Xanadu Las Vegas

Category: Las Vegas Casinos

  • The Mirage is one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas

    The Mirage is one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas

    The Mirage: A Landmark in Las Vegas Resort History

    Opened in 1989, The Mirage Hotel and Casino forever altered the landscape of Las Vegas. Under the visionary leadership of Steve Wynn, this $630 million resort introduced a new standard in luxury and entertainment, blending lavish accommodations with innovative attractions. The Mirage’s opening marked the beginning of a transformation in Las Vegas, turning the city into the glittering entertainment capital it is today.

    A Bold New Vision for Las Vegas

    In the mid-1980s, Las Vegas was experiencing a period of stagnation. After the construction of the original MGM Grand in 1973, the Strip had seen few new developments. The casino industry was facing mounting competition from Atlantic City and newly legalized casinos in neighboring states. Additionally, the city had not recovered from the tragic fire at the MGM Grand in 1980, which killed 87 people and left a lasting scar on the public’s perception of Las Vegas.

    Steve Wynn, who had previously gained success at the Golden Nugget, was determined to revitalize the Strip. Partnering with financier Michael Milken, Wynn set out to build a resort that would not only redefine the standards for luxury but would also offer an entirely new kind of guest experience. The result was The Mirage, which, at the time, was the largest hotel in the world with 3,044 rooms. The resort was designed to be much more than a place to gamble—it was to be an all-encompassing destination where guests could enjoy entertainment, fine dining, shopping, and unique attractions.

    The Architecture and Design

    The Mirage’s design was nothing short of revolutionary. Architects Joel Bergman and his team created a striking property with a tropical Polynesian theme. The Mirage’s most famous feature was the outdoor volcano, which erupted nightly, spewing flames and smoke to the delight of crowds gathered on the Strip. This spectacle quickly became one of Las Vegas’ signature attractions. The resort’s exterior also featured lush landscaping, lagoons, and waterfalls, creating an oasis in the middle of the desert. The entrance was set back from the street, encouraging visitors to take a leisurely stroll through the resort’s impressive surroundings, setting the stage for an immersive experience.

    The Mirage’s interior was just as groundbreaking. A giant atrium greeted guests upon entry, with vibrant colors, towering palm trees, and a lush tropical garden. This emphasis on natural beauty and exotic design was a departure from the traditional, opulent interior designs that were common in Las Vegas casinos at the time. Wynn’s aim was to create an environment that would transport visitors into a different world, providing an escape from the bustling city.

    In terms of functionality, The Mirage also set new standards for the resort industry. The Y-shaped hotel tower minimized the walking distance from the elevator core to guest rooms, improving the overall guest experience. Additionally, the hotel was one of the first to incorporate advanced technology to track service quality, such as a baggage handling system that used automated alerts to ensure quick delivery of guest luggage.

    Innovative Attractions and Entertainment

    Beyond the volcano, The Mirage became famous for its other unique attractions, particularly the Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. This attraction, which allowed guests to observe exotic animals, including white tigers and dolphins, was one of the first of its kind in Las Vegas. Siegfried & Roy, the famed German illusionists, brought their show to The Mirage in 1990, performing a legendary residency that would continue for over a decade. Their magic act, which included spectacular illusions and majestic white tigers, became a staple of the resort’s entertainment offerings.

    Additionally, The Mirage became home to Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE, a tribute to The Beatles, which premiered in 2006 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. LOVE became one of the longest-running shows in Las Vegas and continues to attract tourists to the property to this day.

    The Mirage’s commitment to entertainment extended beyond its theatrical offerings. The resort also featured multiple high-end restaurants, lounges, and bars, as well as a sprawling casino. Wynn’s goal was to provide an integrated experience that appealed to both gamblers and non-gamblers alike. This holistic approach to resort design was revolutionary at the time and paved the way for the many integrated resorts that followed.

