Last week, both Robin Leach and Norm Clarke (of the Las Vegas Review Journal) revealed some of the major expansion plans that Harrah’s has in mind for the property that sits between its Las Vegas casino and the Flamingo. Currently, that space is occupied by O’Shea’s and the Imperial Palace, which was bought last year by Harrah’s.
According to Leach, who laid the scoop out on his blog, he spoke with Harrah’s CEO Gary Loveman who revealed that among the many upcoming changes will be the demolition of the ageing Imperial Palace, long a mid-Strip mainstay with budget travelers to Vegas. This is expected to take place within the next two years, though it may be even sooner than that.
The overall plans call for an entertainment complex to be built in its place, spilling over into O’Shea’s that will possibly include a Vegas location of rocker Sammy Hagar’s infamous Cabo Wabo club. Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill, already in place at Harrah’s may be moved over into the new space, as well.
After confirming with the singer, I can tell you that Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil will be the first tenant of the new complex. He plans to start construction this month on a tattoo shop which will be located in the area where O’Sheas and the Flamingo meet. If everything goes to plan, Vince Neil Ink will open by the end of the summer.
The complex will reportedly be built so that all foot traffic on that side of the block will have to pass through, instead of in front of, meaning more opportunities for Harrah’s to capture interest in its new clubs, stores, restaurants — and of course, casinos. But it’s obvious from the list of tenants Harrah’s is considering for the new project, they are trying to go after the younger music-minded visitors to the city.
What do you think about this new project? Will the celebrity backers entice you to visit the clubs and such in the new complex? Or do you think Harrah’s should let the Imperial Palace stand? Let us know it the comments.
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I have stayed at the Imperial Palace twice in the past year and a half, and I am in love with it!! Hearing of its eventual demise truly upsets me mainly because I believe that the Imperial Palace is a fantastic Vegas location for people like myself. I am a 22-year-old college student that isn’t able to afford the more desirable hotels such as Caesars Palace, Wynn, Bellagio, The Venetian, etc. The first time I went to Vegas, I was looking for a place that would simply house me and my friends comfortable and in a sophisticated manner. Imperial Palace did so with class, and my checking account didn’t have to take a beating with it!! Tearing this hotel down to make way for another expensive and lavish property is not what is needed.
Been staying in the Imperial Palace for over a dozen years - it is the best location and the cheapest place to stay - of course, so it has to go, doesn’t it? Very basic rooms, but nice (if older) casino floor, fantastic location…which is probably why it’s being bought and something else built in it’s place.
By the way, the Imperial Palace waitresses/hostesses/insert job description here, are/were among the nicest-looking in Vegas, in my humble opinion.
Great article. I just returned from my very first trip to Las Vegas (at age 29 I’m quite late in getting to that wonderful city). I stayed at the Imperial Palace and found it to be more than my money bought! I’ll admit the hotel room was older, I didn’t stay in the newly renovated tower. But who goes to Vegas to hang out in their room? I was clean and the A/C worked, those were the only two requirements my girlfriend and I had! I’m heart broken to hear Harrah’s is going to sodomize this awesome casino/hotel! It offers $2/hr of comps if you play in the poker room! By the end of the trip I bought food, clothes and other gifts (about $45 total) just because I like to play poker…and I even won in the poker room! Harrah’s is buying up Vegas and tearing down affordable hotels in the mean time. Imperial Palace is great, I hope I have the opportunity to stay there again before they stop taking reservations (the players club attendant said last date to stay at IP–for now at least–is July 4th of ‘07). It’s our lose.