Maxim hotel to close Aug. 17

Kevin Ferguson

Thursday, June 21, 2001 | 11:02 a.m.

The non-gaming Maxim hotel near the Las Vegas Strip is scheduled to close Aug. 17, when 270 people will likely lose their jobs.

The 795-room hotel, at Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, has been financially struggling for years, closing its casino to cut costs two years ago after emerging from bankruptcy. The hotel-casino was built in 1979.

When asked today why the hotel is closing, Maxim lawyer Tony Zmaila said the reason is simple.

"The place is losing money."

Zmaila said the property is for sale and its owner receives offers "all the time," but he would not disclose names of any potential buyers.

Maxim employees were given a 60-day notice of the closure and subsequent layoffs on Friday in a letter signed by Larry Bertsch, president of L.L.B, which oversees the property.

"In the past few months, we have been actively analyzing all our operations at the Maxim. Based upon that analysis, we have concluded that it will be necessary to close the facility. This will result in the elimination of all positions, including yours," the letter said.

Scott Wade, director of hotel operations, said the hotel is accepting room reservations through Aug. 16.