11 Oldest Hotels on Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas, or the “Sin City,” or “The City that Never Sleeps,” or whatever you want to call it, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the US and the world! There are around 40 million travelers who visit Vegas each year, indulging in their fantasies. However, every time you come to this buzzing city, you’ll probably notice new hotels, while the old ones may have been demolished or rebranded. Today, we want to remind you of the oldest hotels on Las Vegas Strip! It’s arguably the most popular area in Vegas and is home to countless casinos and resorts. But did you know that some of them have been operating for over a hundred years? Many have even changed names numerous times! Below, we’ll also show you the oldest hotel in Las Vegas Strip! Let’s take a look at these hotels!

Best Western Plus Casino Royale

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The first hotel on this list is the Best Western Plus Casino Royale. Like the oldest hotel Vegas has to offer, the hotel has been called many names. It was formerly the Nob Hill Casino, which opened in 1978. The hotel was pretty popular back in the day, but it didn’t last long, as it closed in 1990. Two years later, the hotel was remodeled and reintroduced as the Casino Royale. It featured over 200 slot machines and 4 table games.

Then, in 2013, the hotel was rebranded again. This time, it’s called the Best Western Plus Casino Royale. Unlike some of the oldest hotels on Las Vegas Strip, which also boast casinos, this one caters to low rollers. Furthermore, gamers may be familiar with this hotel. That’s because it was in the 2004’s Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Today, it’s one of the most popular hotels on the Strip that offers everything you need and more.

The Cromwell Hotel & Casino

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Up next on this list is The Cromwell Hotel & Casino, one of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Formerly Barbary Coast, the hotel was opened in 1979. However, the hotel’s construction wasn’t met with open arms. Its construction was opposed by many local resorts nearby the hotel, mainly because of worries about the increase in traffic. Thankfully, the construction was managed to be completed.

Featuring Victorian-style architecture, the Barbary Coast would get bigger and was bought by Boyd Gaming in the year 2004. But since then, the hotel has been rebranded and reopened a few times. It was in 2014 that the hotel reopened as The Cromwell. The renovated hotel includes many opulent amenities, including a rooftop pool, club, and many others. And just two years ago, it became an adults-only hotel.

Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

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Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino has an interesting history as one of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. It was built on the site of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in the year 1985. At that time, it was so big that it’s considered one of the world’s (yep, not only Vegas’) biggest hotels! The North Tower (now called the Indigo Tower) had more than 2,000 guestrooms, and the Jubilee Tower (now the South Tower), which was added in 1984, added another 730 rooms for the hotel.

Though not the biggest or tallest hotel in Las Vegas anymore, Bally’s remains one of the most prominent hotels on the Strip. It’s a premier destination for fun and gambling in the city. Today, it boasts over 1,000 slot machines, 58 gaming tables, 14 poker tables, and more than 2,800 fancy guestrooms that ensure a good night’s sleep. Just like the oldest hotel Vegas has to offer, we highly recommend staying at this hotel!

Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

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The history of Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino goes back to the year of 1973. Though not the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, it sure has some significant history. The hotel was originally opened as the Holiday Casino. The owners of the hotel at that time were Shelby and Claudine Williams, who also owned the Silver Slipper Casino. That time, the hotel was riverboat-themed. But after Shelby Williams passed away, the hotel was bought by Holiday Inns, Inc.

Fast forward to 1992, the hotel was renamed Harrah’s Las Vegas. A few years after the rebranding, the riverboat theme was completely dropped. It was changed into a Mardi Gras theme, which still can be enjoyed by guests right now. And after a recent renovation, the hotel has never been better! It has six on-site restaurants, a lavish spa center, a huge casino, and many other amazing amenities.

Circus Circus Hotel, Casino, & Theme Park

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Another addition to our list of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip is none other than Circus Circus Hotel, Casino, & Theme Park. Renowned for its carnival theme and indoor theme park, this accommodation is one of the most eye-catching hotels. The hotel was inspired by the success of the Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino. Actually, it was the first Las Vegas hotel that was purposely built to accommodate traveling families.

This isn’t the oldest hotel Las Vegas has to offer, but it sure has some interesting stories. The owner of the hotel was impressed by the hotel’s circus theme that he decided to open a casino before the guestrooms were completed. That was a bad move, though, as the hotel was nearly closed because of that. Thankfully, that didn’t happen, and the hotel still operates today as one of the best family hotels in Las Vegas.

Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino

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Perfect for travelers with opulent tastes, Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino is one of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Opened in 1966, it surely isn’t the oldest hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. However, it was, and still is, one of the most sought-after accommodation options, especially among high rollers. To many, it was Vegas’ first hotel that offered royal treatments. Even the hotel’s opening party was nothing short of luxurious. The celebration included two literal tons of filet mignon, thousands of glasses of champagne, as well as countless Ukrainian caviar.

Just like the oldest hotel Vegas has to offer, Caesars Palace has been renovated several times. In 1992, The Forum Shops, one of the most amazing shopping malls in the world, was added. And throughout the years, it also has accommodated many iconic musicians, such as Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Elton John, Diana Ross, and many others. Today, it also offers some of the best restaurants in the city!

