classic – the suite life of travel

If casinos could talk, the Flamingo Las Vegas would have a few great stories to tell. One of the oldest resorts first built on the strip, I can’t imagine all of the celebrities that have passed under its pink peacock lights in the last century.

Billy Wilkerson, a real estate developer and nightclub owner, wanted to open a luxury hotel that would rival the European resorts that offered extravagant amenities. When the development came under financial difficulty, it was notorious mobster, Bugsy Siegel who would financially contribute to the project which first opened in 1946. In total, the Flamingo would cost a total of $6 million.

Unfortunately, Wilkerson signed a deal with the devil and when Siegel’s investment was slow at producing a profit, it would end up costing Siegel his life. He was gunned down in the summer of 1947.

The hotel changed hands and names over the next few years and the famous flamingos were a main attraction. There is also a wildlife habitat with a koi pond, adding to the hotel’s tropical theme. Jimmy Buffett opened his trademark Margaritaville restaurant at the Flamingo and and expanded the franchise to include the Margaritaville mini-casino.

Various acts have come and gone at the Flamingo, but as of this writing, Donny and Marie Osmond and Olivia Newton John were the headliners.

The Flamingo Las Vegas fades in comparison to the newly designed luxury hotels, but its attraction is its history in the life of Las Vegas. It is also famous as the location of some great films such as Ocean’s 11 starring such Rat Pack members as Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Junior. Bugsy, a film about the life of Bugsy Siegel was also shot on location at The Flamingo.

Do you have any great memories of visiting The Flamingo or watching some of the great oldies films where the Flamingo appears in the movie? I would love to hear about your experience at The Flamingo Las Vegas if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Flamingo Las Vegas is located at 3555 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas. For more information about Flamingo Las Vegas, visit the property’s website at www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas.

What are some of your favorite stories about The Flamingo? I would love to hear about them if you would leave your comments below. Happy Travels!

Waterfall at the Flamingo Las Vegas

The MGM name has been around Las Vegas for a long time. First opening in 1973 as the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Bally Entertainment Corporation purchased the property in 1985. An expansion to the hotel began in 1991 and reopened using the current infrastructure in 1993 but with an upgrade. During that time, MGM Grand Las Vegas was the largest hotel in the world.

The façade of the building today is nothing like the Wizard of Oz theme of the 90’s. The external color of the building glowed an emerald green, while the interior showcased memorabilia from the movie classic. It was the casino that provided the experience of visiting Oz. There was the yellow brick road which included several stops from the cornfield, the haunted forest and the apple orchard, all complete with animatronic images of the original cast including the Wicked Witch of the West. Upon entering the hotel, there were also figures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to greet the visitors and welcome them to the hotel. The Wizard of Oz theme lasted only three years, and a new, more mature MGM Grand Las Vegas would appear.

The current Leo the Lion would make his debut in 1998 weighing in at 50 tons and standing 45 feet tall. During a time when Las Vegas was moving toward a family friendly atmosphere, the MGM Grand moved forward with their big plans to include a theme park behind the casino to attract those of non-gambling age. Unfortunately, the park would only survive one year and the space would be used to create The Signature at MGM Grand, as luxury condos and hotel complex.

MGM Grand Las Vegas hosts the Cirque du Soleil show, Ka and the magic of David Copperfield. Visitors can also enjoy a night of comedy at the Brad Garrett Comedy Club. The most recent attraction is the CSI Experience, which is an extension to the television show, CSI based in Las Vegas. The Garden Arena is an entertainment complex which includes sporting events as well.

With five swimming pools, waterfalls and a river on the property, the resort is also home to some of The Strip’s top restaurants by famous chefs such as Joel Robuchon, Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck.

The MGM Grand Las Vegas is an icon and Leo the Lion continues the tradition. For more information about the MGM Grand Las Vegas, you can visit their website at www.mgmgrand.com. The resort and casino is located at 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Which Las Vegas hotel is your favorite? I would be interested in learning more about which hotels bring you back and what features and attractions are of interest to you! Leave your summary in the comments section below! Happy Travels!