Posted on: October 30, 2024, 12:08h.
Last updated on: October 30, 2024, 12:11h.
We knew it was gone. The destruction of Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesars Palace, one of the last surviving relics of retro-Vegas kitsch design on the Strip, began this spring. But seeing it gone — thanks to new photos of the construction zone from Vital Vegas blogger Scott Roeben — is a different, more depressing, variety of knowing.
Since about 2000, most of the reviews and stories published about the barge have praised its miraculous ability to survive the upheavals that have claimed similar relics of classic Vegas across America’s most constantly evolving landscape.
So much for miracles.
What’s Barging In
A trendy bar called Caspian’s Caviar & Cocktails is being erected in the barge’s place because, well, money.
Clique Hospitality brings in high rental revenue for the casinos that host its bars and nightclubs — no doubt a lot more money than Wayne Newton’s “Up Close & Personal” residency generated for Caesars Entertainment when it opened as the last show at Cleopatra’s Barge in 2019.
Clique operates the Barbershop at Cosmopolitan and Easy’s at Aria. These are “speakeasies,” Las Vegas’ gimmicky knockoff of the outlaw bars that once secretly operated at the back of other businesses during America’s Prohibition era.
And Caspian’s will follow the formula. It will consist of a 1,100 square foot front bar, visible from the gaming floor, which serves caviar, champagne and vodka cocktails in an elegant setting.
But a passageway hidden behind the bar’s back wall will lead to where the real fun is served … in a 2,300 square-foot music lounge that seats 100.
“Those in the know will venture into the darkness, and upon opening the door, an explosion of vibrancy and color will shock the senses with a moment of brilliant impact, inviting them into an otherworldly journey,” reads the overly press release-y press release from Caesars.
Classic Vegas Sailing Off
Cleopatra’s Lounge opened with the Centurian Tower addition, now the Nobu Hotel, in September 1970. It replaced the original Nero’s Nook show lounge.
Marketed as a “floating” lounge, it actually was built into the floor beneath the moat that surrounded it.
In addition to Mr. Las Vegas, the Barge’s tiny deck has hosted performances from Dionne Warwick and magician Matt Goss.
Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra were reported to be occasional members of its 150-capacity audience, though we couldn’t confirm that.
The golden breasts of the Cleopatra statue at the boat’s bow were considered two of the key places for gamblers to rub for good luck on the Las Vegas Strip.
Only Caesars Entertainment knows the current location of those breasts, and whether and where they will be displayed again. And they’re not saying anything.
We’ll keep you abreast.
