Casino Royale, a cherished low-roller casino and hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, may not retain its familiar presence for much longer. Rumors about its fate have circulated for years, but recent developments suggest a significant transformation could be imminent. The Federal Aviation Administration has given the green light for a new structure at 3411 Las Vegas Blvd. S., which could rise as high as 699 feet. While there are no public plans detailing what will replace Casino Royale, such a request is unlikely to be made without purpose. The possibility of a new, towering hotel, casino, residential complex, retail space, or a blend of these options looms large on the Strip.
A Glimpse into Casino Royale’s History
Casino Royale’s story begins long before it became the beloved spot known for affordable dining, drinking, and gambling. Like all casinos in Nevada, it operates as a brick-and-mortar establishment; online gambling remains illegal in the state.
Initially, the site was home to Club Bon Aire, a supper club that operated from 1945 until 1962. The first hotel on the property was the 164-room Caravan Motor Hotel, which transitioned into the Caravan Travelodge in 1968. In the late 1970s, the Nob Hill Casino opened in the area, offering low-stakes gaming options, including 10-cent roulette, quarter craps, and $1 blackjack. This venue laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Casino Royale.
In 1990, Tom Elardi purchased the hotel and casino, closing it for renovations. Elardi was already known as a co-owner of the now-closed Frontier Hotel and Casino, which was located nearby. After two years of refurbishment, Casino Royale opened its doors in 1992, featuring a compact 10,000-square-foot gaming area with around 225 slot machines and only four table games.
By 1995, the property underwent significant changes. The hotel, restaurant, and casino were integrated into a unified structure, and the gaming floor was nearly doubled in size to 19,000 square feet. Notably, Casino Royale introduced the first Outback Steakhouse on the Las Vegas Strip in 2003, alongside the opening of a Walgreens in 2012.
In 2013, Best Western acquired Casino Royale, rebranding it as “Best Western Plus Casino Royale.” Despite the new name, many still refer to it simply as Casino Royale.
Navigating the Present and Future of Casino Royale
Since its acquisition by Best Western, Casino Royale has retained much of its original charm. The property welcomed the only White Castle on the Vegas Strip in 2014, followed by the opening of a William Hill sports bar and sportsbook in 2015. For nearly a decade, it has been a favored destination for low-rollers, maintaining some of the most affordable prices on the Strip.
Denny’s and Outback Steakhouse continue to serve up budget-friendly meals, and the snack bar remains a popular spot for inexpensive hot dogs and quick bites. The hotel, often overlooked by guests seeking larger properties, is unique for not charging a resort fee—making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
However, Casino Royale no longer offers table games, as they were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to return. While the casino has experienced better days, the potential for changes looms, especially in light of recent FAA approvals.
As new construction and renovations come at a cost, it’s reasonable to anticipate price increases in the future. With such uncertainty surrounding Casino Royale, its fate remains to be seen. Will it adapt and thrive in a transformed Las Vegas landscape, or will it fade into the past?
Source : https://www.playnevada.com/8568/casino-royale-history-las-vegas-strip/