# Royal Casino Las Vegas: A Quiet Strip Neighbor's History & Demise

**Location:** Royal Casino Las Vegas
From Royal Las Vegas to Royal Resort, explore the history of this convention-focused hotel & casino just east of the Strip. A quiet era of Vegas ends as demolition looms.

URL: https://vintage-vegas.com/posts/royal-casino-las-vegas/
Last updated: 2026-02-28

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## 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](/posts/royal-hotel-and-casino-las-vegas/). 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](/posts/royal-resort-las-vegas/).

## A Quiet Legacy and a Fiery End

For years, the [Royal Resort](/posts/royal-resort-las-vegas/) 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](/posts/royal-resort-las-vegas/) 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.


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Tags: las vegas history, vintage vegas, royal casino las vegas