6 Classic Vegas Casinos That Never Get Old

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They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Of course, that old tired cliché isn't true, because your bank account will certainly be following you home after a trip to Sin City and any memories you have -- or don't have -- will make the trip back as well.

And perhaps that's the little-known secret of Las Vegas. It doesn't have to be something you forget, or want to forget. In fact, Vegas has gone to great lengths to ensure that a trip to the strip is so memorable that you want to come back again and again...and again.

Just like any tourist attraction, Las Vegas is always growing and adding new things to do. If shiny new objects get your attention, Vegas has plenty of that going on.

Still, there's something about the nostalgia of the older hotels that should keep you coming back. Sure, they've been around forever, but there's a reason for that.

Classic is cool. That's something that can be said about these Vegas casinos that just never get old.

The Golden Nugget

Once named the "largest casino in the world" The Golden Nugget has been around since 1946. It has a real old school feel, but don't worry, it's been consistently updated throughout the years, mainly thanks to a multi-million renovation plan that was rolled out in 2005.

Some of the newer amenities include Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse and an outdoor pool complete with live sharks (don't worry, they're in a tank).

The Flamingo

The Flamingo was opened by Bugsy Siegel, a notorious Vegas mobster, in 1946, so it's well worth the trip just for the history involved.

Nowadays, The Flamingo features a tropical wildlife habitat, the 15,000-square-foot Margaritaville Casino and Bar and a host of shows, headlined by Donny and Marie.

There's also the "Legends in Concert" show, which is billed as the longest-running show in Las Vegas. These aren't the actual performers, mind you, but artists such as Garth Brooks, Michael Jackson and Elvis, among other, will be portrayed and payed tribute to in a must-see event for fans of the classics.

With its mobster history, retro feel and its modern-day fun, this hotel/casino has something for everyone.

MGM Grand

If may not be as "old school" as the El Cortez or Golden Nugget, but the MGM Grand certainly qualifies as a classic.

It first opened in 1993 and features over 170,000 square feet of gambling and gaming. Perhaps its most classic feature is its bronze lion, though. Checking in at 100,000-lbs, the 45-foot tall lion is the largest bronze statue in the United States.

The MGM Grand is an ode to entertainment. From Cirque du Soleil to the David Cooperfield theatre, there is always plenty to do and see. Of course, the MGM is also famous for the MGM Grand Garden Arena, which is a 16,800-seater that has hosted big-time concerts -- think Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake and others -- huge boxing matches and the Pac-12 men's basketball tournament.

Entertainment is the name of the game at MGM Grand, and that's not even mentioning the five nightclubs, the 6.6 acre pool area, a 30,000-square-foot spa and tons of shopping.

As an added bonus fans of CSI, the CBS series, can check out "CSI: The Experience", which is an interactive crime scene and lab.

MGM Grand may be getting older, but this hotel/casino will never run out of things to do.

Excalibur

Excalibur is one of the most unique hotels in the world, and especially if you have kids, it's probably one of the coolest places to stay.

If you've never been, it's probably easy to guess that Excalibur is a medieval themed hotel. It's basically a castle with a casino and hotel in it, and they go all out to make sure you feel immersed in the experience.

Of course, there's gambling, slots, poker...just about everything you can expect from Vegas. There are also plenty of amenities and restaurants, ranging from The Buffett and food court to the Camelot Steak House. There's outdoor lounging and swimming and for those so inclined, Excalibur does have nightlife, bars and clubs.

if you really feel like going back in time check out the Tournament of Kings, which is a live-action dinner and show featuring knights, horses, swordplay and chivalry among other things. The kids would love to check out the Fun Dungeon, which is basically a carnival and arcade on medieval steroids,

Built in 1990, the Excalibur has become a classic Vegas casino, and due to its relatively low pricing, it's well worth the stay.

New York - New York

You may be in Las Vegas, but that will be hard to remember if you spend any amount of time at New York - New York.

True to form, this hotel/casino is built as a replica of the famous New York skyline -- and it includes the Empire State Building as well as a replica of The Statue of Liberty. As an added bonus and in true Vegas fashion, there's a roller coaster that ebbs and flows around the hotel, aptly named the Big Apple Roller Coaster.

There's also a 300-foot replica of the Brooklyn Bridge, The Century Building, the The Seagram Building, 55 Water Tower and others. All of New York - New York's replicas are approximately one-third the size of the actual buildings in New York.

You could spend much of your time enjoying the views and feel of the hotel/casino, but of course, there's also plenty of things to do.

You can get your fill at the plethora of New York-themed eateries and bars and just like any good Vegas location, there's plenty of entertainment. Gambling, betting, shows (Zumanity, the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, seems to be popular) and more.

New York - New York's grand opening was back on Jan. 3, 1997, so it just celebrated its 20th birthday.

Treasure Island

You don't even have to stay at Treasure Island to experience it. Opened in 1993, this casino/hotel spews the entertainment value that visitors in Vegas have come to love and expect.

Walkers and passerby's need to check out the Sirens of TI show, which is a free performance put on multiple times nightly that features acrobatics, explosions, water, pirate ships and of course, Sirens.

There's plenty of nightlife and shopping, and if you're in the mood for another show, go inside and check out Cirque Du Soleil, which is becoming a must-have Vegas experience. And for those who are there for the gaming, there's over 90,000 square feet of casino.

Last but not least is the tropical themed pool, which features private cabanas and beverage services.

Las Vegas may attract people on its own, but its hotels like Treasure Island that keep people coming back. There's always something to see.

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