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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Prime Hospitality Corp.:
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report dated January 28, 1997, covering the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and to all
references to our firm included in or made a part of this Registration
Statement.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Roseland, New Jersey
April 2, 1997