Paris Las Vegas Hotel: The Arc de Triomphe

April 2012, the two-thirds replica Arc de Triomphe at the Paris Las
Vegas resort is used to advertise Chef Gordon Ramsay's new
steak restaurant. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The real Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
(photo: openyourbag/flickr)

One of the more majestic features of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel is the two-thirds replica of the Arc de Triomphe. The monument sits on an island at the porte-cochere entrance to the resort. There is no attraction within the structure itself and during my visit was being used as a billboard to advertise Chef Gordon Ramsay's new steakhouse restaurant to open soon at the hotel. Because of its location among the constant movement of cars and taxis, foot traffic to the island where the Arc sits is discouraged.

Even at two-thirds, the construction of the replica monument is so massive it's a wonder that an enterprising designer did not find a way to use it to get more money out of the hotel guests and visitors.

The real Arc de Triomphe in Paris was completed in 1836 and stands 164 feet heigh. The monument honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath the vault lies the Tomb of the Uknown Soldier from World War I.

Four main sculptures, two on each wide facade of the Arch, represent important moments of the French Revolution.

The nearly semi-circle porte-cochere represents the highly decorative art nouveau accents that is commonly seen in Paris at the city's Metro (subway) entrances.

The side not facing Las Vegas Boulevard left clear of any
advertising. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

View of the vehicle entrance and Arc from Las Vegas Boulevard.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Arc sits on an island at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel's porte-cochere.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The ornate curve in the metal and glass of the porte-cochere at the
Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Another detail of the porte-cochere at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)