Untold Story: Debbie Reynolds' Vegas Hotel Dream & Legacy

Ever wondered how a beloved Hollywood icon ended up running a hotel and casino in the heart of Las Vegas? Debbie Reynolds, the star of classics like "Singin' in the Rain," didn't just grace the silver screen; she also left her mark on the Vegas strip with the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel, a testament to her passion for entertainment and a repository for her vast collection of Hollywood memorabilia.

Debbie Reynolds' foray into the Las Vegas hospitality scene was a bold move, driven by her love for performing arts and a keen entrepreneurial spirit. After years of captivating audiences on stage and screen, she envisioned a unique entertainment destination that would combine a hotel, a casino, and a museum showcasing her extensive collection of vintage Hollywood props, sets, and costumes. This collection, largely acquired from the historic MGM auction in 1970, became the centerpiece of her Vegas venture. In 1991, Debbie finally took the plunge and purchased her own casino, realizing a long-held dream of creating a space where her love for Hollywood could be shared with the world. The actress purchased the property in 1992, and renamed it a year later as the Debbie Reynolds Hotel.

The property Reynolds acquired was not a new construction; it had a history of its own. Originally built as the Royal Inn in 1970 and owned by the Royal Inns Resort Company, the hotel underwent several transformations in ownership and name over the years. It later became the Royal Americana and the Paddlewheel before Debbie Reynolds stepped in to give it a Hollywood makeover. The location of the hotel was also strategic, situated near the Las Vegas Strip, just west of Paradise Road, making it accessible to tourists and locals alike. In 1990, Hord and Hardart put the property up for sale, paving the way for Reynolds' acquisition and the birth of the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel.

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The Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel & Casino officially opened its doors in 1993, marking a new chapter for the property and for Debbie Reynolds herself. The grand opening was a star-studded affair, attracting fans and fellow celebrities eager to experience Reynolds' unique vision. The renovated property boasted a museum showcasing her unparalleled collection of Hollywood memorabilia, offering guests a glimpse into the golden age of cinema. The hotel also featured a casino, although Reynolds outsourced the casino operations to a third party. While Reynolds owned the hotel, the casino operations were managed by a different entity.

Reynolds poured her heart and soul into the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel, transforming it into a vibrant tribute to the entertainment industry. The hotel quickly gained popularity for its unique theme, its impressive collection of movie memorabilia, and its lively atmosphere. In addition to the museum and casino, the hotel also featured various entertainment options, including live performances and shows. The "Debbie" sign was originally located on the tower of the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel and Casino. The other signage, reading Reynolds, which is still located behind the Stardust letters in the neon boneyard, was originally located above the propertys main entrance, featuring neon outlined with channeled lightbulbs. The neon sign of Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel was later moved for restoration at the Neon Museum on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.

However, despite Reynolds' best efforts, the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel faced financial challenges from the outset. The casino operations, in particular, struggled due to mismanagement, leading to significant losses. The hotel also faced stiff competition from other established casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, making it difficult to attract a consistent stream of customers. The Clarion Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, once owned by entertainer and film star Debbie Reynolds, closed on Labor Day. The Clarion has seen many changes in fortune, name and ownership.

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In a surprising turn of events, the WWF's parent company, Titan Sports, won an auction to buy the Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. They paid just a bit over $10 million for the property. The former owner of the hotel the late actress/singer Debbie Reynolds was saddened by the WWFs purchase of her hotel and casino.

Despite the hotel's struggles, Reynolds' personal collection of film memorabilia continued to be a valuable asset. Her foresight in acquiring these items proved to be a shrewd investment, as the collection's value soared over the years. The film memorabilia which would eventually make Reynolds millions had been displayed in hotel. This collection became her saving grace during difficult times.

Ultimately, the financial strain proved too much to bear. In 1997, Reynolds and the hotel were forced to file for bankruptcy, marking the end of her Vegas venture. It went up for sale by Hord and Hardart in 1990 and was bought by Debbie Reynolds to become the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel. The property changed hands once again, eventually becoming known as the Greek Isles Hotel and later the Clarion. The Clarion has seen many changes in fortune, name and ownership. The hotel, opened in 1970, was once owned by actress Debbie Reynolds and named the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel.

The closure of the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel marked the end of an era. While her dream of creating a lasting Hollywood-themed destination in Las Vegas may not have fully materialized, her passion and vision left an indelible mark on the city. The hotel was also known for its all-you-can-eat crab legs and ribs.

Even after the hotel's closure, Reynolds continued to be a beloved figure in Hollywood and Las Vegas. She remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in films, television shows, and stage productions. Her legacy as a talented performer and a passionate collector of Hollywood memorabilia lived on.

Today, the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel is no more, but its memory lives on in the hearts of those who visited and in the collection of memorabilia that Reynolds painstakingly amassed. A piece of the hotel's history has been preserved at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, where the iconic neon sign that once adorned the hotel's tower is undergoing restoration. This Debbie sign was originally located on the tower of the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel and Casino. The other signage, reading Reynolds, which is still located behind the Stardust letters in the neon boneyard, was originally located above the propertys main entrance, featuring neon outlined with channeled lightbulbs. Today, it's a part of the Neon Museum's collection and will undergo a restoration project on July 24.

The Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel, located at 305 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, may be gone, but it is not forgotten. It served as a reminder of Reynolds' passion for the entertainment industry. Formerly Royal Inn, Royal Americana, Paddlewheel. Later known as Greek Isles Hotel, Clarion. Black & white photo by Las Vegas News Bureau.

To this day, nearly four years since she died of a stroke at age 84 (one day after Carrie died of various causes at age 60) and nearly 25 years after the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel closed, Debbie is still beloved by fans of her movies, notably, The Affairs of Dobie Gillis, Tammy and the Bachelor, Singin' in the Rain with Gene Kelly.

Her marriage to Hamlett ended in divorce in 1994, and when the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino fell on hard times, Debbie was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1997. ( *2 ) Reynolds backstage at the Civic Center in Oklahoma City on February 23, 2002. Debbie Reynolds' Hollywood Hotel and Casino.

The hotel reopened a year later as Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel and included a museum featuring her collection of movie memorabilia.