Visiting Stardust
June 27, 2006 | 1:56
pm
I enjoyed my stay at Stardust though to be honest I enjoyed all of your recollections of Stardust more. The hallway to my room reeked of ancient ventilation and ammonia —and I was staying in the 32-story tower that opened in 1991. Like most classic Vegas, Stardust is more a property than a landmark building. It hasn't remained chastely unchanged during its 48 years, but has moved through a kaleidoscope of Las Vegas history. At one time or another, the 62-acre property has hosted a golf course, RV park, tennis courts, a bus terminal, a motor racetrack, a rodeo arena and a drive-in movie theatre. The oldest part of the current casino was actually the building next door, once the Royal Nevada Casino, which was converted to Stardust guest rooms in 1959. Anyway, it will be sad to lose Stardust yet realistically spending a night there makes it clear that the time has arrived for Echelon. (Even the hookers waiting in the lobby to pounce on me as I checked out at 4:30 AM need to be upgraded.) Stardust employees who are losing their jobs seem to get that. I also am telling myself that Echelon will offer 5,300 rooms compared to Stardust's 1,500 and this will mean a lot more jobs in the end for folks here. But still it was heartbreaking to discuss the destruction of the property with a Bell Captain I met who has worked at Stardust since the year the place opened (1958).
But I agree with Denny Onofrio, 62, who has been a bartender at Stardust since 1979 who told me: “I am going to be sad but I am also going to be happy. I think it is time.”
Anyway, my column in Sunday Calendar for July 2 will be devoted to my stay at the Stardust; not coincidentally, July 2, will mark Stardust's 48th (and final) anniversary.
photo by JAE C. HONG/AP
I've only stayed at the Stardust once and must say that we had a fantastic time. When we arrived, we were told that a non-smoking room wasn't available...would we mind dealing with a smoking suite on a higher floor? Oh Darn (insert sarcasm here)! The room was huge, with the biggest shower I've ever seen, whirlpool bathtub, wet bar, chaise lounge, California king bed and huge TV. The bellhop insisted on helping unpack and showing us the room (we tipped him $10). When our friends came to see our room, their jaws dropped. Thanks Stardust! We will miss you!
Posted by: Sue | June 27, 2006 at 03:46 PM
We resently stayed at the Star Dust and loved it. After all the heckticness of our day visiting all the newer more upscale hotels (which we Loved doing) it was nice to go back to the calmness of the Star Dust. Our only conplaint was the persons working at the casinos snack shop they were rude rude rude all three times we went there. We enjoyed everyone else though and had no other complaints. Star Dust we'll really miss you.
Posted by: jdon | June 27, 2006 at 04:27 PM
I first heard about the Stardust when I was searching the radio dial for something more interesting than talk about politics or space aliens and I ran into the Stardust's weekly sports gambling chat at the fabulous Sports Book. These guys so seemed so well informed and intelligent. I started listening ascame to Las Vegas often as possible. The signal barely makes it to Northern California so many nights I had to put up with awful static. Some nights it didn't come in at all. The show led me to stay at the Stardust when I came to Las Vegas.
Once I drove to Las Vegas, then flew to Dallas for a family gathering. I asked the front desk when a parking lot might be. He said that I could leave it at the Stardust and they would be glad to watch it, I just needed to go to security office and tell them which car it was so it wouldn't be towed.
I didn't expect such personal conern at a Vegas casino. Since then every chance i get I either stay or play at the Stardust.
Posted by: David Selzer | June 28, 2006 at 09:25 AM
The only classic thing about the Stardust is its historic neon sign. Still no word on its future?
Posted by: Randy | June 28, 2006 at 10:20 AM
My mom took me to Las Vegas for my first "adult" trip when I was 23. We have family there so we had been there many times before, for family visits. Starting at 23 y.o.a., mom and I went to Vegas 2-3 times a year, always staying at the Stardust. My mom found out she had terminal cancer in Feb. 2001, and she had to go back to Vegas. We had a very emotional trip in April back to the Stardust. We stayed in Room 1607 East Tower. She passed away September 4,2001. I have been trying to work up the courage to go back to our "Home Away From Home." Today, 7/17/06 I finally went to make reservations and discovered that a place that holds so many wonderful, non-replacable memories is going to be destroyed. I only wanted the chance to walk a familiar path, for myself and my mom. Good-bye Stardust.
Posted by: Michelle Wiens | July 17, 2006 at 04:24 PM