The Aladdin Las Vegas: From Legendary Glitz to a Transformative Legacy on the Strip

Once a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Strip, the Aladdin Hotel holds a treasured place in the city’s history. Its story is one of glitz, glamour, and reinvention, leaving behind unforgettable memories for its patrons and employees alike.

The Glamorous Rise of the Aladdin

The Aladdin burst onto the scene in the 1960s, though its origins date back to 1963 when it was first built as the Tally Ho, a casino-less hotel. In 1966, the property underwent a transformation, adding a casino and earning the title of Nevada’s largest gaming venue. Renamed the Aladdin, it quickly became a hotspot on the Strip, attracting visitors from far and wide.

One of its most legendary moments occurred on May 1, 1967, when Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, married Priscilla Presley in room 246 of the Aladdin. This iconic event immortalized the hotel in pop culture history. The couple’s marriage certificate hung on the wall of the room until the original property was demolished, offering a glimpse into its storied past.

The 1970s saw the Aladdin cement its reputation as a glamorous destination with the construction of its 20-story Tower of Majesty. The tower’s grand opening was a star-studded affair, drawing Hollywood legends like Tina Louise, David Soul, and other prominent TV and film personalities. This event epitomized the Aladdin’s role as a hub of celebrity and luxury on the Las Vegas Strip.

Mob Ties and Financial Woes

Despite its success, the Aladdin’s history was marred by controversy. Its mob connections led to a forced shutdown by the Nevada Gaming Control Board in 1970. Salvation came in 1976 when entertainer Wayne Newton and businessman Ed Torres purchased the property for $85 million, reopening it with a renewed sense of grandeur.

However, the Aladdin’s fortunes remained tumultuous. The 1980s brought financial difficulties, with bankruptcy striking twice in 1984 and 1989. Jack Sommer acquired the struggling property in 1994 for $80 million, but its troubles culminated in a dramatic end.

On April 27, 1998, the Aladdin’s story came to a spectacular close. A carefully orchestrated implosion shut down the Strip and marked the end of an era. Crowds gathered to bid farewell to the beloved hotel, watching as the explosives brought down its iconic structures.

From the ashes of the old Aladdin emerged a new vision. The rebuilt Aladdin opened its doors on April 17, 2000, as a modern resort designed to captivate a new generation of visitors. With over 135,000 square feet of gaming space, 2,500 guest rooms, and the enchanting Desert Passage shopping center, the property retained its magical allure. The Arabian-themed Desert Passage, complete with an indoor thunderstorm feature, was inaugurated by Barbara Eden, the iconic actress from I Dream of Jeannie.

The Evolution into Planet Hollywood

The Aladdin’s final transformation occurred in 2007 when it was rebranded as Planet Hollywood under the ownership of Caesars Entertainment. The resort reopened with a blend of Hollywood glamour and Las Vegas energy, offering visitors a vibrant experience of entertainment, gaming, and luxury.

Today, Planet Hollywood stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of the Las Vegas Strip. Though the original Aladdin has long since vanished, its legacy endures in the memories of those who walked its halls, marveled at its splendor, and witnessed its unforgettable moments in Las Vegas history.