The Sun is Setting on The Las Vegas Strip’s Iconic Pink Elephant Motel
One of the most iconic Las Vegas Strip properties — a motel known for its pink elephant — is being auctioned off and is likely set to be demolished.
The legendary property, which is actually named the Diamond Inn Motel, has officially closed. According to The Street, the motel is in the process of being auctioned off, and will likely be demolished to make room for other resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.
Even though the pink elephant motel did not have the glitz or glamour usually associated with modern Sin City, it is steeped in Las Vegas Strip history.
According to X user Vintage Las Vegas, the Diamond Inn Motel was the last independent motel on the Las Vegas Strip. It was built in the 1950s, and hearkens back to an era long past in the history of Las Vegas.
Originally called the Desert Isle Motel is located directly on the Strip, close to Mandalay Bay. The owners claim that the pink elephant came from Disney World, and used to periodically trumpet. However, after the sound caused a few accidents, the owners removed the sound mechanism.
In the decades after the motel opened, scores of tourists have used the iconic pink elephant as a photo opportunity nearly as legendary as the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
As far as why the motel has closed, it’s just part of a recent trend of smaller, historic Las Vegas Strip properties being shuttered in favor of large hotels and casinos. Because of high operating costs, the Strip — which used to be dotted with smaller motels — is now home mostly to mega-resorts.
The auction for the motel closes on March 14.
In the mood for a trip to Las Vegas that pays tribute to vintage Sin City? Check out the Vegas News guide to the best hotels off the Las Vegas Strip.