    A New Era for Las Vegas

    The success of The Mirage signified a pivotal moment in Las Vegas’ history. The resort was a game-changer, bringing in visitors from across the world who were looking for more than just a place to gamble. It set the tone for the future of Las Vegas resorts, where gaming, entertainment, luxury, and themed experiences were blended seamlessly into one cohesive product.

    The Mirage’s success also had a ripple effect on other Strip developments. Wynn’s emphasis on guest experience and his commitment to providing a full-service resort experience led to the creation of other high-end properties, including the Bellagio (opened in 1998), which carried forward the emphasis on luxury and entertainment. Over time, the principles behind The Mirage, particularly the focus on creating a destination experience, would influence the development of other major resorts such as The Venetian, Mandalay Bay, and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

    The Mirage was also the first of its kind to be built with the notion that Las Vegas could be more than just a haven for gamblers. With its exotic theme and family-friendly offerings, it broadened the city’s appeal to a wider range of tourists, including those seeking luxury, relaxation, and high-class entertainment.

    The Legacy of The Mirage

    The Mirage’s impact on Las Vegas is undeniable. It not only redefined what a resort could be but also set the stage for the city’s transformation into the entertainment capital of the world. Steve Wynn’s vision brought forward a new era for Las Vegas, where resorts would become immersive experiences that blended gaming, luxury, and non-stop entertainment.

    The Mirage continued to operate as one of the most popular properties on the Strip for over three decades. However, in 2021, MGM Resorts International, which had acquired The Mirage in 2000, announced that it would sell the property to Hard Rock International for $1.075 billion. In 2024, Hard Rock began transforming the iconic Mirage into a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, complete with a new, larger-than-life guitar-shaped hotel tower, marking the end of an era for one of the most significant resorts in Las Vegas history.

    Despite the changes, The Mirage’s legacy remains intact. It was the first resort to successfully combine luxury, entertainment, and spectacle, setting the blueprint for future developments in Las Vegas. From the spectacular volcano to the innovative use of technology, The Mirage was a pioneer, and its influence can still be felt in the design and operation of modern resorts today.

    The Mirage was more than just a hotel and casino—it was an experience. It brought visitors into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred, and where every detail was carefully designed to transport guests to an exotic paradise. While the Hard Rock transformation signals the end of one chapter, The Mirage will always be remembered as the resort that reinvented Las Vegas and set the stage for the evolution of the city into the entertainment mecca it is today.

  • The Excalibur Hotel and Casino: A Vegas Landmark of Medieval Fantasy

    The Excalibur Hotel and Casino: A Vegas Landmark of Medieval Fantasy

    When it comes to the Las Vegas Strip, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino stands out not just for its size and location, but for its whimsical, medieval theme. This colossal resort, known for its fairy-tale castle design and family-friendly atmosphere, has been a fixture of the Las Vegas landscape for over three decades. Since its opening in 1990, the Excalibur has captured the imaginations of visitors from around the world with its bold, colorful spires, lavish accommodations, and wide array of entertainment options.

    The Origins of Excalibur

    The Excalibur Hotel and Casino was the brainchild of MGM Resorts (formerly MGM Grand). Its creation was part of a broader trend in the late 1980s and early 1990s, in which many Las Vegas casinos adopted distinctive, highly themed designs in an effort to stand out and attract a larger variety of visitors. Themed hotels and resorts were becoming a major trend in the tourism industry, and MGM wanted to capitalize on this with an ambitious concept that would cater to families, tourists, and gamblers alike.

    The Excalibur was designed by architect Joel Bergman and his firm, and its medieval theme was inspired by the legendary stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The resort’s design is dominated by its towering castle-like structure, with turrets and battlements evoking the feeling of a grand fortress from the Middle Ages. The hotel’s exterior features a bold color scheme, with blue, red, and yellow spires giving the illusion of a magical kingdom.

