Viva Las Vegas!

19. Flamingo Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

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This Flamingo was the third casino to open on the Strip in 1946 and is the oldest resort still in operation on Las Vegas Boulevard. Its Streamline Moderne architecture is a holdover from its Miami Beach influences, as is the wildlife habitat in the garden courtyard where the signature flamingos frolic. It was mobster Bugsy Siegel who named the Flamingo after he bought a two-thirds interest in the property during construction. He had a superstitious interest in flamingos from his days owning the Hialeah Park Race track in Florida and considered them a good omen. He even called his girlfriend Virginia Hill "Flamingo" due to her long and winsome legs. Unfortunately the Flamingo, billed as "The West's Greatest Resort Hotel," was a flop despite Siegel recruiting big-name Hollywood entertainment. The lucky name did him no good and in 1947 Siegel was murdered by his gangster associates who were convinced he was skimming profits from the operation. New management downplayed the gambling aspects of the hotel and instead played up the air conditioned rooms, swimming pools, dining and entertainment - the first "complete Vegas experience." In the ensuing years the Flamingo experienced many renovations and several owners. Meanwhile a monument to Bugsy Siegel was erected on the grounds.