Making History Come Alive Newsletter offers the History of historic and iconic hotel in Las Vegas- The Flamingo Hotel
The Flamingo Hotel is a historic and iconic hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. It was opened on December 26, 1946, by mobster Bugsy Siegel and his partners, making it one of the first luxury resorts in Las Vegas. The Flamingo Hotel has a rich and colorful history, and it played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas as a popular tourist destination.
The Flamingo Hotel was named after Siegel's girlfriend, Virginia Hill, who had red hair and long legs, earning her the nickname "The Flamingo." The hotel was designed in a tropical, Miami Beach-inspired style, with pink stucco walls, lush gardens, and a distinctive neon sign that featured a pink flamingo. The hotel's luxurious amenities and upscale atmosphere set it apart from other resorts on the Strip, attracting a wealthy and glamorous clientele.
Despite its opulent facade, the Flamingo Hotel was plagued by financial problems from the start. Bugsy Siegel's extravagant vision for the hotel cost millions of dollars to build, and the project quickly went over budget. The hotel struggled to attract enough guests to cover its expenses, leading to mounting debts and financial difficulties.
In 1947, Bugsy Siegel was gunned down in his Beverly Hills home in a mob hit that is believed to be linked to his involvement in the Flamingo Hotel. After Siegel's death, the hotel was taken over by a consortium of investors, including notorious mob figures like Meyer Lansky. The Flamingo Hotel continued to operate under new management, but its reputation as a mob-run establishment persisted.
Over the years, the Flamingo Hotel underwent several renovations and expansions to keep up with the changing tastes of Las Vegas visitors. The hotel added new towers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including a wildlife habitat with live flamingos and other exotic animals. The Flamingo Hotel's iconic pink neon sign and tropical theme remained a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip, attracting tourists from around the world.
Today, the Flamingo Hotel is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation and continues to be a popular destination for visitors to Las Vegas. The hotel features over 3,500 rooms, a sprawling casino floor, multiple dining options, live entertainment, and a lush pool area with water slides and cabanas. The Flamingo Hotel's retro-chic vibe and historic charm make it a beloved landmark on the Strip, attracting guests who want to experience a taste of old-school Las Vegas glamour.