A Pioneer on the Strip

The mid-1960s were a pivotal time for the Las Vegas Strip. The Rat Pack reigned supreme, glitz was the name of the game, and new resorts were popping up constantly, vying for a piece of the booming tourism pie. Amongst them, in 1963, arrived the Westward Ho Hotel and Casino, quickly nicknamed “The Ho” by those in the know. Situated between the iconic Stardust and the future site of Slots-A-Fun, it represented a more relaxed, motel-style experience compared to the towering, opulent palaces that were also emerging.

Dean Petersen and his siblings were the visionaries behind “The Ho.” The name itself was a clever nod to the 19th-century wagon trains that had traversed the harsh landscape of the American West, fitting in with the broader pioneer theme often seen in early Las Vegas branding. Petersen understood the appeal of offering a comfortable, family-friendly escape, with low-rise buildings nestled around pools – a welcome respite from the desert heat.

More Than Just Rooms & Slots

By 1969, the Westward Ho had significantly expanded, boasting over 1,000 rooms and attracting a loyal following. It wasn’t just about the rooms, though. The 24-hour Denny’s was a legendary late-night stop for hungry gamblers and tourists alike. And the sprawling slot arcade provided endless entertainment for those looking for some low-stakes action. The casino itself, spanning 35,000 square feet, was a bustling hub of activity. “The Ho” cultivated a friendly, approachable atmosphere – a stark contrast to some of the more intimidating, high-roller environments elsewhere on the Strip. This focus on accessibility cemented its place in the hearts of many Las Vegas regulars.

A Legacy of Loss and Redevelopment

Sadly, the legacy of “The Ho” ended abruptly. Following Dean Petersen’s passing in 1997, the property was put up for sale. His sister, Faye Johnson, bravely kept the operation going for several years, but the writing was on the wall. In 2005, the announcement came: the Westward Ho would close its doors. The 650 employees were impacted, marking a significant loss for the local community.

While Francis Zarro initially acquired the property with no immediate plans, the land’s value proved undeniable. A complex series of transactions saw Harrah’s Entertainment acquire the option to buy, then trade it to Boyd Gaming in exchange for the Barbary Coast. The land’s worth was estimated at a remarkable $101.6 million – a testament to its prime Strip location. Boyd’s initial vision for expansion into Echelon Place was ultimately shelved during the Great Recession. A single McDonald’s became a quirky, temporary landmark on a small piece of the former Westward Ho property.

Today, the once-familiar landscape of “The Ho” is almost unrecognizable, completely absorbed by the sprawling Resorts World complex. Yet, for those who remember, “The Ho” remains a cherished memory of a more approachable, uniquely Las Vegas era on the Strip.