How Caesars Palace became the most iconic resort on the Vegas strip

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I guess what they say is true: all that glitters is gold. Caesars Palace has reinvented itself yet again with a slew of sexy new offerings and renovated hotel rooms ripe for booking. Holding at its unbeatable center-Strip location, Caesars Palace has continued to innovate, constantly evolving with cool new experiences, world-class performers and celebrity chef restaurants. As the famed Las Vegas hotel staple enters its golden anniversary year, here’s a look back at what’s made the sprawling resort immortally cool.

When you hear the reason Caesars Palace was created, it’s no wonder this hot spot has stood the test of time. Founder Jay Sarno wanted to create a beautiful, Roman Empire-themed oasis in the desert where every guest could feel like royalty. His “palace” was built to welcome anyone and everyone who wanted to be treated like Caesar. This is why Sarno named it Caesars Palace and not “Caesar’s Palace.”

Doors opened on Aug. 5, 1966 with an expectedly opulent bacchanalia that included a feast of filet mignon, caviar and champagne, and a performance by pop singer Andy Williams. The over-the-top image of Caesars Palace appealed to the masses and pretty soon it was packed with guests dining at the Bacchanal Room and being fed frozen grapes by Cleopatra costume-clad pool cocktail waitresses. Buzz quickly spread about the resort, which takes up the pulsating corner of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Even though it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Caesars Palace hasn’t lost its sparkle. Just ask Cher, who headlined there in the ’80s and returned for a splashy three-year farewell residency in 2008.

Look at the fun innovations that keep Caesars Palace as fresh and modern as it is iconic, such as the Elton John-helmed FIZZ Las Vegas champagne lounge, celebrity chef concept restaurants like Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and Michelin starred Restaurant Guy Savoy, Julius Tower’s glam remodel or the self check-in kiosks that make getting into your room a breeze.

Liberace may not be bringing down the house anymore—but Celine Dion sure is (to the tune of sold out shows and $1 billion in revenue.) The famous Bacchanal Room restaurant may have hosted the glitterati, but plenty of stars hit Nobu and MR CHOW these days. (Its modern day incarnation, Bacchanal Buffet, is considered the best buffet in Las Vegas.)

The resort will always be remembered as quintessential Vegas, from its grand 1966 entrance to its hallowed halls where the stars have aligned year after year. Frank Sinatra used to make the crowd swoon at the Circus Maximus showroom, but now Brit hit headliner Matt Goss rocks the Gossy Room stage every week with equal amounts of swagger. Caesars Palace hosted the CinemaCon (formerly ShoWest) film convention annually for years, drawing actors such as Charlize Theron, Jude Law, Blake Lively, Adam Sandler, Reese Witherspoon and countless others. The hotel opened Chef Brian Malarkey’s red hot Searsucker restaurant, hosted Justin Bieber’s 21st birthday at OMNIA Nightclub, and threw a tennis tournament fundraiser on the plaza starring Andre Agassi—all within a few months.

“Since opening in 1966, Caesars Palace has set the standard for the Las Vegas experience,” says Mark Frissora, Caesars Entertainment CEO. “Caesars Palace became an iconic brand by continually transforming its hospitality, entertainment and gaming products. Our focus on innovation continues as we look ahead to the next fifty years of industry leadership.”

Want to help Caesars Palace celebrate its 50 glamorous years on the Las Vegas Strip? Book a stay at one of the resort’s five towers flush with luxurious rooms and jaw-dropping suites, including the Julius Tower, which just underwent a sparkling renovation to the tune of $75 million. You’ll quickly understand why Caesars Palace remains eternally cool.