George Maloof, Palms honor and remember Hugh Hefner
The past and current owners of the Palms are honoring Hugh Hefner today, a day after the publishing icon and cultural trailblazer died at age 91 at Playboy Mansion.
The hotel swiftly assembled a message for George Maloof on its marquee on Flamingo Road. The message “R.I.P. Hugh Hefner: 1926-2017” is displayed on the side of the sign facing east and will be in place until Friday morning.
That sign dates to the opening of the hotel in November 2001, when it was owned by the Maloof family of Las Vegas. George Maloof, head of the ownership team for a decade, was a friend and business associate of Hefner through Playboy’s partnership with Palms and N9NE Group from 2006-2012. The Playboy Club atop the hotel was a Palms hot spot in that period, and the hotel christened the street leading from Flamingo Road to the east side of the hotel Hugh Hefner Drive.
“I had the unique opportunity to work with Hef for several years at the Palms,” Maloof said in a text message. “My experience with him as a partner and friend was amazing. His love of his family, friends and the company he created was always on display.
“His constant loyalty to the people around him defined his character.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
