Flamingo Renovations Highlight Why Las Vegas Is Losing Its Mojo
Flamingo shared renderings reflecting upcoming changes to the classic Strip casino, one of which makes us want to move to Canada.
Planned renovations include a refresh of the hotel’s lobby and check-in area, along with an all-new bar. New and shiny are always welcome.
But that’s when the fun stops. The resort will also debut “a full revamp of Bugsy’s Bar on the casino floor.” Let’s just say there hasn’t been this amount of underwhelm in Las Vegas since the last time someone had sex with us.
There’s a metric ass-ton of change happening at Flamingo as it approaches its 80th birthday in 2026.
The overall vibe is they’re trying to transform Flamingo into a resort for higher end clientele (and convention-goers with corporate credit cards), while it’s always sort of been a mid-market, value destination.
As we are known for focusing on the positive, let’s talk about some highlights of the just-announced “enhancements” to the old girl.
Here’s a perfunctory overview of the changes from the news release: “Designed by Allard & Conversano Design, the new spaces will feel elevated with modern elements to make the guest experience more convenient. The tropical design incorporates images of the resort’s namesake bird throughout the property, reinforcing the Flamingo’s rich history while adding a bit of playfulness.”
Here’s the front desk.
They keep using the word “playful.” It may not mean what they think it means.
Must. Stay. Positive.
From the news release: “The new lobby will welcome guests with a pod-style front desk and eye-catching decor, including bronze flamingo statues and custom murals. The lobby bar will serve as the centerpiece of the resort’s arrival experience, offering guests an inviting atmosphere for both gaming and lounging. The 20-seat venue will offer tabletop gaming and TVs that circle the entire bar.”
We searched the Internet to see if anyone has ever died of yawning, and it said no, but we are of the belief Flamingo has some serious legal liability here. Yes, a yawn can result in temporomandibular joint dislocation, but that’s not death and doesn’t really further our narrative. Please stay focused.
Let’s push down the Bugsy’s Bar blasphemy a smidge further by dropping in some words about how other recent additions to Flamingo include Pinky’s by Vanderpump, Gordon Ramsay Burger, Havana 1957 and the all-new Go Pool.
Also in the works are Category 10, a Luke Combs-branded country bar that will go into the Margaritaville space next year, and a Salt & Straw ice cream shop.
The recently-closed Carlos’n Charlie’s will be replaced by (wait for it) slot machines.
On the bright side, look at this fleek elevator lobby!
Oh, all right, we’ve delayed this long enough.
What in the holiest of hells are they thinking by sharting on one of the most beautiful casino bars in all of Las Vegas history?
If our open weeping is the goal of this “revamp,” mission accomplished.
Here’s Bugsy’s Bar now for comparison purposes.
Here’s what the news release had to say: “At the heart of the casino floor, Bugsy’s Bar will undergo a full reimagination with a bold new design and an inventive cocktail menu, serving drinks around the clock.”
This is heart surgery performed with a spoon.
Yes, Bugsy’s Bar is old and gross. That’s not the point. Casino Royale is old and gross. Circus Circus is old and gross. Dino’s. Silver Sevens. The Klondike. Stage Door. Battista’s Hole in the Wall. The Bonanza gift shop. Double Down Saloon. The Palomino Club. The Fun Dungeon at Excalibur.
The point is you can give something a facelift without committing architectural homicide.
That neon is one of the most Vegas things, ever.
Replacing flair with beige isn’t the way to attract new customers, it’s just a way to scare away the existing ones.
The hardest thing to create and preserve in a casino is soul. (Looking at you, Fontainebleau.)
Have the folks at Flamingo ever stepped outside Flamingo to see America’s greatest neon sign before?
That should be in every employment contract. You don’t have to love neon to work at Harrah’s or Linq or Cromwell (although, it couldn’t hurt). But at Flamingo, mandatory.
Flamingo has defiantly withstood the ravages of time. As well as Marie Osmond.
It deserves handling with kid gloves. Translation for our fellow youths: “Flamingo deserves to be handled like it’s giving Baby Yoda energy.”
What do you think of these new Flamingo flourishes?
It’s hard to get too excited about a hotel lobby, but is Flamingo losing its kitschy vibe? They replaced Bird Bar with burgers, the poker room with Vanderpump, Tropical Breeze Cafe with Cuban food, Jimmy Buffett with line dancing, tacos with slots and the Paradise Garden buffet with, well, nothing.
Isn’t there some way to accomplish the business goals without sacrificing too much cheese?
As always, your thoughts are welcome as long as they align with ours. No pressure.
Leave your thoughts on “Flamingo Renovations Highlight Why Las Vegas Is Losing Its Mojo”