Excalibur Hotel and Casino

The Excalibur Hotel and Casino is a prominent resort located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, specifically at the southwest corner of the Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection. Opened on June 19, 1990, the property was developed by Circus Circus Enterprises with a construction cost of $290 million. Designed by architect Veldon Simpson, the resort features a distinctive medieval European castle theme inspired by King Arthur's legends, a concept conceived by executive William G. Bennett after he and his team toured actual castles across Europe for architectural reference. Upon its debut, Excalibur held the title of the largest hotel in the world, a record it maintained until the nearby MGM Grand opened in 1993.

Currently owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International, the 28-story complex remains a major destination featuring nearly 4,000 guest rooms and an expansive casino floor. The site occupies approximately 50 acres and was previously intended for a different resort called Xanadu, which was never built due to infrastructure disputes. The property has undergone significant renovations in 2006 and 2014 to maintain its appeal. It continues to operate as a vibrant entertainment hub, housing notable dining establishments like The Steakhouse at Camelot and Dick's Last Resort.

Excalibur is historically significant for its enduring live entertainment offerings that align with its thematic identity. It hosts the Tournament of Kings, the longest-running dinner show on the Strip, which features medieval jousting and sword fights. Additionally, the resort is home to Thunder from Down Under, the longest-running male revue in Las Vegas history since its 2002 premiere. Despite the evolution of the surrounding skyline, Excalibur remains a recognizable landmark defined by its colorful turrets and family-friendly atmosphere.