The Aladdin Las Vegas | Up In Smoke:

Once a prominent Las Vegas icon, the Aladdin Hotel left an indelible mark on the city’s history, creating cherished memories for both longtime patrons and dedicated employees.

During the glamorous era of the 70s, the Aladdin solidified its status with the grand opening of the tower. This star-studded event attracted Hollywood luminaries like Tina Louise, Christopher and Linda Day, and David Soul, along with other TV and film stars, making it a spectacle to remember.

A historical moment unfolded on May 1st, 1967, when the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, married Priscilla Presley in room 246 of the Aladdin. The marriage certificate adorned the wall until the property’s implosion, with only one lucky couple gaining access to the room in 1996.

The Aladdin, initially known as the Tally Ho when built in 1963, evolved into a casino-less structure. Purchased in 1966 and renamed the Aladdin, it became Nevada’s largest casino upon the addition of the gaming facility. Its connection with Elvis Presley further elevated its profile.

In the 1970s, the Aladdin expanded with the construction of a 20-story tower, the Tower of Majesty. However, its association with the mob led to a shutdown ordered by the Gaming Control Board in 1970. Wayne Newton and Ed Torres stepped in, reopening the Aladdin in 1976 after purchasing it for $85 million.

Bankruptcy plagued the Aladdin in 1984 and 1989. Jack Sommer took ownership in 1994, buying it for $80 million, leading to the resort’s implosion on April 27th, 1998.

The implosion, a spectacle with explosives shutting down the Strip, marked the end of the original Aladdin. The city bid farewell to the beloved establishment, but its legacy endured.

Rebuilding from the ashes, the all-new Aladdin emerged on April 17th, 2000. Boasting over 135,000 square feet of gaming space, 2500 rooms, and the enchanting Desert Passage, an Arabian-themed shopping center, the Aladdin continued to captivate visitors. Barbara Eden, the iconic Jeannie actress, officially opened the Desert Passage, offering an indoor thunderstorm experience.

In a subsequent chapter, the Aladdin transformed into Planet Hollywood, reopening in August 2000 under the ownership of Caesars Entertainment. Today, Planet Hollywood stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the Las Vegas Strip, blending entertainment, gaming, and a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What was the Aladdin Las Vegas and why is it significant?

The Aladdin Las Vegas was a historic hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. It gained significance for hosting memorable events, including the wedding of Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1967.

2. When did the Aladdin originally open, and what was its initial name?

The Aladdin opened in 1963 under the name “Tally Ho” before being later purchased and rebranded.

3. What major event occurred on May 1st, 1967, at the Aladdin?

On May 1st, 1967, Elvis and Priscilla Presley tied the knot in room 246 of the Aladdin, a historic event celebrated at the hotel.

4. How did the Aladdin evolve in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, the Aladdin underwent expansion with the construction of a 20-story tower known as the “Tower of Majesty.”

5. What challenges did the Aladdin face, leading to its closure in 1970?

The Aladdin, one of the last mob-run casinos, faced closure in 1970 following an order from the Gaming Control Board.

6. Who played a role in reopening the Aladdin in the 1970s?

Wayne Newton and Ed Torres played a key role in reopening the Aladdin after purchasing it for $85 million.

7. When did the Aladdin file for bankruptcy, and what were the subsequent developments?

The Aladdin filed for bankruptcy in 1984 and again in 1989. Jack Sommer bought the property in 1994, leading to its implosion in 1998.

8. How did the Aladdin rise from the ashes, and when did it reopen?

The all-new Aladdin reopened on April 17th, 2000, featuring over 135,000 square feet of gaming space and the enchanting Desert Passage.

9. What is the Aladdin known as today, and when did this transformation occur?

The Aladdin is now known as Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. The transformation occurred in 2000 under the ownership of Caesars Entertainment.

10. What are some notable features of the all-new Aladdin, and how does it continue to captivate visitors today?

The all-new Aladdin featured over 2500 rooms, an Arabian-themed shopping center called the Desert Passage, and various entertainment options. Today, as Planet Hollywood, it remains a blend of Hollywood glamour and Las Vegas excitement.