Last Days for the Stardust in Las Vegas

[Lincsong]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/consumer/2006/sep/17/566622906.html

I was there this past weekend and saw Don Rickles perform. When I first went to Las Vegas in 1986 this hotel was in the center of the action. But, times change and another former landmark will be imploded. Anyone remember when the Stardust was THE PLACE to be?

 

[VivianRegan]

This is a sad bit of news... but it hasn't been the iconic Stardust for decades. I did a little postcard search on eBay and discovered even the font on the huge sign has been simplified and looks a lot less star-dusty these days.

What a shame. But I wouldn't mind the sign being saved. I'm sure plans are underway for at least that much preservation.

Might have to make a trip up before Nov. 1.

The implosion is set for the first quarter of next year.

Geez.

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

That reminds me, I need to see Don Rickles live while he's still above ground. As far as I know his health is good, but he's not getting any younger, as indeed we all are not.

He is the one comedian who can make me laugh so hard my sides literally ache.

 

[Lincsong]

I'd like to watch the implosion. They usually do them at night.

Don Rickles was absolutely hilarious. Tony, he'll be at the Golden Nuggett in February, if he's not down in L.A. area before then. If you get the chance see him. I went to the last show and it was taped for an upcoming video. I've seen him several times at the Stardust. The first time I went, Larry King sat in the booth below my table, John Stamos and his buddies were down the aisle, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was sitting in front of the stage. It was a real good show. For a guy who is 81 he still has the energy to perform for 60 minutes.:eusa_clap

 

[LuckyKat]

They should be saving "old" Vegas because they've already destroy Downtown with the "Freemont Street Experience" & light show...its just ridiculous.

 

[Kim_B]

This is my favorite photo from our first trip to Vegas a few months ago. How sad, I didn't know they were planning on demolishing it!

and another for the heck of it...

It's funny how that town has a way of drawing you in - for the longest time, DH and I agreed that we never had a desire to go, but now that we've been there we can't wait to get back!

 

[Grace]

I think it's rather sad that they are destroying a landmark to make another big, over the top casino/hotel.

I was married in Vegas this past April. Late one night (or rather, early one morning) at about 3am, my husband and a friend of ours (who was staying there)thought we'd stop in to the Stardust cafe for a bite to eat.

We sat for nearly 30 minutes, completely ignored. Finally, one of us said something to the waitress who snapped something along the lines of 'You'll get served when I get time.' We told her that was an inappropriate way to treat your guests, and she said something about 'I'll be out of a job soon, so what does it matter?'

Needless to say, we left, and had a chat with a manager. Nothing came of the chat, though. Just a half hearted apology.

 

[Lincsong]

This is my favorite photo from our first trip to Vegas a few months ago. How sad, I didn't know they were planning on demolishing it!

and another for the heck of it...

It's funny how that town has a way of drawing you in - for the longest time, DH and I agreed that we never had a desire to go, but now that we've been there we can't wait to get back!

You were there the same time as I. I saw Don Rickles perform.

 

[Benny Holiday]

Being a foreigner who only knows Las Vegas as something of a larger-than-life place of legend, I can say that three names stand out when I think of the city: The Flamingo, the Sands, and the Stardust. When I hear of Vegas, those are the iconic names I associate with the place. Seems a shame to destroy that history to me.

 

[doghouse]

I agree, how terribly sad.

The funny thing is, around the same time ya'll were discussing this DH and I were driving through Vegas, intent on getting out of Nevada ASAP...

We got off the interstate upon entering Vegas.. too many CRAZY drivers, seriously. We decided we wanted to see the strip, why not..

Got to the strip, drove it a few times, saw the Stardust. We decided it'd be great to stay there even though the Frontier was offering $44.00 a night. We completely figured it would be too expensive, and we were really hoping for a suite.

Hubby went in to check it out, thinking, "Why not?". Turns out he overheard they were closing.. and rooms were CHEAP. So we got a jacuzzi suite on the 23rd floor. I'll upload some pictures soon.

I'm still recovering from cross-country and back!