    In many ways, Excalibur’s opening signified the increasing move towards entertainment and theming in Las Vegas, a trend that would continue with the eventual opening of other highly themed resorts like the Luxor, the Venetian, and the Paris Las Vegas.

    Excalibur’s Family-Friendly Appeal

    When it opened, Excalibur made a name for itself as a family-friendly resort, a departure from the adult-oriented, gambling-heavy properties that had dominated the Las Vegas Strip. The resort was designed with both children and adults in mind, providing a safe and exciting place for families to stay. It offered a range of activities and amenities tailored toward younger guests, including an arcade, a medieval-style dinner theater, and themed restaurants.

    The Tournament of Kings, one of the most popular attractions at Excalibur, was an interactive dinner show that featured knights on horseback, jousting tournaments, and a medieval feast served without utensils. The show, which began shortly after the hotel’s opening, became a hallmark of Excalibur’s family appeal and helped attract both tourists and locals to the property.

    Additionally, Excalibur offered a variety of other entertainment options, including a large arcade that was particularly popular with children, and numerous themed dining options like the Roundtable Buffet. These features helped cement Excalibur as a go-to destination for families visiting Las Vegas.

    The Casino Experience

    Despite its family-friendly atmosphere, Excalibur still offered a full casino experience for adult guests. The casino at Excalibur spans over 100,000 square feet and has a wide variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino is designed in a medieval style, with lavish, old-world details such as tapestries and stone archways creating a unique atmosphere.

    Excalibur’s casino has always been known for its affordability compared to other major resorts on the Strip, and it quickly gained a reputation as a more budget-friendly option. This accessibility helped Excalibur appeal to a wide range of tourists, including those looking for a lower-cost gambling experience without sacrificing the quality of their stay.

    Over the years, the Excalibur Casino has undergone several updates and renovations, with a focus on keeping up with the changing preferences of the Las Vegas visitor. While the resort’s medieval theme remains central to its identity, it has continually adapted to stay relevant in an ever-evolving gaming market.

    The Excalibur’s Transformation and Renovations

    As the Las Vegas Strip evolved, so did the Excalibur. In 2005, MGM Resorts acquired the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, which would eventually lead to a significant shift in the Excalibur’s direction. Over the next decade, Excalibur saw a number of renovations designed to modernize the property while still maintaining its iconic theme.

    In 2006, Excalibur underwent a major rebranding of its hotel rooms, offering new and updated accommodations with more contemporary features. The medieval design elements were maintained, but the rooms were renovated with an emphasis on comfort and modern amenities. In addition, Excalibur made upgrades to its public areas, including new lighting, carpeting, and signage to improve the guest experience.

    By the early 2010s, Excalibur was beginning to feel the effects of competition from newer, more upscale resorts on the Strip. To stay competitive, the hotel began offering more adult-oriented entertainment, such as the introduction of the Thunder From Down Under male revue show, which replaced some of the more family-focused offerings of the past.

    Despite these changes, Excalibur has continued to hold on to its unique place in the Las Vegas market as a fun, relatively affordable destination with a distinctive theme. The hotel’s proximity to other major properties, including the Luxor and the MGM Grand, ensures that it remains a popular choice for visitors looking for both affordability and entertainment.

    Excalibur’s Role in the Las Vegas Strip

    Excalibur’s role in the development of the Las Vegas Strip is undeniable. While its medieval theme might seem a bit nostalgic compared to the sleek, modern resorts that dominate the Strip today, Excalibur remains a key player in the city’s ever-changing landscape. It helped pave the way for the success of themed resorts, which would become a hallmark of the Strip in the following decades. The property also played a role in opening up the Las Vegas market to families, a demographic that had been underrepresented in the city’s early days.

    For over 30 years, Excalibur has remained a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Its affordability, family-friendly attractions, and unique medieval design make it stand out in a city that thrives on extravagance and opulence. Though it has undergone numerous changes, the resort continues to hold onto its identity as a nostalgic tribute to the past while evolving to meet the needs of a modern, diverse audience.

