What constitutes a Vegas resort? We have to go to the original, universally agreed to be the first resort on the strip, the El Rancho. Small casinos, nightclubs and motels existed on highway 91 before the El Rancho opened, but it was the combination of a hotel/motel and a casino on property that made it a Vegas resort. It’s with this template that we have created the definitive order for Las Vegas resorts and their evolution on the strip.

Random Vegas

In 1985, Wet n’ Wild opened a 27 acre water park on the strip just south of Sahara. It closed in 2004

TwitPic of the week

It’s the same sign that won last week with just a different perspective, shared by@Summacorp. The infamous Stardust marquee in all her glory, 188 feet tall, the tallest in the world for a time. It somehow sums up Vegas with the image. The only sign more recognizable to Vegas is the Welcome sign

News

• Caesars Renovations

• Circa 2

• MGM Developments

Random Vegas

The MGM Grand was built in 1993 on top of the existing 714 room Marina hotel which was built in 1975 (@vegas_only)

TwitPic of the week

It’s a tattoo worthy sign of Las Vegas’ past up close and interrupting your line of site. @summacorp shared The Stardust shower of stars marquee, up close. Only in Vegas did Texaco photo bomb this guy. But still, that sign with her Electra Jag font. I’m not sure what is more magical, seeing the sign up close or from far away. Either way this looker is definitely on the list of tattoos I’m considering having.

News

• Elaine Wynn Passes