Lake Las Vegas Residents Disappointed at Ritz-Carlton Closing

LAS VEGAS -- This week, officials at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas said they will be closing in May, leaving close to 400 without a job. This is the first time the Ritz has ever had to a close a hotel.

Lake Las Vegas is about 15 miles away from the city. Businesses in the area have had several challenges through the years -- golf courses closing down and some resorts changing ownership because of money problems.

Residents say they are sad to see the Ritz go and admit Lake Las Vegas has encountered some tough times, but business is going on.

Fred and Barbara Hudoff enjoy their morning walks through the Village at Lake Las Vegas.

"We decided that we would build some property out here and invest in the area. We bought two lots in south shore," said Fred Hudoff.

The Hudoff's have had a place there since 2002 -- a time when Lake Las Vegas had three golf courses to choose from and a fourth in the works. But then the economy took a hit.

"The fourth golf course was supposed to open. It was all leveled out and graded and then this problem hit," he said.

The couple can't help but think about one of Lake Las Vegas' big properties, the Ritz, closing in May.

"The company decided to close it because they weren't going to fund it anymore and without funding we can't run a five diamond hotel," said Vivian Deuschl with the Ritz-Carlton.

Deuschl helped open the Ritz almost seven years ago and never expected this property would have to close.

"It costs a great deal of money to run a five diamond resort. We are the operators, not the owners. I want to make that clear. And we really didn't have a choice," she said.

Choices are something locals of the lake and visitors have.

Brian Johnson with Loews Lake Vegas Resort wants people to know the Ritz closing doesn't mean the lake is drying up anytime soon.

"It was unfortunate to hear about the recent developments here at Lake Las Vegas and the local community, but the fact remains, here at Loews in Lake Las Vegas, we are committed to our community and team members. We are hiring," he said.

The Ritz says hotels on the Strip have been asking to see if their employees might be interested on taking jobs on Strip properties because of the training that Ritz employees have.

The Ritz also says it's too early to say if once the economy gets better, the hotel will be back.

Source: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11966084