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.
Leave a Reply