Press Release: Diamond Resorts International
February 15, 2002
LAS VEGAS, NV -- A spectacular new 30-story four-tower French-Themed timeshare resort will be built by Diamond
Resorts International on Harmon Ave. adjacent to its highly successful Polo Towers resort on the Las Vegas Strip,
the company announced today.
Named "The Chateau", the $240-million resort will house 212 villas in each of the four towers, approximately
850 villas in total. Designed by Bergman Walls and Associates, the same architects that designed Paris, The Mirage,
Treasure Island and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the villas will combine the aura of the French Renaissance with
the casual elegance that typifies the Diamond Resorts timeshare experience.
"Just as we did with The Suites and The Villas at Polo Towers, we expect that The Chateau will
set a new standard for luxury and elegance for timeshare resorts, not only in Las Vegas but nationally and even
internationally," said Stephen J. Cloobeck, President and CEO of Diamond Resorts. "Owners at The Chateau
will be treated to a truly unique vacation experience, enjoying a home-away-from-home like they might find in the
south of France, while having the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip just steps away."
Amenities at The Chateau will include: French-style fountains, a themed swimming pool, lush landscaping with manicured
gardens, a spa similar to those found in Vichey, Italy and, at the top of the high-rise, a private club and dining
experience providing uninterrupted views of the Strip and the Las Vegas cityscape.
Each floor will house four two-bedroom villas, two one-bedroom villas and one three-bedroom villa. The size of
the villas will range from 872 sq. ft. one-bedrooms, 1,377 sq. ft. two-bedrooms to 2,380 sq. ft. three-bedrooms.
Each will be elegantly appointed with fine furnishings and opulent décor with a distinctly French motif.
With 120 two-bedroom villas, 60 one-bedroom villas and 30 three-bedroom villas in each tower, The Chateau will
offer more than 1,800 keys and sleeping capacity for 4,800 guests, nearly the equivalent of the new Megaresorts
on the Las Vegas Strip. "We are bullish on Las Vegas and believe that there is pent up demand for Vacation
Ownership inventory, especially units that offer upscale elegance as these villas will." stated Robert C.
Wengel, Chief Operating Officer of Diamond Resorts. "The Chateau will offer a truly themed vacation resort
experience, unlike what has ever been presented before in this market. This will certainly raise the bar for timeshare
excellence!"
Located on the site of the old Shark Club, just across from the entrance to the Aladdin Hotel and Casino, The Chateau
is designed for maximum convenience and enjoyment by owners and guests. "Each tower is designed in an "X"
shape to allow for quick, easy access to the high-speed elevators and, of course, magnificent views in all directions,"
said Joel Bergman, president of Bergman Walls and Associates.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2004 with a 14 month estimated build-out of the first tower. Merilee
Elliott Interiors of Chicago, Illinois has been selected for interior design. Recently awarded the American Resort
Development Association ARDY Award for best resort interior for her work in the Villas at Polo Towers, as well
as numerous other interior design awards and recognition, Elliott will focus on bringing a true French theme to
the villas. The General Contractor selection process is underway at this time.
Diamond Resorts International:
Diamond Resorts International has been involved in developing, marketing and managing vacation ownership resorts,
primarily in Las Vegas, for more than 22 years. It began in the late 1970s with the conversion to timeshare of
The Jockey Club, a 348-unit condominium complex on the Las Vegas Strip.
In the early 1990s, after successfully converting and selling out 270 units at the Jockey Club, the company began
developing Polo Towers, the first purpose-built vacation ownership resort on the Strip. Tower I, with 160 suites,
was completed in 1992; Tower II, with 162 suites, was completed in 1995; and Tower III, the new Villas at Polo
Towers, was opened in 2000 and, at build-out, will house 190 suites. In all, Polo Towers boasts 512 luxury vacation
ownership suites right in the heart of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. In 1999, DRI purchased 23 units in the 130-unit
Kona Reef Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also a developer for the 175-unit Carriage House, just one
block off the Strip in Las Vegas.
To view a brief bio of the principals of Diamond Resorts, please click on their names: Stephen J. Cloobeck and Robert C. Wengel
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Contacts:
Robert C. Wengel, RRP
702.261.1182