Located on the famous Las Vegas Strip, Excalibur Hotel and Casino is a themed hotel that offers an immersive medieval experience for its guests. The hotel’s unique theme, design, and attractions make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas.
History and Design
Excalibur was opened in 1990 by Circus Circus Enterprises (now Mandalay Resort Group), which later became part of MGM Excalibur Hotel & (Las Vegas) casino Resorts International. The hotel was designed to resemble a medieval castle, with towers, turrets, and a grand entrance that resembles King Arthur’s drawbridge. The exterior design has been updated over the years, but it still retains its iconic theme.
Accommodations
Excalibur Hotel offers 4,008 rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The hotel’s guestrooms are decorated in a medieval-inspired style, complete with stone-colored walls, stained-glass windows, and ornate furnishings.
Dining
Excalibur has an impressive array of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Some popular restaurants include:
- The Round Table Buffet : A classic buffet serving international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Extended Stay Tower Dining : A food court offering quick bites and snacks.
- Dragon’s Den Bar & Grill : A casual restaurant serving American-style burgers and sandwiches.
Casino
Excalibur Casino is one of the largest on the Las Vegas Strip, covering over 130,000 square feet. It features an impressive array of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Some popular attractions in the casino include:
- The Dragon : A massive dragon-shaped bar that dominates the center of the casino.
- The Excalibur Casino Poker Room : Home to daily tournaments and cash games.
Entertainment
Excalibur offers a range of entertainment options, including:
- Cirque du Soleil shows : The hotel is home to two Cirque du Soleil productions: «Mystere» and «O».
- Medieval-style dinner theater : A unique experience where guests can enjoy a meal while watching live performances.
- Pool parties : Excalibur’s pool area hosts various events, including pool volleyball tournaments.
Meeting and Event Space
Excalibur has over 150,000 square feet of meeting space, making it an ideal location for conferences, weddings, and other large-scale events. The hotel offers a range of event services, including catering, audio-visual equipment rental, and personalized staff support.
Technology and Accessibility
Excalibur Hotel has invested heavily in modernizing its technology infrastructure to enhance guest convenience. Some notable features include:
- Smart Room Technology : Guests can control room temperature, lighting, and entertainment systems using their mobile devices.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity : High-speed internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Sustainability Initiatives
Excalibur Hotel has implemented various sustainability initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. These include:
- Energy-Efficient Lighting : LED lights are used throughout the hotel to minimize energy consumption.
- Water Conservation Programmes : The hotel uses rainwater harvesting and grey water reuse systems to conserve water resources.
Challenges and Controversies
Excalibur Hotel has faced several challenges over the years, including:
- MGM Resorts Takeover : In 2000, MGM Resorts International acquired Mandalay Resort Group (including Excalibur) in a $7.3 billion deal.
- Gaming Regulation Compliance : The hotel has been subject to various gaming regulations and fines over the years.
Conclusion
Excalibur Hotel & Casino is an iconic Las Vegas landmark that offers guests a unique, immersive medieval experience. With its extensive dining options, massive casino floor, impressive entertainment lineup, and state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, Excalibur continues to be one of the most popular destinations on the Strip.