Michelle Harbi looks back at the launch of the legendary Las Vegas hotel and casino
This year marks the 50th anniversary of one of Las Vegas’s best-known hotels and casinos. Caesars Palace wasn’t the first property on the Strip, but it was certainly the most opulent when it opened its doors on August 5, 1966.
Founder Jay Sarno conceived a lavish Roman Empire-inspired resort at which every guest could be treated like a “Caesar” (hence no apostrophe in its name). Built on 14 hectares next to the Dunes hotel (where the Bellagio now stands), it had 680 rooms, a 2,300 sqm convention centre, towering fountains and marble statues, and a pool inspired by the baths of ancient Pompeii.
Picture credit: Las Vegas News Bureau
A reported US$1 million was spent on the three-day opening party, at which Andy Williams performed, more than 50,000 glasses of champagne were consumed, and waitresses in mini togas greeted guests by saying: “I am your slave.”
The trend for larger-than life themed resorts on the Strip was duly kick-started. Today, Caesars covers 34 hectares and has 3,960 rooms and suites split across six towers, including a Nobu hotel, plus 28,000 sqm of meeting space, more than 25 restaurants and a 59,000 sqm shopping mall. You might even find time to have a flutter…