The Ho fun Ho was built by Ron’s Construction Company, based in Las Vegas. In 1969, the Westward Ho was advertised as having over 1,000 rooms, including those in the Satellite wing, and 120 rooms in the Executive Suites. The property also included a 24-hour Denny’s restaurant, and a slot arcade known as Nikel Nik’s.
The Westward Ho casino was added in 1971. Dean Petersen died in November 1997, at the age of 63. The Westward Ho was put on sale that month. Dean Petersen’s sister, Faye Johnson, continued to operate the Westward Ho. Frank Zarro, the president of American Pastime, had no immediate plans for the Westward Ho, although he planned to eventually acquire or build a Las Vegas golf course that could potentially be integrated into the Westward Ho property. According to the Westward Ho, Suttles could not provide funding to close the deal, and escrow was terminated in September 2003. 2 million, after which escrow was terminated again following multiple extensions.
In June 2005, Suttles filed a lawsuit against Westward Ho Properties LLC, alleging that the owners of the hotel-casino chose not to proceed with his 2003 deal as part of an attempt to get more money for the property, which had increased in value since the time of the initial deal. On September 14, 2005, it was announced that the Westward Ho would close on November 17, 2005, as it was in the process of being sold to Centex Destination Properties, a division of Centex Corporation. The Westward Ho closed at 5:00 p. Centex’s plans for the property included the possibility of multiple hotels, as well as a casino and a residential aspect. In June 2006, Centex ceded a majority of its share in the property to Tharaldson Companies.
In 2012, the Las Vegas Sun included the Westward Ho on its list of “extinct casino brands we’d like to see return to the Strip,” writing, “For a town still full of cowboys, we sure are short on Western themed casinos. Inside the casino, the prevalent color scheme was brown and green, emphasizing the brass and Dark Oak fixtures. A water fountain inside the casino poured water down a pyramid of champagne glasses. In 1988, the “Hot Lava” dance show debuted at the Westward Ho. Local entertainer Robbie Howard, who did impressions of celebrities, performed in a show at the Westward Ho called Hurray America, which ran from 1993 to 1999.
Grubstake Jamboree Steak Barbeque and Show. The Ho was opened on the rear portion of the Westward Ho’s property, at 2920 South Industrial Road. The Ho offered a small casino with five table games, 200 slot machines, and a sports book. Also offered was a convenience store, a gas station, a lounge and a restaurant. The Ho had 130 employees and 300 parking spaces, and was the only gas station on Industrial Road. Management at the Westward Ho hoped to have The Ho become a popular locals casino, particularly among people who worked in the hundreds of businesses along Industrial Road. Other potential clientele would include people who used Industrial Road to avoid traffic on the nearby Las Vegas Strip.
As of January 2005, The Ho’s lounge area was used for karaoke contests. Break Ground for New Enterprise: Unusual Wedding Anniversary Fete”. New York City company enters deal to acquire Westward Ho”. Westward Ho will remain a Midwest favorite, may be tied to golf course”. Clark County Department of Business License. Luck of the draw: Howard’s ‘Stars of the Strip’ struggling to get noticed at Lady Luck”.
Westward Ho to be sold to Florida investor”. Strip Land Deal: Harrah’s, Boyd swap plots – Analysts say exchange good for both gaming companies”. Pricey land buy on Las Vegas Strip a bit of a surprise”. Buyer to consider giant ferris wheel on site”. Last hurrah for Westward Ho: Patrons turn out, turn wistful on closing day for budget hotel-casino”. Historic Westward Ho Closes on The Las Vegas Strip”.