Flamingo Hilton, Las Vegas

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The flamingo was one of the Pioneers of the Las Vegas Gambling Circuit and traces it's history to the early 40's. Remember Bugsy Siegel? (the famous mobster in the 40's), he made the joint popular but it went bust and he got whacked by his associates. The Casino actually got it's name from Siegel's then Girlfriend who was nicknamed "FLAMINGO". Since then, the casino had several ownership changes and in Hilton had the longest but they sold it in 2005 to Harrah's Entertainment (which became Ceasar's Entertainment). Since the 1940's, the flamingo had several renovations the last was in 2009 and at present, it has 3,626 rooms and has a 77,000 square feet of gaming space that has Blackjack, Blazing Sevens, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Million-dollar Keno, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Poker, Roulette, 2,100 Slots, Megabucks and Super Megabucks.

Besides the gambling, why is Las Vegas very popular and unique? I guess, the neon lights! These are absolutely mesmerizing at night! I just love getting on top of the double decker bus and tour around the Las Vegas Boulevard.

The first time I was here, I love watching the flickering lights of the neon lights. Each and every hotel has a different style. The best one that I like are the neon lights of the Flamingo Hotel. If you go to Las Vegas, you will then agree with me. Or may be not.

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I looked at the flamingos, and thought: - They must be suffering under this 42 degrees Celsius in the shade. Then I looked further and saw... the penguins! Well done dolls, I thought! But... they were moving. They were real. Looking closer, the inevitable: all the lake and rocks were refrigerated.

Indeed, the real animals give life to a well conceived garden, surrounding the several pools, to provide a pleasant stay.

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This is a lovely way to stroll along a path and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. We came here at night, but really enjoyed it because there was hardly anyone here. This wildlife habitat, consist of flamingos, swans, ducks, Kio and turtles. Each creature is in his or hers authentic environment and the plants have been imported here from all around the world. Another wonderful aspect is the spectacular waterfalls grace most of the lush pool areas. Penguin feeding daily at 3:00 pm.

Pools here consist of being surrounded by 15 acres of lush tropical landscapes. What we saw looks really cool and fun. Each of the pools connects by using a water slides to get to the next one and some offer some pretty spectacular waterfalls.

As beautiful as this place is even at night, I would NOT recommend wondering around here at night. Too many secluded paths and foliage.

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One of the nice (and importantly, FREE) things to do in Vegas is to take a little stroll around the Flamingo gardens where a flock of pretty pink Chilean flamingos reside along with an assortment of other birds, fish and turtles.

I'm a big fan of furry and feathered friends so this was right up my street. If you have a phobia of birds though (as one of my friends does) I wouldn't advise it as the birds are all free roaming.

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Another free attraction for your Vegas trip. I thought this habitat was okay. There are more than 300 birds (Chilean Flamingos, African Penguins, Swans, and Ducks). There are also Koi and Turtles there too. It's great to see once. If you really want to be blown away, go to Sea World in San Diego, CA. This habitat is located where the pools are. The Flamingo says that the habitat is opened 24-hours a day, but actually they put the animals away at night. So don't visit it at night! The penguins are fed daily at 8:25am & 2:55pm!
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Dating back to 1946, the Flamingo is the oldest hotel and casino on the Strip. Back when Freemont Street was the place to go in Vegas, a man named Billy Wilkerson bought some land on Las Vegas Blvd with the idea of opening the city's biggest hotel and casino. He soon received support from none other than Meyer Lansky and his associate, Bugsy Siegel. The Flamingo didn't do too well when it first opened, and Bugsy actually lost his life over it. Things eventually picked up, and I guess it would be fair to say that the Las Vegas Strip would not be what it is today if it hadn't been for the Flamingo.

I was very curious to see this historic hotel (although not much remains of the original structure), but I have to say that the blazing pink neon lights almost made me want to change my mind! We still went in and after walking around for a while, we discovered the Flamingo's wildlife habitat :o) Of course, flamingos hold a prime spot in this tropical-like habitat, but Koi fish, waterfowl and turtles can also be seen. There is also a nice waterfall where I'm sure every tourist has had his or her picture taken - including me!

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A nice way to spend an hour or so is to visit the Wildlife area in the Hilton Flamingo Hotel.

Really well layed out with miniature bridges crossing small streams and all sorts of birds and wildlife to watch and photograph.

Ideal for all ages...and its free!!