Planet Hollywood

On your left stands Planet Hollywood, a place where history and cinematic glamour come together. This complex began its story in 1962 under the name Tally Ho Hotel, a hotel without a casino that unfortunately failed rather quickly. In 1966 it reopened as the Aladdin, with an oriental theme inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Just a year after opening, Elvis Presley chose this place to marry Priscilla Beaulieu, a wedding that became legendary because of the intense media attention surrounding it. You may already know that weddings in Las Vegas are almost as iconic as its hotel-casinos, but the reason is actually quite simple. In 1931, the state of Nevada adopted extremely liberal laws. Gambling was legalized, which led to the construction of the many casinos you see today, but several administrative requirements related to marriage were also removed. Blood tests were no longer required, residency rules disappeared, and most importantly the waiting period was reduced to zero. From that moment on, any couple could obtain a marriage license immediately, at any time of day or night, and get married the very same day. Las Vegas quickly became the easiest place in the country to get married. At the same time, the law also greatly reduced the waiting period required for divorce. As early as the 1930s, Hollywood stars began getting married here, helping create a myth that still exists today. Among them were Clara Bow and Rex Bell in 1932, Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1967, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore in 1991, Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere in 1994, as well as Michael Jordan, Britney Spears, and more recently Kourtney Kardashian in 2022. Even today, more than 80,000 weddings take place in Las Vegas every year, which represents about 220 ceremonies per day on average, and the office that issues marriage licenses is open 24 hours a day. The city continues to cultivate this idea of total freedom, because after all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. After this short detour into the world of Las Vegas weddings, let us return to the history of the complex standing here. After many financial difficulties, the Aladdin was demolished in 1998 and replaced by an ambitious new project. The new Aladdin opened in 2000, but structural problems and the economic downturn of 2001 created additional challenges. It was only in 2007, after being acquired by Planet Hollywood International, that the complex adopted its current name. A massive renovation transformed the former Aladdin into Planet Hollywood, with a new façade inspired by Times Square, giant LED screens, and modern escalators. Today it is much more than just a hotel. It includes a casino, a large shopping mall with more than 150 stores and restaurants, and a well-known performance venue that has hosted artist residencies such as Britney Spears. Another essential stop on the Strip, and a place that is well worth stepping inside to explore.