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The Flamingo Hotel

The Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is one of the most iconic establishments in the city’s history, known for its glamorous beginnings and its role in transforming Las Vegas from a "Western Town" into a major entertainment destination.

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The Flamingo Hotel was the brainchild of Billy Wilkerson, the owner of The Hollywood Reporter, who envisioned a luxurious hotel-casino in Las Vegas. However, due to financial difficulties, Wilkerson partnered with mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, who eventually took control of the project.

Construction of the Flamingo began in 1945. Siegel and his associates aimed to create the most luxurious and modern hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, setting it apart from the existing properties which were more modest in scale and style.

The Flamingo Hotel and Casino officially opened on December 26, 1946. The opening night was a star-studded affair, attracting celebrities from Hollywood and high-profile guests. However, the initial opening was not successful, plagued by construction delays and financial overruns, leading to a rocky start. It was designed to offer top-notch amenities, including 105 rooms, a casino, a showroom, and a fine dining restaurant. It was the first luxury hotel on the Strip and featured a sleek, modern design with lush gardens, a pool, and pink neon signage that became its trademark.

 

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Bugsy Siegel played a significant role in the Flamingo's development, overseeing the project's completion and infusing it with a level of sophistication that was unprecedented for Las Vegas at the time. The financial difficulties and rumors of skimming from the project's budget led to tensions with Siegel's mob partners. On June 20, 1947, Bugsy Siegel was assassinated in Beverly Hills, California, an event widely believed to be a result of his mishandling of the Flamingo's finances.

 

After Siegel's death, the Flamingo was closed briefly and then reopened under new management. The casino quickly began to turn a profit, helped by its luxurious facilities and growing reputation. That success paved the way for the development of other luxury hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. It set a new standard for what Las Vegas could offer in terms of entertainment, luxury, and style.

 

Today, the Flamingo remains a central part of Las Vegas history. Though it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, the hotel-casino still honors its roots, with historical displays and references to Bugsy Siegel and its storied past. It is the oldest continuously operated hotel on the strip.

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Hours

Mon-Tue: CLOSED (open for private events)

Wed: 3 pm - 9 pm 

Thu: 3 pm - 9 pm

Fri: 3 pm - 10 pm

Sat: 2 pm - 10 pm

Sun: 2 pm - 8 pm

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Happy Hour: Wed-Fri 3 pm - 5 pm

*Check Calendar for Special Closures

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7330 Eastgate Rd. Suite 100
Henderson, NV 89011

702-629-7534

© 2024 Las Vegas Distillery

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