- Flamingo Hilton Laughlin
The Flamingo Hilton Laughlin is a resort and casino located in Laughlin, NV owned by Ballys Entertainment/Hilton. It is the sister Hotel to the Flamingo Hilton Las Vegas. The Hotel opened on August 1, 1990. Each guest staying on the grand opening night received a $1 Token to use in the casino, but most guests kept these as collectables. The hotel has 1,907 rooms and suites in 2, 18 story towers (California Tower and Arizona Tower), and a 57,000 square foot casino, making it the Largest hotel in Laughlin. The hotel also has a swimming pool, and 4 tennis courts, a large arcade, and a gift shop.
In 2000, Hilton Broke off with Ballys Entertainment, and the Hilton Name was removed from the Hotel. The Hotel was now known as the Flamingo Laughlin. Ballys entertainment then Changed their name to Park Place Entertainment after combining with Grand Casinos.
In 2002, a major rennovation Begun on the Hotel, Casino, and Restaurants. Each room was upgraded to new carpet, blue comforters and sheets, and were given 2 yellow chairs. The "river view" rooms got the exact same upgrade, but they got a purple couch instead of 2 yellow chairs.
In 2004, Park Place Entertainment officially changed their name to Caesars Entertainment. Service at the Flamingo was getting better and better.
In early 2005, Harrah's Entertainment bought out Caesars Entertainment, and acquired the Flamingo Laughlin along with many other Hotels.
On November 29, 2005 Harrah's Entertainment announced plans to sell the Flamingo Laughlin to AREP Boardwalk Properties LLC, the owners of ACEP. The $170 million sale closed on May 19, 2006.
On October 1, 2006, the hotel reopened as the Aquarius Casino Resort. Rates were raised, and a resort fee was added.
On April 23, 2007 it was announced that American Casino & Entertainment Properties was being sold to an investment fund managed by Goldman Sachs for $1.3 billion. After the sale was complete, Aquarius moved to remodel and upgrade 1 tower (Arizona Tower) of rooms to top-of-the-line amenities.
As of July 31, 2008, The Aquarius has put $46 million down to remodel and upgrade 1/2 of the rooms in the California Tower. A complete remodel is expected to be complete by 2010
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Casino_&_Entertainment_Properties
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrah's_Entertainment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesars_Entertainment
http://www.visitlaughlin.com/ltourism/about/history.jsp
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