The Imperial Palace held a special place in the hearts of many visitors and locals alike. Although it has since been rebranded (twice) and remodeled, the legacy of the Imperial Palace remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Las Vegas.

There was a time in Las Vegas where “dealertainers” were a new concept. Sure there’s dancing dealers now, but that’s as far as the entertainment goes. Dealertainers were blackjack dealers who were also celebrity impersonators and would often take to the dealertainer stage for performances right there on the casino floor. Fun fact: Spell check does not like “Dealertainer”.

It was also a time of long walks to the old Flamingo Capri rooms from the casino. When we say long walks, we mean, bring a bottle of water with you. Those rooms have since been demolished to make way for the LINQ Promenade and high roller.

A Unique Theme

Opened in 1979, the Imperial Palace was the brainchild of Ralph Engelstad, a businessman with a penchant for unique and sometimes controversial themes. The hotel was designed to emulate the grandeur and opulence of an ancient Chinese palace, complete with pagoda-style architecture, dragon motifs, and lavish interiors. This distinctive theme set it apart from the other properties on the Strip, which were often themed around more familiar Western motifs.

Entertainment and Attractions

One of the most notable features of the Imperial Palace was its “Legends in Concert” show. This live tribute show, which began in 1983, featured talented impersonators of famous musicians, offering guests a chance to see “performances” by the likes of Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. The show became a staple of the hotel and one of the longest-running shows in Las Vegas history thanks in part to relocating to Tropicana for the rest of their performances.

The Imperial Palace also housed the Auto Collections, one of the largest classic car museums in the world. Car enthusiasts could marvel at an impressive array of vintage and rare automobiles, some of which were even available for purchase. This unique attraction added to the hotel’s appeal and provided a distinctive experience for visitors.

A Controversial Legacy

While the Imperial Palace was beloved by many, it was not without controversy. Ralph Engelstad was known for his collection of Nazi memorabilia, which he kept in a private room at the hotel. This aspect of Engelstad’s legacy drew significant criticism and cast a shadow over the hotel’s reputation. Despite this, the Imperial Palace continued to thrive and attract guests with its charm and unique offerings.

Rebranding and Transformation

In 2012, the Imperial Palace underwent a significant transformation. The hotel was rebranded as The Quad Resort and Casino as part of a major renovation project. The rebranding aimed to modernize the property and shed some of the controversial aspects of its past, while also preventing the future name from negative reviews of “construction noise/mess.” The extensive renovations included updating the guest rooms, casino floor, and common areas to offer a more contemporary and upscale experience.

This is what Quad’s logo looked like. A visual interpretation of the letter Q that looked like the aftermath of a Roomba that rolled through a puddle of blood.

With a name like the Quad, I would have designed the logo similar to this one. I figure, why not have some fun with it? it’s Vegas, bring on that neon and make it look like an actual Quad.

By 2014, the transformation was complete, and the property was once again rebranded, this time as The LINQ Hotel & Casino. The LINQ sought to appeal to a younger, more modern demographic, featuring sleek designs, high-tech amenities, and a vibrant atmosphere. Alongside the hotel, the adjacent LINQ Promenade was developed, offering a lively shopping, dining, and entertainment district anchored by the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel.

Preserving the Memories

While the Imperial Palace no longer exists in its original form, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who visited and worked there. The distinctive theme, legendary entertainment, and unique attractions left an indelible mark on the history of Las Vegas. For many, the Imperial Palace represents a bygone era of the Strip, one characterized by eccentric themes and larger-than-life personalities.

That being said…

The story of the Imperial Palace is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of Las Vegas. As the city continues to reinvent itself, the memories of places like the Imperial Palace serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse history that makes Las Vegas such a unique and captivating destination. While the hotel may be lost to time, its spirit lives on in the vibrant energy of the Strip, where the past and present collide in a dazzling display of lights and excitement.

What are your memories of Imperial Palace? Share in the comments below.