Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World and has seen countless iconic hotels that have shaped its unique character and history. While the city is known for its constant evolution and modernization, some historic hotels have left an unforgettable mark on its landscape.
Let’s explore nine of the coolest, most historic hotels that have contributed to the city’s legacy. From the luxurious Sands Hotel and Casino to the charming Algiers, these establishments have all played a role in making Las Vegas the dazzling destination it is today.
1. Algiers Hotel
The Algiers Hotel, located near the north end of the Strip, opened in 1953 and was known for its Moroccan-themed architecture. The hotel provided a quieter alternative to the bustling casinos of the Strip, offering guests a more relaxed environment. Its distinctive design and intimate atmosphere made it a favorite among travelers seeking a unique Las Vegas experience. The Algiers Hotel closed in 2004.
Suggested link: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/jul/26/lasting-impression-unchanged-since-the-50s-the-alg/
2. Ann Meyers Queen of Hearts
The Queen of Hearts Hotel, named after the iconic Ann Meyers herself, was a small, budget-friendly hotel located in downtown Las Vegas. It provided affordable accommodations for travelers looking to explore the city’s attractions without breaking the bank. The hotel was demolished in 2010 to make way for the current site of Las Vegas City Hall, but it remains a fond memory for many who stayed there and for those lucky enough to see the original neon sign at The Neon Museum.
3. Sands Hotel and Casino
The Sands Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1952, was one of the most famous hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Known for its elegance and association with the Rat Pack, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, the Sands was a hotspot for entertainment and glamor. The hotel’s Copa Room hosted legendary performances, making it a key venue in Las Vegas’ entertainment history. The property closed and was imploded in 1996, making way for the Venetian
Slide of the Sands Hotel sign, Las Vegas, circa 1950s-1960s, UNLV Special Collections
4. Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino
Debbie Reynolds, the beloved actress and singer, purchased the Paddle Wheel Hotel and Casino and renamed it the Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino in the 1993. The hotel featured a Hollywood memorabilia museum, showcasing Reynolds’s extensive collection of movie costumes and props. It was a unique destination that combined the glitz of Hollywood with the excitement of Las Vegas. The property closed in 1997 and transitioned into Greek Isles Hotel and Casino then to the Clarion Hotel and Casino prior to the building’s demolition in 2015.
5. Dunes Hotel and Casino
The Dunes Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1955, was known for its Arabian Nights theme and luxurious amenities. The hotel featured a distinctive 35-foot-tall fiberglass sultan statue at its entrance, adding to its exotic distinctive allure. The Dunes was one of the first hotels to introduce topless showgirls, setting a trend for adult entertainment in Las Vegas. The property closed in 1993, after Steve Wynn purchased the property to construct the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
UNLV Digital Collections, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 collection, 1950s-1960s
6. Barbary Coast
Scott Baright Collection, 1992
The Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino, located at the corner of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, opened in 1979. In 2007, it was rebranded as Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall and Saloon, and later as The Cromwell.
Suggested link: https://special.library.unlv.edu/taxonomy/term/13173
7. Desert Inn Hotel & Casino
The Desert Inn, which opened in 1950, was one of the first luxury resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. It quickly became a favorite among celebrities and high rollers, known for its elegant design and world-class amenities. The D.I., as some locals and tourists called it, closed in 2000 and was imploded after Steve Wynn purchased to property to build Wynn Las Vegas.
Las Vegas’s history is rich with iconic hotels that have shaped the city’s unique character. From the luxurious Sands and Desert Inn to the charming Algiers , these hotels have left a lasting legacy. We explore these hotels, and many other Las Vegas icons, in our Illuminating Las Vegas guided tour. Throughout the tour, guests can explore the hidden treasures of The Neon Museum and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Las Vegas’ radiant history.
Photographs Desert Inn Hotel Photographic Negatives. UNLV Special Collections and Archival