Trump high-rise project on Strip impresses entrepreneur

Las Vegan Al Thomas believes he made a smart move when he purchased two units at the Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas.

"It's a great investment, and I see great value of having property on the Las Vegas Strip," said Thomas, an entrepreneur and professional speaker. "I know that any real estate with the Trump name on it will be a great investment because he has a reputation for building successful, quality projects."

Thomas recalled the time he met the project's namesake.

"Donald Trump was in Las Vegas for a speaking engagement, and we spoke for awhile at the sales office," he said. "He invited me to be his guest for the conclusion of his conference and we spent about three hours together. Donald Trump is very meticulous about what he puts in his projects and that was evident during our conversation. He asked my opinion about several things, including tables and chairs, the flat-screen televisions, the beds and headboards, and even the fabrics used. And true to his word, he implemented many of my recommendations. That shows how much he values the opinions of his owners."

The 64-story condominium-hotel tower will encompass 1,282 units, including 880 studio suites and 352 one-bedroom suites on the 16th through 59th floors. Fifty one-, two- and three-bedroom penthouse suites will occupy the top five floors.

Prices start from the $600,000s to more than $6 million.

All units come furnished, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Also included are upscale kitchen appliances, flat-screen plasma televisions, wireless Internet, cable television and in-suite movies.

"I plan to spend quite a bit of time at Trump Las Vegas," Thomas said.

"I will also offer my second unit to friends and colleagues. And while I'm not using them, I will use them as investments and rent them out as hotel rooms. It is the best of both worlds."

On-site conveniences will include 24-hour concierge and security services; a professionally managed spa, fitness center and salon; a heated pool with sundeck and bar; a business center with meeting facilities; doorman and valet parking services; and restaurants.

The sales center is located at 3128 Las Vegas Blvd. South, at Fashion Show Drive.