Archie Smith
They say that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” and every single day, it’s safe to say that a lot does happen in Sin City.
Attracting millions of tourists annually with its one-of-a-kind attractions and the surrounding natural marvels, Las Vegas is among the most popular US cities. Even though Las Vegas offers a plethora of free activities, “The Strip” is undeniably the city’s crown jewel.
Hotels, museums, and other attractions line the Strip, Las Vegas’s main drag. However, its most iconic landmarks, the hotels and casinos, each have their own unique tale.
When the Tropicana, the only remaining “mob era” hotel in Las Vegas, is demolished in early October 2024, visitors may ask what other historic casino hotels can be found on the Strip.
To this day, visitors are welcomed by the following historic hotels and casinos, which grace the Las Vegas Strip and make you feel like you’re still in the 19060s.
The LINQ Hotel & Casino
Although the LINQ Hotel & Casino is housed in one of the oldest structures on the Vegas Strip, it has undergone several transformations during its 65-year existence.
In contrast to other hotels on the Strip, the LINQ Hotel and Casino was first a motel called Flamingo Capri. The motel was an annex of the Flamingo Las Vegas, the inaugural genuine luxury resort on the Strip.
The motel was acquired and enlarged beginning in 1971, ultimately evolving into the hotel known as the Imperial Palace. According to research conducted by Gambling.com, this is the location where daredevil Evel Knievel wrecked his motorbike during a leap over the resort’s fountains in 1967.
The present ownership acquired the property in 2011; subsequently, naming the ancient edifice proved somewhat challenging. The LINQ Hotel & Casino was formerly named The Quad Resort until its rebranding in 2014.
Currently, LINQ Hotel & Casino offers a unique experience with its distinctive observation tower, The High Roller, which is the highest observation tower globally. LINQ features an open-air shopping district called the Promenade, setting it apart from a traditional casino experience.
Doors Opened: 1959
Features: High Roller Observation Tower; LINQ Zipline; LINQ Promenade; Asian palace motif and décor
Circus Circus
Circus Circus, an indoor amusement park with a striking circus motif, was a significant departure from other establishments on the Las Vegas Strip upon its opening in 1968.
Circus Circus was the first hotel casino to attract families by providing more child-friendly amenities on-site, despite several hotels attempting to bring consumers to the region throughout the years.
Although Circus Circus remains operational, the resort nearly encountered failure after the casino started operations before the hotel’s completion; thus, it faced imminent failure before its full operational launch.
Fortunately, the hotel and casino was finalised, and the carnival-themed establishment continues to enchant customers of all ages today.
Doors Opened: 1968
Features: Circus-themed hotel; the inaugural family-oriented resort in Las Vegas; Adventuredome amusement park
Harrah’s Las Vegas
In contrast to most of Las Vegas’ renowned casino-hotels, Harrah’s Las Vegas is not a unique resort. The Harrah’s now located on the Strip was not the inaugural Harrah’s in Las Vegas.
Undoubtedly, the 51-year-old hotel is replete with history. It originated as Holiday Casino, featuring a distinctive riverboat motif influenced by the triumph of earlier themed hotels.
Like many historic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, the establishment saw a change of ownership. In 1992, the site was transformed into Harrah’s Las Vegas, undergoing a comprehensive renovation.
The riverboat concept was replaced with a more lively Carnival Mardi Gras theme, which customers at Harrah’s may still enjoy today.
Doors Opened: 1973
Features: Vibrant funfair and Mardi Gras motif; Initially designed with a riverboat motif; completely refurbished in 2018
Sahara Las Vegas
Sahara Las Vegas is among the oldest hotel and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip; however, its narrative is anything but straightforward. Sahara Las Vegas debuted in 1952 as Sahara Hotel and Casino, achieving significant popularity for several years with its North African motif.
Like many of Las Vegas’s oldest hotels, the renowned Sahara Hotel has suffered the effects of time. After over 60 years of service, the deteriorating Sahara Hotel ceased operations in 2011.
In contrast to other historic hotels in Las Vegas, the Sahara was not fated for demolition. It was acquired and relaunched as SLS Las Vegas, a wholly unique hotel.
Following many tumultuous years and a further change of ownership, the Las Vegas establishment experienced yet another refurbishment. The hotel returned to its African motif, including a more contemporary spin.
Currently, the Sahara Las Vegas ranks among the premier hotels in downtown Las Vegas. It seamlessly integrates historical elements with modern amenities, and the structure itself is one of the oldest still in operation on the Vegas Strip.
Doors Opened: 1952
Features: North African motif; Boutique-style service and design; Pools influenced by Moroccan design
Caesars Palace
This Roman-themed casino hotel is one of the most iconic establishments on the Las Vegas Strip and has some of the city’s most distinctive architecture.
Caesars Palace, adorned with Greek-Roman columns and spectacular artistic exhibits, is among the most opulent hotels on the Vegas Strip.
Although previous hotels such as the Flamingo showcased thematic colours and patterns, Caesars Palace was the inaugural themed hotel in Las Vegas.
Over the years, Caesars Palace has remained a symbol of opulence. It now features an expansive luxury mall for guests and tourists to explore.
Doors Opened: 1966
Features: Greek-Roman architectural motif; first themed hotel in Las Vegas; centred on opulent luxury
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