LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Built in 1957, the Tropicana Hotel is a staple on the Las Vegas Strip, and guests are feeling nostalgic as the legendary resort will soon close its doors.
“I think it’s pretty cool to be one of the last people to stay here,” tourist Dawn Baptist told Nexstar’s KLAS.
It is considered one of the oldest casino hotels on the Strip, and it’s easy to notice the South Beach, Havana-inspired aesthetic, from its outdoor pool area to its island wedding chapel.
When it opened in 1957, Nevada’s lieutenant governor unlocked the door to what would become a Sin City landmark for more than a half-century. Then he threw away the key.
“This was to signify that the Tropicana would always stay open,” said historian Michael Green.
However, the property is now set to close for good on April 2, making way for the Athletics’ new MLB stadium.
“I’m on the fence,” Baptist added. “I suppose, since they want to get the professional teams to come to Vegas, they have to do something to revamp this area.”
With little time left to enjoy all the Tropicana has to offer, guests are stocking up on memorabilia. Baptist said they’ve already started closing up shop around the hotel.
“People are literally coming over, slapping $100 down and saying ‘give me a chip of this,’ and then they walk away and are like, ‘I just wanted a souvenir,'” Baptist laughed.
Guests like Daniel Sahn from Nebraska booked his stay to be a part of history.
“For a lot of people coming into the casino, like myself, there’s a sense of nostalgia,” Sahn shared with KLAS. “Walking in the footsteps of the great people from before like the rat pack is iconic.”
While most merchandise showcasing the Tropicana name is sold out, Sahn said he was able to snag some keepsakes.
“I did get a chip, and I have my hotel card,” Sahn added.
Among The Tropicana’s claims to fame is its feature role in the 1971 James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever.” It’s still unclear if the resort will go out in a common Strip send-off — implosion — but deconstruction will not begin until at least the summer of 2024.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.