Flamingo Las Vegas, Las Vegas

Flamingo Las Vegas, formerly known as The Fabulous Flamingo and Flamingo Hilton Las Vegas, was conceived by the ambitious mobster entrepreneur Bugsy Siegel. Siegel believed that a luxurious resort-style casino located along the road to Los Angeles would attract a more upscale clientele than the Western-themed hotels in downtown Vegas. In 1945, he and his partners were enticed by Las Vegas' legalized gambling and off-track betting, prompting their arrival.

Initially, Siegel acquired El Cortez on Fremont Street, but his expansion plans were hindered by unsympathetic city officials who were aware of his criminal background. Consequently, he sought a site beyond the city limits. Upon learning that Wilkerson needed additional funding, Siegel and his partners masqueraded as businessmen and acquired a two-thirds stake in the project directly.

Siegel took charge of construction, persuading more underworld associates to invest. Despite spending a lot of mob money, he grew impatient with rising costs. He allegedly claimed to have eliminated 16 people but assured his builder it was only within their own ranks. Siegel had an escape plan with a hidden ladder in the "Presidential Suite." It led to an underground garage with a waiting limousine. Sadly, his creation couldn't save him from a fatal gunshot to the head. Mob bosses suspected his embezzlement and ordered his assassination.

The architectural design of the Flamingo pays homage to the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles of Miami and South Beach. Remaining true to its theme and name, the hotel features a garden courtyard that serves as a habitat for flamingos. The establishment initially opened in 1946 but experienced setbacks before ultimately reopening and achieving success. It stands as the oldest resort on the Strip that is still in operation and the sole local casino from the pre-1950s era that remains in business.

A memorial dedicated to Bugsy Siegel can be found on the hotel grounds, adjacent to the Wedding Chapel.