The Fabulous Flamingo: An Iconic Las Vegas Destination

History and Legacy

Nestled on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the Flamingo Las Vegas has been a symbol of glamour and excitement for over 80 years. Founded by Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel in 1946 and designed by architect Robert Swartburg, the Flamingo embodied the spirit of post-war Las Vegas with its striking pink exterior and tropical gardens.

Over the years, the Flamingo has undergone several renovations and expansions, but it has retained its original charm and remains a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike. Today, the Flamingo features over 3,600 rooms and suites, 17 restaurants, and a wide range of entertainment options, including a world-famous wildlife habitat.

The Wildlife Habitat

One of the most unique features of the Flamingo is its 15-acre wildlife habitat, which is home to over 250 species of birds, including a flock of 500 pink flamingos. The habitat also features lush gardens, waterfalls, and a variety of exotic animals, including black swans, pelicans, and koi fish.

The wildlife habitat is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, admire the beautiful birds, and learn about the importance of conservation.

Entertainment and Dining

The Flamingo offers a wide range of entertainment options to suit every taste. The Flamingo Showroom has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley. Today, the showroom features a variety of live shows, including "Legends in Concert" and "The Rat Pack Is Back".

The Flamingo also has a number of excellent restaurants, ranging from casual dining to fine dining. Bugsy & Meyer's Steakhouse serves classic American cuisine in a sophisticated setting, while Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville offers a tropical-themed menu and live music.

Gaming and Nightlife

Of course, no trip to Las Vegas would be complete without some gaming. The Flamingo has a 70,000-square-foot casino floor with over 2,000 slot machines and 130 table games. The casino also offers a variety of poker tournaments and promotions.

For those who prefer to dance and party, the Flamingo has a lively nightlife scene. The Beach Club is a poolside oasis with DJs, live music, and a cabana experience. The Flamingo Lounge offers a more sophisticated atmosphere with cocktails, live music, and dancing.

Amenities and Services

The Flamingo offers a wide range of amenities and services to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. These include:

• 24-hour front desk
• Concierge services
• Valet parking
• Room service
• Fitness center
• Business center
• Wi-Fi
• Pet-friendly rooms

Location and Transportation

The Flamingo is conveniently located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, within walking distance of many popular attractions, including the Bellagio, The Venetian, and The Palazzo. The Flamingo also has a free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Pricing and Reservations

Room rates at the Flamingo vary depending on the type of room, the time of year, and availability. However, you can typically expect to pay between $100 and $500 per night.

To make a reservation, you can visit the Flamingo website or call (800) 732-2111.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Over the years, the Flamingo has been the setting for many memorable stories and lessons learned. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Bugsy Siegel's Dream

Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel was a notorious gangster who dreamed of creating a luxurious resort in the desert that would be a destination for the rich and famous. The Flamingo was his vision, and he spared no expense in building a hotel that would be the envy of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, Siegel's dream was cut short when he was murdered in 1947, just six months after the Flamingo opened.

• The Rat Pack and The Flamingo

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Flamingo was the home of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. The Rat Pack performed regularly at the Flamingo Showroom and helped make the hotel a popular destination for celebrities and high rollers.

• Elvis Presley and The Flamingo

Elvis Presley first performed at the Flamingo in 1956, and he quickly became one of the hotel's most popular performers. Presley performed at the Flamingo for over 10 years, and he helped to make the hotel a must-see destination for his fans.

What We Learn:

• Dream big. Bugsy Siegel's dream of creating a luxurious resort in the desert may have been ambitious, but it ultimately led to the creation of one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas.
• Surround yourself with talented people. The Rat Pack was a group of incredibly talented entertainers, and their performances at the Flamingo helped to make the hotel a success.
• Be persistent. Elvis Presley performed at the Flamingo for over 10 years, and he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful entertainer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When planning a trip to the Flamingo, it's important to avoid making these common mistakes:

• Not booking your room in advance. The Flamingo is a popular destination, so it's important to book your room well in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season.
• Expecting to pay a low price. The Flamingo is a luxury resort, so you can expect to pay a higher price than you would at a budget hotel.
• Not taking advantage of the amenities. The Flamingo offers a wide range of amenities and services, so be sure to take advantage of them during your stay.
• Not exploring the wildlife habitat. The wildlife habitat is one of the most unique features of the Flamingo, so be sure to take some time to explore it during your stay.
• Not dressing appropriately. The Flamingo is a classy resort, so be sure to dress appropriately when you visit.

Step-by-Step Approach to Planning a Trip to the Flamingo

To plan a trip to the Flamingo, follow these steps:

1. Choose your dates. Decide when you want to travel to Las Vegas and how long you want to stay.
2. Book your room. Once you have your dates, book your room at the Flamingo website or by calling (800) 732-2111.
3. Purchase your airline tickets. If you're flying to Las Vegas, purchase your airline tickets in advance to get the best price.
4. Make your dining reservations. If you want to dine at one of the Flamingo's restaurants, make your reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
5. Plan your activities. Decide what you want to do during your stay at the Flamingo and make reservations for any activities you want to participate in.
6. Pack your bags. Pack your bags for your trip and don't forget to include your swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
7. Enjoy your stay! Once you're at the Flamingo, relax and enjoy your stay.

Tables

Table 1: Flamingo Las Vegas Room Types and Rates

Table 2: Flamingo Las Vegas Restaurants

Table 3: Flamingo Las Vegas Casino Games