The Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas has a lot of history – dating back to its original opening as part of the Mob’s illegal operations when they ran things here. Today, it is an iconic piece of American history that continues to be referenced repeatedly throughout pop culture because of this!
In the Beginning
The Flamingo opened on December 26, 1946. It was the first hotel in Las Vegas to have air conditioning. The opening night event featured an appearance by famed actress Virginia Hill – who happened to be Siegel’s girlfriend at the time. What a way for it all to start!
However, tragedy struck just two months later – on the night of June 20, 1947. Bugsy Siegel was assassinated by what is believed to be mafia members who were unhappy with how things were going at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.
However, this did not mean that construction should stop or even slow down – especially since it had already started! Instead, Siegel’s brother took over the project and finished construction. When it was ready to open again, the hotel expanded from its original 341 rooms to 450.
In 1950 things continued to be successful at this resort destination – making a profit of $500k! In 1951 The Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas introduced something that would revolutionize this area – a convention floor.
In 1955, the Flamingo was bought by renowned mobster Frank Costello from Siegel’s estate for $12 million. He then sold it to hotel magnate Kirk Kerkorian in 1963 for $15 million, who later traded it with Sam Diamond for The Dunes Hotel and Casino.
In 1967, it was sold again to chemist and gambling addict Dan Elardi. He changed the hotel’s name back to The Flamingo Hotel – as it had been known initially. In 1968 he lost his fortune due to bad investments (including buying gold) and committed suicide.
In December of that same year, the Flamingo Hotel and Casino was purchased by Alex Shoofey. He owned it until 1974, when he sold it to Holiday Inns for $60 million.
They operated the property from 1975 until 1988 – at which time they transferred ownership to Archon Corporation, which paid about $95 million for it.
In 1990, Jack Sommer and his partners bought the property for $70 million – then sold it to Margaret Elardi (Dan’s ex-wife) in 1994 for about $82 million. In 1997, she sold it to the current owners (Caesars) for about $90 million.
The Flamingo Now
Today, the Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas is a part of Caesars Entertainment (which was recently purchased by Eldorado Resorts) – one of the most well-known names in gambling.
The Flamingo has nearly 3460 rooms and suites – making it one of the largest resorts on The Strip. It has a vast pool area, multiple restaurants, a wedding chapel, spas, and a 24-hour fitness center.
It also offers plenty of entertainment options for guests – including the iconic Wildlife Habitat, which features over 100 different species of birds, Koi fish, turtles, ducks, swans, and flamingos (of course), and more!
However, what is most interesting about this property is its history – both past and present. The Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas have seen it all!
Today, the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas continues to have a long-standing reputation of being one of the most popular luxury resorts on The Strip! It has been featured countless times over the years and through various TV shows and movies.
The Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas will continue to be an iconic resort destination – with tons of history, events, entertainment options, and great food! There is truly something for everyone here!
Ghost Stories of The Flamingo Hotel and Casino
There are many ghost stories surrounding The Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Ghost Adventures featured the hotel on an episode where one of their team members claimed to have been possessed! Here is some information about what could be a few different ghosts that haunt this casino resort destination:
- Virginia Hill: many believe that she haunts the hotel because of her involvement with Siegel.
- Dan Elardi: some feel that he haunts the Flamingo Hotel and Casino because of how badly he wanted it back after Siegel had taken ownership from him. He thought that this was rightfully his – so many believe that he still comes around in hopes of reclaiming what is his.
- Benjamin Siegel: some feel that this mobster haunts the casino resort because of how badly things ended for him. Most say they have seen a ghostly figure dressed in black with a fedora hat and long coat.
- Bugsy’s Gold Room: many believe that this room is haunted because of what happened to Siegel – who was gunned down in front of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. His blood remains on or near where he passed away and a bullet hole from the incident.
- “Slots” Annie: A former showgirl who performed at The Flamingo in its early days is said to haunt Room 3535, which was once an office for Bugsy himself! She supposedly committed suicide here by jumping out of the window to escape the police arresting her for prostitution.
- Freeman: A maintenance worker crushed by a chandelier has been seen and heard throughout The Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas ever since!
- Miss Cash: Many believe she is the ghost of a former showgirl named Joyce Raye, who used to perform at the Flamingo. She is spied frequently in the lobby and on camera!
Ghosts or not, many things can be said about The Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas – especially if you have been here yourself! This hotel has seen success from its opening up until the present day. It has seen owners, mobsters, and even a few ghost stories! Whatever its future holds, it is sure to be interesting!
There is no better way to experience all that this hotel can offer than to spend a night or two inside! You might even become part of one of these famous ghost stories yourself.
The Future
Who knows what the future holds for the Flamingo and Las Vegas itself! We can only hope that this long-standing iconic location will continue to be a vital part of the Las Vegas Strip’s glory.