Las Vegas is known for its bright lights and modern casinos, but behind the glitz and glamor lies a fascinating history. Some of the city’s oldest hotels have stood the test of time, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the early days of the Strip. These historic landmarks capture the spirit of old Vegas, where luxury, entertainment, and a bit of mystery draw people from all over the world. Here are some of the oldest hotels in Las Vegas that continue to tell the city’s story, blending past charm with modern-day appeal.
Stardust Resort and Casino
The Stardust Resort and Casino opened on July 2, 1958, at 3000 South Las Vegas Boulevard. It initially featured 1,065 rooms and a 16,500-square-foot casino, with iconic signage that became a symbol of Las Vegas nightlife. It was known for its top-notch entertainment, hosting performers like Wayne Newton and Siegfried & Roy. As time passed, the hotel expanded to include a 32-story tower and a convention center, enhancing its appeal among tourists. It closed in 2006 and was demolished to pave the way for the ambitious Echelon Place project, which was eventually abandoned. In 2021, Resorts World Las Vegas opened on the former Stardust site, continuing the property’s legacy. It remains a significant chapter in the history of Vegas entertainment.
Tropicana Las Vegas
Opened on April 4, 1957, the Tropicana Las Vegas is located at 3801 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Known as “The Tiffany of the Strip,” it was the most expensive hotel built in Las Vegas at the time, featuring a Cuban ambiance with lush tropical gardens. The resort originally offered 300 rooms and a 24,000-square-foot casino. Over the years, it expanded to include the Paradise Tower in 1979 and the Island Tower in 1986, bringing the total room count to 1,467. It has been featured in various films, including Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and the James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever.” In 2024, it was announced that it would close to make way for a new $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium, marking the end of an era for this historic hotel.
The Dunes Hotel
Opened on May 23, 1955, The Dunes Hotel was located at 3600 South Las Vegas Boulevard and featured an eye-catching 65-foot fiberglass sultan statue at its entrance. Known for its luxurious facilities, it also had a 90-foot V-shaped swimming pool, appealing to travelers looking for opulence. It hosted legendary performers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, drawing large audiences with its top-tier entertainment lineup. Over the years, it expanded to include a 24-story tower and even added a golf course, contributing to the resort’s allure. Despite its success, the hotel faced financial troubles and ultimately closed in 1993. Steve Wynn acquired the property and demolished it to build the Bellagio, which opened in 1998. This new chapter brought a world-class resort that further elevated the Strip’s status.
Riviera Hotel and Casino
The Riviera Hotel and Casino opened on April 20, 1955, at 2901 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Known as the Strip’s first high-rise hotel, its nine-story building initially offered 291 rooms and a 10,800-square-foot casino. It attracted countless visitors with its entertainment offerings, hosting shows like “An Evening at La Cage” and the “Crazy Girls” revue. Over time, it expanded, ultimately housing over 2,000 rooms and a 100,000-square-foot casino. Despite its popularity, the hotel faced mounting financial struggles and eventually closed on May 4, 2015. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority purchased the site, and the property was demolished in 2016 to make way for an expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Sands Hotel and Casino
The Sands Hotel and Casino opened on December 15, 1952, at 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Famous for its luxurious accommodations and iconic performances, it attracted stars like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. It initially featured 200 rooms and a 20,000-square-foot casino, catering to affluent visitors and celebrities. Over time, it grew to include a 500-room tower and a convention center, accommodating Las Vegas’s growing tourism demand. However, despite its popularity, the Sands closed in 1996 and was demolished to make way for The Venetian, which opened in 1999. It remains etched in history as a key player in establishing Las Vegas as a glamorous entertainment capital.
Sahara Las Vegas
Established on October 7, 1952, Sahara Las Vegas is located at 2535 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Originally, it featured 240 rooms and a casino with an exotic Moroccan theme, bringing a taste of North Africa to the desert. Known for its star-studded shows, it welcomed legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. After its initial heyday, it closed in 2011, only to reopen as SLS Las Vegas in 2014 following significant renovations. In 2019, the property returned to its original Sahara name, preserving its historic identity. Today, it offers 1,615 rooms and a modern array of amenities, merging its historic appeal with contemporary luxuries. Its story illustrates Las Vegas’s enduring commitment to reinvention and glamor.
The Desert Inn
Opened on April 24, 1950, The Desert Inn was located at 3145 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Originally offering 300 rooms and a 2,400-square-foot casino, it was a luxurious establishment that quickly became a favorite among visitors. It was known for hosting big-name entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, adding to its reputation as a stylish resort. It expanded over the years to include a 14-story tower and even added a golf course, appealing to high-profile guests and vacationers alike. It closed in 2000, and the property was demolished to make way for the Wynn Las Vegas, which opened in 2005.
Flamingo Las Vegas
Opened on December 26, 1946, the Flamingo Las Vegas, located at 3555 South Las Vegas Boulevard, holds the title of the oldest resort on the Strip still in operation. Developed by infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel, the original resort opened with a South Beach Miami theme, complete with a lush garden courtyard and wildlife habitat. Initially, it boasted 105 rooms and a 77,000-square-foot casino, providing luxury that was unmatched at the time. Over the decades, it expanded to feature 3,460 rooms and continues to attract millions of visitors annually. It has hosted countless entertainers, including Donny and Marie Osmond in their record-setting residency that ended in 2019. Its resilience demonstrates the timeless allure of Las Vegas’s original glamor.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Opening its doors on November 7, 1941, at 600 East Fremont Street, El Cortez is among the oldest continuously operating hotel-casinos in Las Vegas. Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, it initially featured 59 rooms and quickly became a popular destination for visitors. In 1945, notable figures such as Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky purchased the property, recognizing its potential in the burgeoning casino industry. Over the decades, it underwent several renovations, including the addition of a 15-story tower in 1984, bringing the total room count to 364. Despite these updates, it has retained much of its original charm, with vintage signage and classic décor that harken back to its mid-20th-century origins. In 2013, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as a significant piece of Las Vegas history. Today, it offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern amenities for guests.
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
Established in 1906 at 1 Fremont Street, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino holds the distinction of being Las Vegas’s oldest hotel. Originally named the Hotel Nevada, it was the first concrete hotel in southern Nevada, offering modern amenities for its time, including electric lighting and indoor plumbing. The property underwent several transformations, notably adopting the name Sal Sagev (Las Vegas spelled backward) in 1931 before settling on its current moniker in 1955. Despite its modest size, with 106 rooms, it has been a pioneer in the city’s hospitality scene. It introduced the now-iconic shrimp cocktail in 1959, a culinary offering that became synonymous with Las Vegas dining. Its enduring charm lies in its blend of historic ambiance and modern gaming experiences, making it a beloved landmark on Fremont Street. In recent years, it has expanded its casino floor and updated its guest rooms, ensuring it remains a relevant and cherished destination for both tourists and locals.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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