Vacation Village Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Ladies Cotton Tee

Description

Vacation Village Hotel & Casino opened on November 9, 1990, at 6711 South Las Vegas Boulevard, offering travelers a Southwest–inspired escape just south of the major Strip action. Developed on land originally acquired by the Heers family in 1964, the property took decades to materialize: initial plans began in the 1970s, stalled, and resumed in 1988 before finally debuting in 1990. Designed as a modest, locals-leaning resort, Vacation Village featured 315 rooms, a 15,000 square foot casino, and multiple dining options, including a Mexican restaurant. Its quirky draw? A “graveyard buffet”—a themed dining experience framed with tombstone décor—and value-based promotions like coupons that gained popularity among budget-conscious visitors. By 1993, management had renovated the property, adding a 24-hour buffet and a 500-seat banquet room. Further enhancements in the mid-1990s included a Denny’s, the Great China Buffet, the unique graveyard buffet, a bingo hall, a race book, a betting sports lounge, a wedding chapel, and a liquor store—uncommon offerings for a mid-sized Strip resort. Despite these moves, the property faced persistent financial difficulties. A 1992 arson during construction dealt major setbacks, and new airport runway–induced height restrictions forced costly revisions mid-development. By 2001, Vacation Village was struggling under a massive $19 million loan. It entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, was auctioned to millionaire Shawn Scott in late 2001, and ultimately closed on January 8, 2002, laying off around 350 employees and forcing out its final 66 guests. In 2004, Turnberry Associates and Centra Properties acquired the land for $25.5 million, and by 2007 the site was transformed into the open-air Town Square shopping center—a vibrant community and retail destination that filled in the footprint of Vacation Village.