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

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We’re already halfway through the list! But before we show you the oldest hotel on Las Vegas Strip, there are still some historic hotels that you need to know about, including Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino! The resort was originally the Tallyho Hotel, which opened in 1962. After changing hands a few times, it was reintroduced as Aladdin in 1966. But after many highs and lows, the hotel was sold in bankruptcy in 2003.

It wasn’t until 2007 that Planet Hollywood emerged on the site. The guestrooms, casino, and many other spots were all renovated, giving the hotel a new coat of paint. Though it’s among the oldest hotels on Las Vegas Strip, it sure doesn’t feel old. Today, it’s one of the most popular hotels on the Strip. The hotel is widely known for its Miracle Mile Shops, the indoor shopping mall that features plenty of stores and a showroom theater.

The LINQ Hotel and Casino

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No, The LINQ Hotel and Casino isn’t the oldest hotel Vegas has to offer. However, as one of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, it is the hotel that has the most identity changes! Originally the Flamingo Capri Motel, it opened in 1959. Unlike typical motels, it was a fancy motel built close to a hotel with a similar name. Yep, you guess it right! It was near the Flamingo Hotel & Casino. But what’s great is that the hotel agreed to provide some services to the guests of the motel.

Then, in 1971, the motel changed hands and was expanded, resulting in the addition of a casino in 1972. Since then, the motel kept getting bigger and bigger until it managed to become a hotel. In 1979, it was renamed the Imperial palace. Then, in 2011, the Caesars Entertainment Corporation bought the hotel. It was then named The Quad Resort and Casino for a while before finally being named the LINQ Hotel and Casino. No more name changes, we hope!

Tropicana Las Vegas

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The Tropicana Las Vegas may not be the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, but it sure has plenty of tales to tell. Named one of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, it started to welcome guests in 1957. In fact, it was the very first hotel in the city that was established as a resort hotel instead of a hotel slash casino. Ben Jaffee, the hotel’s founder, decided to design the hotel with a classy and luxurious feel. With a tropical theme, Tropicana was and still is, one of the most popular hotels in Las Vegas.

Fun fact: when the Tropicana opened, it was the most expensive hotel in Las Vegas ever built! That’s not all, as it has been featured in many movies and TV shows, such as Diamonds Are Forever, Viva Las Vegas, Charlie’s Angels, and many more. Throughout the years, the hotel has been renovated many times. Currently, it’s one of the most iconic hotels on the south end of the Strip and features a massive 50,000 sq ft casino.

SAHARA Las Vegas

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The second oldest hotel Las Vegas Strip has to offer is the SAHARA Las Vegas. Originally Sahara Hotel and Casino, it opened in the year 1952 with North African-themed architecture and design. It did pretty well compared to some of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Popular American trumpeter Louis Prima once performed here, and so did Abbott & Costello. Unfortunately, its luster would eventually fade.

After being sold in 2007, the hotel underwent a big makeover and was reintroduced as SLS Las Vegas in 2014. If you’re wondering, it stands for “style, luxury, and service.” Sadly, its success was short-lived. In 2018, the Merulo Group purchased the hotel and decided to renovate it and bring back its original charm. It would then reopen as SAHARA Las Vegas, a charming hotel that we all love for its top-notch amenities and location that allows you to explore the top things to do in Las Vegas.

Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

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Now that you’ve met some of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, it’s time for us to introduce you to the original hotel of the Strip! Say hello to the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the oldest hotel on Las Vegas Strip! This stunning hotel opened back in 1946 and currently has over 3,600 guestrooms. During that time, many local casinos had the Old West facade, but this hotel decided to do something different by becoming the first to bring glamor! However, when it opened, it wasn’t doing as well as it does now. Thankfully, after a short hiatus, the hotel reopened and began to perform well!

The Flamingo isn’t only known to be the oldest hotel Vegas has to offer on the Strip. It’s also the first casino in town to have zero clocks and windows! Pretty unique, right? It was designed like that on purpose, though, so gamblers would lose track of time. And we think this strategy works, as many casinos now use the same tactic! Apart from adult entertainment, did you know that this oldest hotel on the Las Vegas Strip also boasts a family-friendly pool?

Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Las Vegas Strip

• Peppermill Las Vegas – A neon-lit lounge with fruity cocktails and amazing food, Peppermill has been around since 1972. One of the locals’ favorites includes the Bloody Mary. However, you should note that there are no reservations here.
• Battista’s Hole in the Wall – Near the Cromwell and LINQ, this Italian restaurant is a must-visit. It offers authentic Italian food and has a wide selection of fine wine.
• Mon Ami Gabi – This fancy restaurant is a favorite among locals and travelers alike! Popular for its French food and wine, it’s available for dine-in and take-out only.

Recommended Things To Do in Las Vegas Strip

• The Las Vegas Strip: Exploration Game – What is the best way to learn the history of Vegas? By solving clues and playing games, of course! This engaging exploration game will let you know the city a bit better. You’ll listen to unique stories, admire replicas of international landmarks, and more!
• Las Vegas Strip: The High Roller at The LINQ Ticket – Have fun admiring the views of the Strip from the High Roller at the LINQ! Skip the line, get on this observation wheel, and marvel at the sweeping views for 30 minutes!
• Las Vegas: Open-Top Panoramic Night Tour with Live Guide – Marvel at the lights of the Strip and the downtown area by joining this tour! You’ll drive along the Strip and have a chance to take a picture of (or with) the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and more!