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