# Lost Vegas: Remembering the El Morocco Motel and Casino – A Strip Icon **Location:** El Morocco Motel and Casino Las Vegas Step back in time! Explore the fascinating history of the El Morocco Motel & Casino, a unique Las Vegas Strip landmark with a bank, Googie design, and evolving identity. URL: https://vintage-vegas.com/posts/el-morocco-motel-and-casino-las-vegas/ Last updated: 2026-06-01 --- ## A Googie Gem on the Strip The Las Vegas Strip has always been a place of reinvention, but few properties demonstrate that evolution as clearly as the [El Morocco](/posts/el-morocco-hotel-and-casino-las-vegas/) Motel and Casino. Opening in 1964, nestled between the iconic [La Concha Motel](/posts/la-concha-motel-las-vegas/) and the ever-present Peppermill Restaurant, the [El Morocco](/posts/el-morocco-hotel-and-casino-las-vegas/) was more than just another roadside stop. It was a statement of modern ambition, perfectly embodying the optimistic spirit of the mid-60s. Designed by the legendary Paul Revere Williams – a name synonymous with architectural brilliance in Southern California and Las Vegas – the building's Googie design mirrored the aesthetic of its sister property, the [La Concha](/posts/la-concha-motel-las-vegas/), creating a striking visual harmony along the burgeoning Strip. Think soaring curves, boomerang shapes, and a futuristic vibe – a truly iconic look for its time. ## Banking on Vegas – A Unique Feature What truly set the [El Morocco](/posts/el-morocco-hotel-and-casino-las-vegas/) apart in 1964 wasn’t just its architecture, it was its unusual tenant: a full-service branch of the Bank of Las Vegas. Yes, you read that right. A bank, operating *inside* a motel and casino! This was a groundbreaking concept, highlighting the rapidly expanding and increasingly sophisticated nature of Las Vegas. Imagine checking out of your room, placing a bet, and handling your finances – all under one stylish roof. This demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to convenience and catered to the growing number of tourists and residents flocking to the city. ## Food, Fun, and Beauty Beyond banking and gambling, the [El Morocco](/posts/el-morocco-hotel-and-casino-las-vegas/) offered a delightful array of amenities. Restaurateur Jack Dennison launched his popular Copper Cart restaurant (later known as the Carving Cart) which became a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. A coffee shop kept guests caffeinated, a cocktail lounge provided [swanky](/posts/swanky-casino-las-vegas/) evening entertainment, and a beauty salon ensured guests always looked their best. It was a self-contained resort experience, catering to a wide range of needs. ## From Casino to Souvenir Shop The winds of change, as they always do in Vegas, eventually blew through the [El Morocco](/posts/el-morocco-hotel-and-casino-las-vegas/). The bank branch was replaced with a casino in the 1970s, reflecting the continuing shift toward entertainment and gaming. However, by 1983, the casino itself was converted into a gift shop – a sign of changing times and perhaps a less-than-stellar performance. Further transformations followed, with the lobby becoming a Korean restaurant. By the early 2000s, it had fully embraced the souvenir shop and internet cafe concept. ## A Lost Piece of Vegas History The [El Morocco](/posts/el-morocco-hotel-and-casino-las-vegas/)'s demolition in 2006 and 2008 marked the sad end of an era. Though only fragments remain in photographs and memories, its legacy lives on as a symbol of a mid-century Las Vegas that was both innovative and undeniably cool. Today, the site sits vacant, owned by The Siegel Group, with plans for a new hotel/casino – a testament to the enduring allure of the Strip and the constant evolution of this ever-changing city. It serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost, and a hope for what might be built in its place, always echoing the spirit of its Googie past.

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Tags: las vegas history, vintage vegas, el morocco motel and casino las vegas