Post #461380 by JOHN-O on Sat, Jun 13, 2009 12:45 AM

The new owners of the Tropicana Hotel & Casino have announced plans to bring the former "Tiffany of the Strip" back to its original glory. :)

http://www.lvrj.com/business/46897947.html

Built in 1957, the Trop was was styled on Havana Modern rather than the desert themes of the other major Strip properties. Its tulip-shaped fountain was a major south Strip landmark for over 20 years.

In later decades a tiki presence was added as two 35-foot Aku Aku gods were erected as part of the Trop's new tropical island theme. Also a large tiki mask, Kalanui the God of Money, was situated near the casino entrance. People would stop to touch the mask in hopes of having good luck. (Does anyone have any images to share ?)

None of this stuff exists anymore but here's some clips of the Spook Hunters in search of tiki ghosts there.

http://www.spookhunters.com/spookhunt/vegas/Tropicana/Videos/Tropicana1.htm

http://www.spookhunters.com/spookhunt/vegas/Tropicana/Videos/tikigirl.htm

The new owners plan to do the remodel with a South Beach Miami theme. Here's hoping they add some tikis to the mix again. I also hope they retain and refurbish the low-rise Garden Wing rooms from the original 1957 construction.

Long live the old-school !!