When it comes to casino resorts, there have certainly been a few that have left an impression amongst players over the past few years. Hacienda Resort Hotel and Casino was one of them. And while this resort may no longer actually be in operation, the 40 years during which it was fully functional made a significant impact on the Las Vegas strip, where it was based.
From 1956 to 1996, this resort was one that saw thousands of tourists flock to it annually. However, it was located at quite a far distance away from other casinos and resorts, which often meant that guests at the Hacienda stayed just there and didn’t stray to any of the other offerings on the strip at the time. Below, you will find a quick glimpse into the history of this iconic establishment.
The Very Beginning
At first, the Hacienda Resort Hotel and Casino was called the Lady Luck Hotel. Construction on this site began in 1953, but before it was even halfway complete, the hotel’s budget was at capacity. Furthermore, state regulators had denied its gaming license as a result. However, Warren Bayley, who was one of the original investors and who already owned another Hacienda hotel in Fresno, stepped up to the plate. He took over and changed Lady Luck’s name to the famed moniker it was later known as.
The Opening
On 17 October 1956, the Hacienda Resort Hotel and Casino opened its doors. In total, it cost $6 million to build. The hotel boasted 266 rooms, as well as the largest swimming pool on the Las Vegas strip. Warren Bayley also started an airline with the same name just one year after the hotel opened its doors, and players could purchase holiday package deals. These offered all inclusive packages covering flights, accommodation and of course, casino chips for players to try their luck playing online blackjack games for real money in the fully equipped casino attached to the resort.
The Closing
In 1965, Warren Bayley passed away, at which point, his wife took over the management and decision making of the resort. However, after her death, the Hacienda changed ownership a number of times. By 1977, it was bought for $21 million by Paul Lowden, an incredible $15 million more than had initially been invested into the resort. However, over the next two decades, more resorts similar to this one popped up all along the Strip. Over time, they became bigger and bigger, eventually dwarfing the establishment. In 1995, it was purchased by Circus Enterprises and in the following year, it was demolished by planned explosion.
In March of 1999, Las Vegas’ beloved casino resort was replaced by Mandalay Bay, a massive 135 000 square foot resort that boasts 3309 rooms.
Even though this resort has been closed for the past two decades, it certainly left something of a legacy behind. While there have been many more resorts built since this one closed, most of which are much bigger, there can be no denying the influence that this one likely had on them.