If you’re a fan of the classic comedy film “National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation”, you might be wondering where Chevy Chase’s character stayed during his wild and hilarious trip to Sin City. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore the iconic hotel that served as the backdrop for some of the movie’s most memorable scenes.
The Hotel: The Mirage
In “Vegas Vacation”, Chevy Chase’s character Clark Griswold decides to take his family on a vacation to Las Vegas. They end up staying at The Mirage, a luxury resort and casino located on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
The History of The Mirage
The Mirage opened its doors in 1989 and quickly became one of the most popular hotels in Las Vegas. It was built by Steve Wynn, a prominent casino developer who is also known for building other iconic Vegas properties like The Bellagio and Treasure Island.
The Mirage was groundbreaking in many ways. It was one of the first hotels in Las Vegas to incorporate a tropical theme, complete with a massive indoor rainforest and an artificial volcano that erupts every hour. It also introduced several new entertainment concepts to the city, including Cirque du Soleil shows and Siegfried & Roy’s famous white tiger act.
The Mirage in “Vegas Vacation”
In “Vegas Vacation”, Clark Griswold and his family stay at The Mirage for their wild and wacky trip to Sin City. Many scenes from the movie were filmed on location at the hotel, including:
- Clark trying his luck at the casino
- The Griswolds’ disastrous dinner at a fancy restaurant
- Ellen Griswold (played by Beverly D’Angelo) getting hit on by Wayne Newton
The Mirage’s iconic features are also prominently featured in the movie. In one scene, Clark and his son Rusty (played by Ethan Embry) watch the volcano erupt in front of the hotel. In another, they wander through the indoor rainforest and encounter a live tiger (not one of Siegfried & Roy’s, thankfully).
Conclusion
So, if you’re a fan of “Vegas Vacation” and have always wondered where Chevy Chase and his family stayed during their trip to Las Vegas, now you know! The Mirage is still a popular destination for tourists visiting Sin City, and its iconic features continue to draw crowds from all over the world.