The Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas had the rare distinction of being imploded after years of service, and was then resurrected on the same spot into a more modern version of the former hotel. Unfortunately, this makeover was not successful and it ended up in bankruptcy. The hotel was purchased and reopened as Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, which as of 2010, still entertains guests from all over the world at the iconic corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road.
The Tally-Ho hotel ultimately became the King's Crown in 1964, but it failed within six months thanks to a denied gaming license. Milton Prell spent $3 million to renovate the hotel, giving it an Arabian-style makeover and changing the name to Aladdin, which officially opened in 1966.
It went on to famously host the wedding of Elvis Presley and his young bride, Priscilla, and Elvis found a home there in the '80s. The ownership of the hotel changed hands several times over the span of 30 years, until it was closed in 1997 and imploded in 1998. The only structure that was spared was the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts, destined to be the centerpiece of the new Aladdin hotel.
In 2000, the $1.4 billion mega-resort "new" Aladdin opened under the same name as its predecessor. Actress Barbara Eden, known for her portrayal of the genie in the '60s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," wore traditional garb, crossed her arms and nodded her head to herald a new beginning for the historic hotel.
But the opening was greeted with protests from employees, who charged that there were no union contracts. Ultimately, Aladdin fell once again into bankruptcy.
Financial hardships plagued the new Aladdin and it ultimately sold for $635 million to Planet Hollywood and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2003. After a lengthy rebranding and another extensive renovation, the hotel changed its name in 2007 to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. In 2010, it joined the Harrah's family but retains the Planet Hollywood name.
The Arabian theme was traded for a more celebrity-focused theme. Movie memorabilia items are included in each of its 2,500 rooms. The casino boasts three acres of gaming, including a smoke-free poker room. It hosts red carpet movie premieres, and in 2010, featured a striptease called PEEPSHOW, starring "Girls Next Door" star Holly Madison.
