Pics from my USA trip - Las Vegas Hilton

[srj1967]

So here are some pics from Vegas recently. The Hilton stage is exactly the same as it was in Elvis' day, except for the "funky angels" on the walls. The room is much smaller than I'd imagined. A security guard was kind enough to let me in ... and to walk on the stage. It was almost pitch dark inside, so pics were difficult to get. I wouldn't normally put a pic of me on here, but walking onto the Hilton stage through the artists' entrance was very cool, and I hope you can all get to do it one day. I didn't get the guard's name, but ... thank you, buddy! (y)

[srj1967]

More Las Vegas photos ...

[toffe]

Thank you soo much for sharing!! (y)

[SweetCaroline]

Thank you for the pictures.
To me it seems like only yesterday I was there watching him just a few feet away...so reading the first plaque brought the tears rolling.....:(

Boy, do I remember the banners all over the casino area that they mention in the other plaque.

As you probably know the seating was not like that in the 70's...it was red booths and then long tables down by the stage.....so the showroom itself looks very different to me.

I hope you had a great time. It looks like you did. (y)

[srj1967]

As you probably know the seating was not like that in the 70's...it was red booths and then long tables down by the stage

Yeah, I asked the guard about that, and he said the Hilton hasn't done dinner shows for many years, so no tables anymore. They only do straight out performances.

[franny]

Thanks, for the pics!! Cool! (y) The plaques are great, worded so well! :clap:

It must have been amazing to just be there and on that stage!

franny

[SweetCaroline]

It has changed a bit. :hmm: Is my age showing. :)

http://www.vegastripping.com/images/features_elvis_intl.jpg
"Thank you very much. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the big, freaky International Hotel. Those little weirdo dolls on the walls. And those little funky angels on the ceiling. Uh, this is my first live appearance in 9 years. H-uhh! Thank you. I've appeared dead a few times, but this is my first live appearance. Before the evening is up, I will have made a complete and total fool of myself, and I hope you get a kick out of watching it." --EP
http://www.vegas-dreaming.com/images/hilton01a.jpg

[Diane]

I'm so happy you got to do this trip srj and now you'll have all your wonderful memories in photos!:clap:

Thanks so much for sharing these with us.

Diane

[SweetCaroline]

srj...What is the size of the statue of ELVIS? :king: Is it the size of ELVIS? It looks smaller. It is hard to tell the size of it in the photo...Can you give a guess/estimation for us? Thanks

[srj1967]

srj...What is the size of the statue of ELVIS? :king: Is it the size of ELVIS? It looks smaller. It is hard to tell the size of it in the photo...Can you give a guess/estimation for us? Thanks

I'd say it's around six feet or so ... not quite life size, but very close. It was located in the Hilton Hotel lobby until a couple of years ago. Has been there since 1978.

[thehillbillycat]

I'd say it's around six feet or so ... not quite life size, but very close. It was located in the Hilton Hotel lobby until a couple of years ago. Has been there since 1978.

The statue is life size. I have talked to one of the guys a few years ago who worked on the statue.

[EE:UK reader]

WOW! Now that is one place i hope to visit some day. Sweet Caroline how lucky were you really being there. You must have some fantastic memories.

Your photos have been a pleasure to look through - Thank you for taking the time to post them.
Elaine.

[Holly]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful photos :D. Seems like you had a really great time.

[Dovey]

(y)(y) Thanks for sharing the pix and your vacation with us...It would be wonderful and I am very happy for you. Dovey ;)

[Elvis 1972]

Thanks for sharing these great photos, the seating arrangement looks different to when I was there, and the Hilton sign looks new. They still back memories for me though... Thanks!!!

Rita

[Gerianne]

I love the plaques the best. You certainly had a great time there.

[Elvis 1972]

Hi SweetCaroline, do you remember that long walk down to the Hilton back in the 70's, it seems that we walked slowly at first but as you got nearer to the Hilton the pace speeded up and when you got even nearer to the Hilton you were literally running to get there knowing that our Elvis was in that building!

Rita

[SweetCaroline]

Hi SweetCaroline, do you remember that long walk down to the Hilton back in the 70's, it seems that we walked slowly at first but as you got nearer to the Hilton the pace speeded up and when you got even nearer to the Hilton you were literally running to get there knowing that our Elvis was in that building!

Rita


Hi Rita,
Wasn't the excitement inside the International Hotel casino something? You could just feel happiness everywhere....and the banners and souveniers with ELVIS all over the place. It seemed like everyone you saw was wearing an ELVIS button. You would think he was running for president.:D If ELVIS was he would have been elected by that crowd. :lol: I was 23 by then...but...man...that feeling was better than Christmas morning as a kid....and going inside the showroom and seeing ELVIS walk out on that stage was like opening your presents...and ELVIS the best gift you ever received in your whole life!!! :D
I don't remember so much the long walk....but I remember the long drive from San Diego, but considering you came from Europe I should not complain about 4-5 hours. :D:D:D

~carole~

[elvislady]

Great pics thanks for sharing.
elvislady(y)

[Raised on Rock]

Yeah, I asked the guard about that, and he said the Hilton hasn't done dinner shows for many years, so no tables anymore. They only do straight out performances.

hey srj, anychances getting into the once Elvis suit over there?

[srj1967]

hey srj, anychances getting into the once Elvis suit over there?

Sorry, don't understand the question ...

[Elvis 1972]

Hi Rita,
Wasn't the excitement inside the International Hotel casino something? You could just feel happiness everywhere....and the banners and souveniers with ELVIS all over the place. It seemed like everyone you saw was wearing an ELVIS button. You would think he was running for president.:D If ELVIS was he would have been elected by that crowd. :lol: I was 23 by then...but...man...that feeling was better than Christmas morning as a kid....and going inside the showroom and seeing ELVIS walk out on that stage was like opening your presents...and ELVIS the best gift you ever received in your whole life!!! :D
I don't remember so much the long walk....but I remember the long drive from San Diego, but considering you came from Europe I should not complain about 4-5 hours. :D:D:D

~carole~

Hi Carole, yes it was so exciting. Even waiting in line to go into the showroom!! Everyone seemed to want to talk to you, then you would hear on the loud speakers - "calling Mr Vernon Presley, calling Mr Vernon Presley!!" you really knew where you were!

And when you are in the showroom we had to sit through The Sweet Inspirations and Jackie Kahane and Jackie Kahane's act seemed to go on and on and on, it never seemed to end, eventually it did!

Then the 2001 theme started up, we all knew what was coming next didn't we!! Your heart starts thumping like mad, you're thinking to yourself... "hurry up, hurry up" and then he appears, you just cannot believe he is there in front of you, but he was. Yes, it really was an exciting time, Christmas had come early for me as well!

Rita

[riley]

wow what a beautiful story. The way you told it too, it was for a brief moment like I was there too.

Tell us how was he.

Is it true he was bigger then life when you saw him in person???