Imperial Palace Casino Vegas: A Comprehensive Guide to the 'Lost Palace'

Introduction

The Imperial Palace Casino in Las Vegas, once a grand and legendary casino-hotel, held a prominent position on the Las Vegas Strip for over three decades. While its physical presence is no more, the legacy of this iconic establishment continues to resonate within the annals of Vegas history. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth exploration of the Imperial Palace Casino, from its inception to its eventual closure.

Historical Background

Founded in 1979 by Ralph Engelstad, the Imperial Palace Casino opened its doors to the public with much fanfare. The sprawling complex featured a casino, hotel, restaurants, a showroom, and various amenities. Its grand opening was a star-studded affair, attended by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bob Hope.

Key Features

The Imperial Palace Casino boasted an impressive array of amenities that made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

• Casino: The casino floor spanned over 85,000 square feet and offered a wide variety of table games, slot machines, and a poker room.
• Hotel: The hotel tower consisted of over 1,200 rooms and suites, ranging from standard accommodations to luxurious penthouses.
• Restaurants: The complex housed several restaurants, including the renowned Caesar's Palace Buffet, known for its extensive and delectable cuisine.
• Showroom: The Imperial Palace Showroom hosted a variety of live entertainment, ranging from musical acts to comedians.
• Amenities: The casino offered other amenities such as a health club, spa, swimming pool, and shopping arcade.

The Rise and Fall

In its heyday, the Imperial Palace Casino was a thriving entertainment destination. However, the rise of newer and larger casinos on the Strip led to a decline in its fortunes. Despite efforts to revitalize the property, including a major renovation in 2005, the casino continued to face financial challenges.

In 2012, the Imperial Palace Casino closed its doors for the final time. The property was sold to a real estate development company and subsequently demolished in 2014. Today, the site of the former casino is occupied by a new hotel-casino complex.

Legacy and Impact

Despite its closure, the Imperial Palace Casino remains an important part of Las Vegas history. It played a significant role in the development of the city's tourism industry and helped to shape the cultural landscape of the Strip.

The casino also had a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for the city. Its closure was a significant loss for the community, but its legacy continues to inspire nostalgia and admiration among those who remember its heyday.

Tables

Table 1: Financial Performance of the Imperial Palace Casino

Source: Nevada Gaming Control Board

Table 2: Comparison of Imperial Palace Casino with Other Strip Casinos

Source: Nevada Gaming Control Board

Table 3: Historical Timeline of the Imperial Palace Casino

Effective Strategies for Visiting the Imperial Palace Casino

While the Imperial Palace Casino no longer exists, there are still ways to experience its legacy:

• Visit the site: The site of the former casino is now occupied by a new hotel-casino complex called Sahara Las Vegas. The property features a monument dedicated to the Imperial Palace Casino, where visitors can pay their respects to this iconic establishment.
• Explore the history: The Mob Museum in Las Vegas has an exhibit dedicated to the Imperial Palace Casino, featuring artifacts and memorabilia from its past.
• Enjoy the entertainment: Many of the performers who headlined at the Imperial Palace Showroom continue to perform in Las Vegas. Check the schedules of venues like the Smith Center for the Performing Arts or the Zappos Theater to see if your favorite performers are in town.

Pros and Cons of Visiting the Imperial Palace Casino

Pros:

• Historical significance: The Imperial Palace Casino was a major player in the development of Las Vegas and its legacy continues to fascinate visitors.
• Unique architecture: The casino's distinctive design, inspired by Roman architecture, made it a standout on the Strip.
• Nostalgic charm: For those who remember the glory days of the Imperial Palace Casino, visiting the site or exploring its history can evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Cons:

• No longer in operation: The casino is no longer in operation, so visitors cannot experience it firsthand.
• Limited access: The site of the former casino is now occupied by a new hotel-casino complex, so access to the area where the Imperial Palace Casino once stood is limited.
• Demolished: The Imperial Palace Casino was demolished in 2014, so there are no remaining physical structures to visit.

FAQs

Q: When did the Imperial Palace Casino close?
A: The Imperial Palace Casino closed its doors in 2012.

Q: Why did the Imperial Palace Casino close?
A: The casino faced financial challenges due to the rise of newer and larger casinos on the Strip.

Q: What is the site of the former Imperial Palace Casino now used for?
A: The site is now occupied by a new hotel-casino complex called Sahara Las Vegas.

Q: Can I still visit the Imperial Palace Casino?
A: The casino is no longer in operation, but the site is open to the public and there is a monument dedicated to the casino's legacy.

Q: Who owned the Imperial Palace Casino?
A: The casino was originally owned by Ralph Engelstad and later sold to Mirage Resorts, Park Place Entertainment, and finally Boyd Gaming Corporation.

Q: What was the most popular attraction at the Imperial Palace Casino?
A: The most popular attraction was the Caesar's Palace Buffet, known for its extensive and delectable cuisine.

Q: Were there any famous performers that headlined at the Imperial Palace Showroom?
A: Yes, many famous performers headlined at the showroom, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, and Elvis Presley.

Q: What is the significance of the Imperial Palace Casino in Las Vegas history?
A: The casino played a significant role in the development of Vegas's tourism industry and helped to shape the cultural landscape of the Strip.

Call to Action

Whether you are a seasoned Vegas visitor or a curious history buff, the Imperial Palace Casino remains an important part of Las Vegas lore. While its physical presence is gone, its legacy continues to live on. By visiting the site, exploring its history, or enjoying the entertainment of its former performers, you can experience the spirit of this iconic casino for yourself.