He wanted to expand and build more Las Vegas casinos, but the city government (for some reason) didn’t want organized crime in the city, so they wouldn’t let him build. Here’s the story:īugsy Siegel, a somewhat paranoid gangster, purchased the El Cortez in the City of Las Vegas. It began as the Pink Flamingo Hotel and Casino, and as a giant middle finger to the city of Las Vegas. The Forum Shops continued the Caesars tradition of luxury, and when they were completed, The Forum Shops became one of the first places in Las Vegas where shopping was an attraction by itself. Considered the best buffet in Vegas by many, it’s where you can get a taste of Vegas’ delicious history.Ĭheck out the pools, too – they’re throwbacks to the Roman baths. It cost 1 million dollars – the equivalent of about $7,400,000 in 2017 money – and included two tons (literal tons, not just a figure of speech) of filet mignon, 50,000 glasses of champagne, and a record-breaking amount of Ukrainian caviar.Īs nice as it would be, we can’t go back in time and attend that grand opening gala. The party celebrating the Caesars opening was appropriately lavish. It was one of the first Vegas hotels that sold the royal-treatment experience as part of its draw. Some might argue that Caesars Palace shaped the luxurious Vegas resort culture. Caesars Palace was established in 1966, catering then (and still) to high rollers with opulent tastes.