A Desert Oasis: The Aladdin’s Grand Opening

The Las Vegas Strip was already a spectacle by 1966, but the Aladdin Hotel and Casino, opening at midnight on April 1st, added a distinctly exotic flavor. Located at 3667 South Las Vegas Blvd (now the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino), the Aladdin aimed to transport guests to a mythical Arabian landscape. Conceived by Jay Sands and Milton Prell, the resort’s design was heavily influenced by the movie Arabian Nights, featuring elaborate mosaics, fountains, and a massive brass griffin statue that became an instant landmark. Early reviews lauded its impressive grandeur and unique theme. The ‘Fantasy Desert’ was a big draw, a moving walkway through recreations of Egyptian and Arabian scenery, providing a captivating experience for visitors.

Elvis Says “I Do” and Sets the Stage

The Aladdin quickly cemented its place in Las Vegas lore, and arguably its most significant moment arrived in May 1967. Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu chose the Aladdin to host their wedding, a clandestine affair that drew massive media attention. The event, shrouded in secrecy, further elevated the hotel’s profile and associated it with the iconic King. It became the place to be seen, and the Aladdin thrived as a showplace for top entertainers of the era. Throughout the 70s and 80s, the Aladdin continued to entertain, though it saw changes in ownership and struggled to maintain its initial luster. While other themed hotels began popping up along the Strip, the Aladdin’s distinctive Arabesque design kept it recognizable.

From Magic Carpet to Demolition

Despite its initial fanfare, the Aladdin faced financial challenges over the years. In the 1990s, an ambitious attempt to revitalize the property led to a massive $160 million renovation. This included the demolition of the original 36-story tower, a spectacular implosion that took place on April 27, 1998. The fanfare surrounding the demolition itself was a significant spectacle in the Las Vegas landscape, demonstrating the city’s constant evolution. The new, larger Aladdin resort opened in August 2000, hoping to recapture the magic of its predecessor.

A Brief Resurrection and a New Chapter

Unfortunately, the new Aladdin’s reign was short-lived. Barely a year later, in September 2001, the resort filed for bankruptcy. The property was subsequently purchased and transformed. It became Planet Hollywood in 2007, marking the end of the Aladdin name. While the original Aladdin no longer stands, its legacy remains a part of the vintage Las Vegas story - a reminder of a time when themed resorts were new and exciting, and a place where Elvis Presley began his married life. Though the griffin is gone, and the “Fantasy Desert” a distant memory, the Aladdin’s mark on Las Vegas Strip history is undeniable.