| Ashes to Stardust |
Just the name Stardust seems to exemplify all that a hotel in Las Vegas stands for -- glitter, glamorous life styles, lots of flash and fun. But in March 2007, the 48-year-old legendary hotel-casino was razed to make way for a new $4 billion, 5,300-room
mixed-used complex. The Echelon, as the new structure will be called, is set to be completed by 2010 by Boyd
Gaming, Inc.
Back in its heyday, the Stardust was a regular hang-out for Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack. Siegfried and Roy performed here for years and the Stardust even inspired the book and film “Casino.”
Much like any booming entertainment town, everything is in constant flux. The demolition of the Stardust is no exception. The best bet for anyone interested in Las Vegas and its history is to book a hotel as soon as you can so that you can experience its flash and excitement first-hand! |
| Casino Implosions! |
| You've heard the saying that everything old is new again. If there's one Las Vegas hotel and casino that knows that to be absolutely true, it's the New Frontier. Originally named the Last Frontier when it was built as an Old West-themed gambling hall in 1942, The New Frontier was revamped and became the home of Elvis Presley's first performances in Las Vegas.
And now? The New Frontier is no more. Over its 65 years in business, the Last Frontier/New Frontier hosted performances by Ronald Reagan, Wayne Newton, and Siegfried & Roy. Elvis Presley made his Las Vegas debut at the resort in 1956.
On Nov. 13, 2007, the hotel casino was imploded so a new hotel could be placed near there. The multi-billion-dollar resort, Trump International Hotel and Tower Las Vegas, bearing Donald Trump’s brand made famous in New York City, is that new hotel. The resort consists of 64 stories of ultra-luxurious suites/condos, dining, meeting space and spa. And everything is conveniently located directly across from The Wynn, and right next door to the Fashion Show Mall. |
| The Miracle in the Desert |
| The Dunes casino and hotel opened its doors on May 23, 1955. Located at the southern end of the Strip, the hotel's slogan was, "The Miracle in the Desert." Movie mogul Al Gottesman and the Teamsters Pension Fund were major financial contributors to the Dunes' creation. After considerable initial commercial success, the Dunes saw a steady decline in business. The Dunes changed hands several times, but failed deals and several destructive fires caused the casino and hotel to finally close its doors in January of 1993.
On October 27, 1993, in front of an audience of over 200,000 people, the Dunes was imploded. Those who came to witness the incredible fireworks display seemed saddened by the loss of such a recognizable and beloved Las Vegas landmark. Today, the Bellagio Hotel and Casino stands on The Dunes hallowed grounds, and their famous water and light display seems to pay homage to what might be called the most famous of all Vegas Casinos, The Dunes.
To see the extraordinary water display at the Bellagio, or to pay homage to the old days of Vegas yourself, book a room at any of the fantastic hotels available through i4Vegas.com. |
| The Sands of Time |
| On Dec. 15, 1952, The Sands opened its doors to reveal a hotel and casino unlike any the crowds of that time had ever seen. As the seventh casino to open on the strip, it was an immediate hit, drawing thousands through its luxurious doors every day. Its signature 500-room tower was added in the mid 1960's when it was bought by the eccentric millionaire, Howard Hughes.
The Sands was a mecca for entertainment greats such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Milton Berle, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Johnny Mathis, Danny Thomas and many more stars of that time. Sinatra owned a piece of the hotel for a time and even former President John Kennedy Jr. reportedly stayed in the hotel with his family.
Although the doors closed on this great landmark in 1996 due to its outdated interior and failure to keep up with newer, more modern casinos, old chips from The Sands can still fetch collectors up to $1,000.00 for a $1.00 chip. Today, you can book a luxury suite at the Venetian Resort which stands on the spot.
For more information on where to stay, and to book fantastic hotel accommodations, try i4Vegas.com. |
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