A Convention-First Approach

The Las Vegas Strip is synonymous with extravagance, but just a block east, a different kind of lodging quietly served a vital role in the city’s growth. Located at 99 Convention Center Drive, the Royal Casino – initially known as Royal Las Vegas – opened its doors in 1970 as part of the Royal Executive Inns chain. Unlike its glamorous neighbors, the Royal’s original focus was laser-sharp: catering to the burgeoning convention and business travel market exploding alongside the Las Vegas Convention Center. It wasn’t meant to compete with the dazzling lights and high-roller gambling of the Strip, but to offer a practical and affordable alternative for attendees. Think of it as a reliable, if unspectacular, base camp for the business traveler.

Adding the Gamble: The Royal Casino Years

Around 1973, the Royal shifted gears slightly. Recognizing a revenue opportunity, a small casino was added to the hotel. This marked the property’s transition into the Royal Casino, a name that stuck for decades. However, even then, the gaming was… modest. Reports often cited a footprint of around 100 slot machines and just a couple of blackjack tables. It wasn’t a destination for serious gamblers, but a convenient way for conventioneers to unwind after a long day of meetings or a little entertainment for those seeking an alternative to the Strip’s heavier scene. The hotel largely remained committed to its core business of lodging.

Changing Names, Changing Times

The early 1990s saw another name change, transforming the Royal Casino into the Royal Hotel and Casino. This reflected a continued emphasis on hospitality alongside the limited casino offering. Throughout the years, the property continued to operate as a quiet, dependable presence. In 2003, the inevitable happened – the casino portion closed, signaling a clear shift in strategy. The hotel function became the primary focus, leading to the rebranding as Royal Resort.

A Quiet Legacy and a Fiery End

For years, the Royal Resort quietly served its niche, providing economical lodging near the Convention Center. It wasn’t flashy, but it fulfilled a purpose. Its legacy isn’t one of groundbreaking innovation or iconic moments, but of quiet endurance – a property born to support Las Vegas’s essential business engine. Then, in 2022, a devastating fire on the seventh floor triggered the sprinkler system, unleashing widespread water damage. The property never truly recovered. As of mid-2025, a liquidation sale commenced, paving the way for demolition. Soon, the Royal Resort will be gone, replaced by something new. It’s a bittersweet end to a chapter in Las Vegas history, a reminder that even the most dependable establishments aren’t immune to the relentless march of progress and redevelopment.