When the castle gates of Excalibur swung open for the first time on June 19, 1990, the medieval-themed megaresort at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip was the largest hotel in the world.
Thirty-five years later, the castle still stands, and the casino hotel’s allure continues to resonate with visitors.
In a city where reinvention is necessary for survival and themed hotels have largely given way to modern aesthetics, Excalibur remains a rare constant. Its bright turrets and Arthurian vibe are part of the fabric of modern Las Vegas.
Michael Green, an associate professor of history at UNLV, said Excalibur is an “underrated” resort that was, understandably, overshadowed by the opening of the Mirage in late 1989. The appeal of Excalibur to more budget-minded visitors helped prove Las Vegas could serve a wider demographic, he said.
