Flamingo Las Vegas

Opened in December 1946 as the Fabulous Flamingo at a total cost of $6 million. Hilton Hotels bought the place in the 1970s so the property was called Flamingo Hilton until 2001, when it was renamed again, this time simply as Flamingo. The entire block occupied by the Cromwell, Flamingo, the LINQ, and Harrah's is owned by Caesars Entertainment.

Photo of Flamingo as the Flamingo Hilton before 2001, and the walkway to the pool.

Bugsy's Bar in the Flamingo, as seen in 2010. Four partners were initially involved with starting the Flamingo, but mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" SIegel took over the project until it was completed in December 1946. Siegel was murdered six months later, the crime is still unsolved. The Flamingo was initially supposed to cost $1 million to contruct, but Siegel's management caused the price to increase to $6 million. Siegel borrowed most of this money. This may have been the reason or a reason behind his killing. Bugsy allegedly named the Flamingo for his girlfriend Virginia Hill, who had red hair, long legs, and blushed when drinking alcohol; characteristics which are reminiscent of a flamingo.