Jay Sarno, creator of Caesars Palace Hotel began building the 14 story hotel in 1962.  He named the hotel Caesars Palace because he wanted to portray a feeling of royalty.  The reason it was named Caesars Palace, and not Caesar’s Palace, was because Sarno wanted every guest to feel like a Caesar.

Many companies were contracted to help build the hotel.  Its Roman landscapes, water fountains and swimming pools, were made by specifically chosen companies to portray the Roman ages.

The hotel was inaugurated on August 5, 1966.  Phil Richards and Andy Williams each played Caesar in a play on that night.  History was in the making on this night.  Many amazing things have happened in this hotel over the years!  Some of which are:

•    The first couple to marry in the hotel was Latin bandleader, Xavier Cugat and flamenco guitarist, Charo.

•    December 31, 1967 – Legendary Evel Knievel tried to jump the hotel’s water fountain on his motorcycle.  This was an unsuccessful attempt!

•    The hotel was purchased by Stuart and Clifford S. Perlman, founders of Lums restaurants in 1969.  On July 15, 1969, a time capsule was buried.  This time capsule was stolen just days later!

•    In 1974, the hotel was expanded.

A huge project that was implemented was the Caesars Magical Empire.  It was created in 1996 to be the place to go in Las Vegas for family vacations.  Caesars Magical Empire was created to attract kids and adults alike by creating attractions appropriate for people of all ages.  It had amazing magic, spectacular illusions, dancing fire, underground tunnels, and even an invisible pianist!

The Empire was spectacular!  Upon entering the Empire, there was the Celestial Court to the Chamber of Destiny.  This appeared to be a magical elevator, where you would be transported underground to the subterranean catacombs.  Of course, this is what appeared to be happening!  In reality, you would not really go anywhere at all!  It was all in the magic of the Magical Empire.  There was a 70 foot high rotunda where you could access other areas of the Empire, such as the Infinite Hallway.   Caesars Magical would not have been true without a welcome from Caesar himself, a statue with an audio-visual personal welcome.  Other things you would encounter were:

•    A light show

•    20 ft. gas flame in a rock

•    Large vase floating in space (more magic)

•    Statue of a stream of water flowing into a pool

At this point of the tour, it is time for some fine dining, Roman style!  During the dining experience, you would enjoy the comical interaction with the wait staff, as well as magical performances in each dining room by a sorcerer host.  The Magical Empire ended its six year reign on November 30, 2002, where the Empire was closed to make room for a concert hall for Celine Dion!

Over the years, many people have performed at the hotel.  Such top performers as:

•    Celine Dion

•    Bette Midler

•    Liberace

•    Elton John

•    George Burns

•    Diana Ross

•    Cher

•    Julio Iglesias

•    Judy Garland

•    David Copperfield

•    Gloria Estefan

•    Frank Sinatra

•    Mariah Carey

To name just a few!

Throughout the hotel, you will get a feel of the Roman ages from the pseudo cave and classic architecture.  The faux rock, real marble floors, arches, and brass railings are amazing.  But the most impressive part of the Caesars Palace Hotel is its painted mosaics and breathtaking sky domes, banners, torches and Roman style furniture.

Caesars Palace has truly made its mark in Las Vegas history and is not a place you will want to miss.  Today, there are wonderful shops were you can shop ‘til you drop!