The Dunes Hotel opened in 1955 and it included a golf course along the strip.

Guests were greeted by a 30 ft tall statue of a genie, hands on his hips and a big, big smile. The Sultan stood atop the Porte cochere entrance and had a giant diamond in his turban. The diamond was actually a car headlight which, when lit served as a beacon to attract gamblers from the Flamingo which had recently opened just across the street.

In 1956 The Dunes installed Minsky's Follies in the main showroom. Lou Costello was the star of the show.

A 3% ownership of the Dunes was approved for a Los Angeles businessman named Kirk Kerkorian. This was his first of many investments in Las Vegas.

In an effort to bring the wonder of Europe to Las Vegas, in 1957 Dunes opened the first topless show in town named Magic Carpet Show, starring Hollywood star Vera-Elen.

The beloved entertainment director, Jack Entratter brought the likes of Maurice Chevalier, Sophie Tucker, Cab Calloway to the Dunes. He even convinced Frank Sinatra to appear dressed as a sultan.
When not performing himself, Jimmy Durante would spend time at The Dunes to watch his little buddy, Mickey Rooney carry on.

All the big names from Hollywood and New York appeared. Frankie Laine was a regular as was Chita Rivera, Betty Grabel, and Caesar Romero. Famed entertainer Pinky Lee had a performance where he gave each child in attendance a Tootsie Roll. They repaid him by standing and screaming "love you Pinky". One night Pinky Lee was surprised when a young entertainer just walked on stage in the middle of his show. That young entertainer was Liberace, trying to make a name for himself.

In 1962 the Marilyn Monroe of England, Dianna Dors was surprised when her husband Dickie Dawson had her six year old son flown in from England. That was the first stage appearance for Richard Dawson, of Hogan's Heroes and Family Feud fame.

Viva Les Girls was a show of note because it had the youngest showgirl in town..Cassandra Peterson was just 17 and later gained world wide fame when she metamorphosized into ELVIRA mistress of the dark.

The Cafe Parisienne hosted some world class entertainers never before appearing in Las Vegas. Among them were Al Hirt, Jayne Mansfield and Michel Legrande, Lili St. Cyr.

Headlines were made in 1961 when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Kirk Douglas came for the wedding of their good friend. Zsa Zsa Garbor arrived with 27 pieces of luggage and a French poodle named Nicky.

In the 60's The Arabian room hosted stars such as Frankie Laine, Patty Page, George Burns, Tony Bennet, and Polly Bergen.

Minsky's went on for years, bringing to town great names like Tempest Storm, Jack E. Leonard, and Betty Grable. In another Hogan's Heroes link, Robert Clary, AKA LeBeau, performed with Jeannie Caire in the Persian Room.

Another long running revue brought to the Dunes was Casino de Paris which originally starred Line Renaud and was produced by legendary Fredrick Apcar. Featuring dozens of singing, dancing showgirls this show lasted until the Dunes was imploded to make way for The Bellagio.
Casino de Paris brought with it the splendor of Paris as well as many European stars. Among that list was Mlle. Colette Simon dubbed Miss Perfect Body 1968. Miss Judy Bell also performed.

Cary Grant was such a frequent visitor to the Dunes that he had his own permanently reserved room. Grant and Dyann Canon were married at the Dunes.

Dunes was host to many charity events and present at many of them were Steve Lawrence and Edyie Gorme, Toti Fields, and Billy Daniels.

If you have any information about the history of entertainment at this property please do contact us, we aim to update this section of the site as frequently as possible so that we can ensure as accurate as possible correct historic information.