    A Lasting Legacy

    Today, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino remains one of the most recognizable and enduring properties on the Las Vegas Strip. While some of its more family-oriented attractions have been phased out over time, it still appeals to those looking for an affordable, fun experience in a resort that blends the fantasy of a medieval castle with the excitement of Las Vegas.

    With its towering spires, vibrant color scheme, and iconic reputation, Excalibur continues to be a place where visitors from around the world can experience the magic of Las Vegas while indulging in the fantasy of the Middle Ages. Though its role in the city’s development may be less pronounced in recent years, it remains an integral part of the Las Vegas story—a testament to the city’s ability to blend the old and the new, the classic and the contemporary.

  • The Influence of Xanadu on Las Vegas

    Though the Xanadu Hotel and Casino was never realized, its bold, visionary design left an indelible mark on the architectural direction of Las Vegas, influencing the development of some of the city’s most iconic resorts. Conceived in the mid-1970s, the project promised to be a game-changer for Las Vegas, combining a lavish pyramid design with innovative, open-air spaces. While it never broke ground, elements of the Xanadu project were absorbed into later developments, contributing to the transformation of the Strip into a destination for both entertainment and luxury. This article explores how the Xanadu Hotel’s conceptual vision impacted Las Vegas resort architecture, inspiring some of the most famous resorts on the Strip and helping to shape the future of the city.

    Xanadu: The Visionary Hotel That Wasn’t

    The Xanadu Hotel and Casino was conceived by developer Howard Downes in 1975 and was proposed to occupy 48.6 acres of prime real estate on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The design called for a $150 million investment and featured a colossal 1,755-room hotel, a grand casino, and extensive recreational facilities. Architects Berton Charles Severson and Brian Walter Webb imagined a futuristic resort, with a striking pyramid structure at its core, housing the hotel’s rooms, while a vast, open atrium served as the centerpiece of the complex. The design would have dramatically reshaped the aesthetic of Las Vegas, offering a bold new type of hotel that combined spectacle with luxury.

    Unfortunately, Xanadu was never built. Economic factors, the energy crisis of the 1970s, and competition from other developments led to the project’s cancellation, and by the time the land was finally developed, it was repurposed for a completely different theme: the medieval castle of the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1990. Despite its failure to materialize, the Xanadu concept remains a significant part of Las Vegas history and has influenced future architectural trends in the city.

    Direct Architectural Influences of Xanadu

    While the Xanadu Hotel was never constructed, many of the elements envisioned in its design found their way into other projects on the Las Vegas Strip, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. These elements—most notably the grand pyramid structure, expansive atrium designs, and an emphasis on larger-than-life, visually impactful spaces—became central to the development of several iconic resorts.

    Luxor Hotel and Casino: A Direct Descendant

    The most direct descendant of Xanadu’s design is the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1993 on the southern Strip. Designed by architect Veldon Simpson, the Luxor is a bold reflection of the pyramid concept first proposed for Xanadu. With its towering 30-story pyramid structure and massive glass atrium, the Luxor embodies the same sense of awe and grandeur that was central to the Xanadu design. The Luxor’s pyramid became one of the most recognizable structures on the Strip, becoming a symbol of the city’s commitment to innovative, attention-grabbing architecture.

    In fact, many observers argue that the success of the Luxor in capturing the dramatic, high-impact design that Xanadu had imagined helped shape the future direction of Las Vegas resort architecture. The Luxor’s design, particularly the emphasis on the pyramid shape and expansive interior spaces, became a key feature for later developments on the Strip, influencing the design philosophies behind resorts such as The Mirage, Caesars Palace, and others. Even after the opening of the Luxor, the idea of creating massive, visually-stunning structures with unique architectural identities became central to how Las Vegas resorts were marketed and developed.

