions over whether or not the property might be sold or seized by New York Attorney General Letitia James following Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York.^[33] The property could sell for $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion.^[34]

2025 Tesla Cybertruck explosion

Main article: Trump International Hotel Las Vegas Tesla Cybertruck explosion

A CCTV still of the Tesla Cybertruck on fire moments before exploding

On January 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded and caught fire in the valet area of the hotel resulting in one death and seven injuries. Authorities believe fireworks, gasoline, and gas tanks were connected to a detonator operated by the driver.^[35][36] The incident is being investigated by Las Vegas police and the FBI as a potential terrorist attack.^[37] Elon Musk stated that Tesla's senior team is investigating the explosion using telemetry last reported by the Cybertruck, and also concluded that the explosion was not caused by the vehicle but fireworks and/or a bomb in the bed of the vehicle.^[38] The body of the driver was recovered from the vehicle, and seven bystanders were treated for injuries. The vehicle had fireworks-style mortars onboard.^[39]

DJT restaurant

Main article: DJT (restaurant)

The DJT restaurant is the flagship full-service restaurant at the property.^[40][41]

Gallery

• 
  Lobby
• 
  Entrance
• 
  Construction in March 2006
• 
  Construction photo taken in August 2007 from the Riviera Hotel and Casino
• 
  Completed first tower as seen from south of Wynn Las Vegas
• 
  Trump Hotel in 2009
• 
  Trump Hotel in 2013
• 
  Trump Hotel in 2017
• 
  Trump Hotel in 2018

See also

• List of tallest buildings in Las Vegas
• Wealth of Donald Trump

References

1. Mishak, Michael J. (April 30, 2011). "Trump's tower a sore spot on the Strip". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
2. Jen Leo, Las Vegas Trump Tower opens today, Los Angeles Times, March 31, 2008.
3. "Fact sheet" (PDF). Trumplv.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-07-03.
4. Segall, Eli (September 6, 2012). "Trump tower on Las Vegas Strip sells some 300 units as timeshares". Vegas Inc.
5. Robison, Jennifer (April 23, 2002). "Trump, Ruffin in LV luxury condo deal". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
6. Simpson, Jeff (November 6, 2003). "Trump: Only things up in air about Las Vegas plans are where, how big". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 31, 2005.
7. Benston, Liz (November 6, 2003). "Ruffin, Trump exploring larger Vegas condo complex". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
8. Shubinski, Jennifer (July 30, 2004). "Trump in new LV condo deal". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
9. Hirsch, Jerry (July 30, 2004). "Trump's New Big, Big Idea: Condos on the Vegas Strip". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
10. Sylvester, Ron (April 2, 2013). "Hired or fired? How the Trump is doing after five years in Las Vegas". VegasInc.com. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
11. Smith, Rod (October 31, 2004). "Inside Gaming: Street hints suitors souring on Rio". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 8, 2004.
12. "Tower Pitch Goes Prime Time". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 9, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
13. Benston, Liz (July 13, 2005). "Trump the star of the show in condo resort groundbreaking". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
14. Smith, Hubble (January 21, 2005). "Expert sees upside for high-rise condos". Archived from the original on December 12, 2005.
15. Schmelzer, Randi (April 11, 2005). "It Takes 2 Gearys to Sell Trump Towers". Adweek. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
16. Stutz, Howard (May 5, 2005). "Trump condo project reserves all 1,283 units". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 7, 2005.
17. Stutz, Howard (July 12, 2005). "With project's start, Trump's time has come". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 18, 2005.
18. Stutz, Howard (July 13, 2005). "Living the high life, Trump style". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on April 27, 2006.
19. Sutz, Howard (June 21, 2005). "Trump International Hotel groundbreaking set for July 12". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on April 27, 2006.
20. Clarke, Norm (July 13, 2005). "Team in talks to buy Trump floor". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 8, 2005.
21. "Trump celebrates project". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 27, 2007. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
22. Stutz, Howard (October 15, 2006). "The Next Wave". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 1, 2006.
23. "Site work under way for Windmill Lane Plaza". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 28, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
24. "Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas - Opening Ceremony". CBS. July 5, 2011. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
25. Knightly, Arnold M. (October 14, 2008). "Credit squeeze hits high-rises". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on October 15, 2008.
26. Benston, Liz (November 20, 2005). "North Strip: Brink of a boom?". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
27. "Trump announces second tower". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 6, 2007. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
28. "Opening slated for Trump condo-hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 5, 2008. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
29. Stutz, Howard (April 6, 2008). "Trump's second tower may wait". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
30. Botkin, Ben (August 1, 2015). "Trump has a piece of Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
31. Stutz, Howard (December 7, 2015). "Culinary calls for contract talks after Trump workers vote for union". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved December 7, 2015.
32. "Trump hotel executive uses personalized care to build customer base". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 30, 2008. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
33. Officials mum about potential sale of Las Vegas Trump Hotel
34. How much could Trump hotel in Las Vegas sell for? It's complicated
35. "Tesla cybertruck bursts into flames outside Trump hotel in Las Vegas, killing one". NBC News. 2025-01-01. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
36. "One killed after Tesla Cybertruck catches fire and explodes outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel". PBS News. 2025-01-01. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
37. Police probe if blast at Trump hotel is linked to New Orleans attack
38. "Tesla Cybertruck explosion at Trump hotel in Vegas investigated as a possible terrorist act, law enforcement official says". CNN. 2025-01-01. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
39. Margolin, Josh; Stone, Alex; Hutzler, Alexandra (1 January 2025). "Cybertruck explosion at Trump Las Vegas hotel treated as possible act of terror: Official". ABCNews.go.com. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
40. Friess, Steve (April 27, 2011). "Donald Trump's political positions could hurt his Las Vegas business". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
41. West, Jinae (June 26, 2009). "Michelin: Bad economy means no 2010 guide in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 27, 2016.

External links

• Trump International Hotel Las Vegas – official hotel website
• Trump Las Vegas Condominiums – official real estate website