    The Mirage: Theatrical Design and Open Spaces

    While not directly borrowing the pyramid concept, The Mirage, which opened in 1989, embraced the spirit of openness and scale that was central to Xanadu’s design. The Mirage, designed by architect Joel Bergman, featured a vast atrium space with a tropical rainforest, complete with waterfalls and exotic flora, a striking visual centerpiece that captured the sense of grandeur that Xanadu aimed for. In many ways, The Mirage helped set the stage for a new kind of resort in Las Vegas: one that integrated lavish public spaces into the resort’s overall design to create an experience rather than just a place to stay.

    The Mirage, with its vast, open design and focus on spectacle, was emblematic of the evolution of Las Vegas resorts into fully immersive, theme-based destinations. In this sense, while the pyramid design of Xanadu did not manifest in The Mirage, its spirit of innovation—particularly the use of large public spaces, themed interiors, and the focus on entertainment and spectacle—can be traced back to the abandoned Xanadu project. These same principles would carry forward in many subsequent resorts.

    Excalibur Hotel and Casino: The Site of Xanadu’s Unbuilt Dream

    The Excalibur Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1990, was built on the very land where the Xanadu project was proposed. Although Excalibur took a radically different direction with its medieval castle theme, it still carried forward the idea of a massive, visually impressive resort that prioritized spectacle and accessibility. Excalibur’s sheer size, whimsical architecture, and emphasis on family-friendly entertainment echoed the original vision for Xanadu, even if it took a more fantastical approach.

    Excalibur’s design reflects the direction Las Vegas would take in the 1990s—where large-scale, family-oriented resorts became the norm. Like Xanadu, Excalibur aimed to create an immersive experience, offering guests not just a place to gamble, but an entire world to explore. The focus on broad appeal, including family and tourist-friendly amenities, was in line with Xanadu’s ambition to be more than just a casino.

    Wider Influence on Las Vegas Resort Development

    Xanadu’s conceptual design, particularly its emphasis on grandiosity and scale, helped pave the way for the development of larger, more complex resorts in Las Vegas. Over time, the city’s resorts became less about gambling and more about creating experiences. The success of these larger-than-life resorts, fueled by design ideas similar to those of Xanadu, transformed Las Vegas into a global entertainment destination.

    For instance, the iconic Caesars Palace Forum Shops, which opened in 1992, brought the idea of integrating immersive, theme-driven experiences into Las Vegas resorts. The Forum Shops’ Roman architecture and sprawling layout offered a combination of high-end shopping and entertainment, establishing an even stronger bond between leisure, luxury, and spectacle. Similarly, Paris Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort relied heavily on immersive, grand-scale architectural designs—ideas that could trace their roots back to the original Xanadu vision.

    Even in later years, developments like CityCenter (opened in 2009) continued to embrace large-scale, multifunctional designs. The vast public spaces, integrated shopping, and entertainment experiences found in places like the Aria Hotel and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas show how the principles of grandeur, scale, and thematic experience first explored in Xanadu became staples of Las Vegas resort development.

    Conclusion: Xanadu’s Enduring Legacy

    Though the Xanadu Hotel and Casino was never built, its conceptual designs had a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Las Vegas. The bold pyramid shapes, grand atriums, and emphasis on spectacle that were central to Xanadu’s vision influenced some of the most iconic developments on the Strip, most notably the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Furthermore, the idea of creating massive, immersive resorts that offered more than just gambling was an ethos that helped shape the development of Las Vegas into the entertainment capital of the world.

    The Xanadu project may have been abandoned, but its legacy lives on in the modern architecture of Las Vegas. The bold vision that the Xanadu project embodied helped to inspire the resort designs of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, solidifying Las Vegas as a city defined by its commitment to opulence, spectacle, and architectural innovation.

    For those curious about the full scope of Xanadu’s original design and its influences, materials from the original plans and renderings are housed at the UNLV Special Collections, offering a unique glimpse into a Las Vegas dream that never came to life.