According to an undated postcard, it contained 72 rooms and advertised air-conditioned room with private telephones and combination tub and shower. It also contained a coffee shop, lobby and swimming pool. It was boasted as "One of Las Vegas' Largest and Finest." It was later taken over by a Mr. Maltby. Some time later its name was changed to El Playtel & Desert Spa Motel.

The following pictures were taken in 1949 on the front lawn of the Desert Spa with the Thunderbird in the background. These pictures from Dolores (Dee) Alwes regarding the explanation of each picture. The first picture depicts an unidentified man, actor Dick Van Dyke sitting in a chair, and Gwen, Marie, and Lois were performing at the Hotel Last Frontier. The second picture is of an unidentified man, Dick Van Dyke sitting in the chair, Marie, Lois, and Dolores.

On August 10, 1953, Desert Spa applied for a state gaming license.

On February 22, 1954, it was reported that Pat O'Brien's Desert Spa, a protected, lavish $3,500,000 resort-hotel was apparently in the lead to become the Strip's eight major gambling palace as promoters of the project said ground breaking would begin on February 24, 1954.

The new hotel was first presented for the approval of the Nevada Tax Commission in 1953, but no action was taken on the gambling license. Two months prior, the Commission in Carson City adopted a policy of not issuing licenses until the hotel-casinos were completed.

The site for the hotel was announced to be on the present grounds of the Desert Spa Motel, which will be moved east to accommodate the hotel.

The hotel was to have 200 rooms, a swimming pool and all the other accessories found in the most modern Strip establishment.

It was expected to be joined soon by the Nevada Royal and Casablanca Hotels, also on the Strip. (This is the first time I've heard of the Casablanca and I have no information on it.)

The original Desert Spa Hotel was first proposed to the Commission by the Stutz brothers, San Diego night club and arcade owners, and their attorney, George Vargas of Reno.

Also interested in the project was movie actor Pat O' Brien, for whom the hotel was to be named, other Hollywoodians, and William J. O'Connor, a New York developer.

Amos Cendall was the contractor, while the Stutz Brothers were the builders, and Barondon Corporation of Los Angeles, were the architects.

In March of 1954, it was announced that new plans for Pat O'Brien's Desert Spa hotel were being drawn by Las Vegas architect Dick Bledsoe. The proposed resort hotel hit a snag when the old plans were turned down by County Building Inspector Nate Lee.

Bledsoe said that the general design of the establishment remained the same, but structural defects in the old plans were being corrected. It would be some time before construction could begin as the proposed resort must be approved by the county planning board and the board of county commissioners before a building permit could be approved.

On March 11, 1954, Amos Cindelli, owner of the Desert Spa , and Walter Stutz of San Diego, announced that construction on Pat O'Brien's Desert Spa casino and restaurant would be started on that day, weather permitting. The above photo shows the artist's rendering of the casino and restaurant portion, which were to be built on the front of the Desert Spa property. The casino-restaurant would be leased to Pat O'Brien and associates. The interior was to be decorated as a "bit of Ireland." Plans were approved on March 10, 1954, at special meetings of the commission planning board and county commissioners.

The above picture depicts workman of the Western Electric Displays, Inc., erecting the new neon display for the Desert Spa Hotel. The display featured a three color flashing sequence of neon tubing set inside the six foot plastic letters.

In September of 1954, it was announced that on October 4 and 5, 1954, shooting of the movie Five Against the House starring Guy Madison, would be at the Desert Spa.

In October of 1954, The authentic The Flaming Sword was on display in the Flame Room of the Desert Spa being show by Margie Melvern. The Sword was designed and manufactured by Dorner and Co., of Hollywood, CA. It depicted the Napoleonic Era of luxurious living. The four authentic swords were embedded in the centerpiece with one dating back to the days of the French Revolution. The Flame Room featured Continental Cuisine at moderate prices. At this time, the opening of the Desert Spa was scheduled for the second week in November.

On November 29, 1954, several partners of the Desert Spa were denied before the State Tax Commission. Attorney David Caplow told the seven commissioners the hotel had assets totalling more than $2.2 million and liabilities of only $504,000. Caplow added the hotel was current in its contract obligations except for a couple of minor items in dispute.

Sol Gershenhorn, slated to become casino manager and to have a 21% piece of the hotel, denied any connection with Danny Wilson and the Sica brothers said by the tax commission to have unfavorable backgrounds.

Gershenhorn said he intended to sell 10% of his 21% interest "to make the partnership healthy." He added he had been in the gambling business in Los Angeles and "At no time have I ever been connected with hoodlums." Both men, along with Walter Stutz, denied there had been any dissension among the hotel's partners.

The above picture depicts workmen as they started to place the new sign on the Desert Spa.

On December 2, 1954, a lawsuit was filed in the District Court seeking cancellation of the lease agreement between the lessors of the Desert Spa and the present group of tenants who were headed by Caplow and Gershenhorn. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Stutz and his associates by the law firm of Morse, Graves and Compton. Stutz was seeking $15,000 as rental, at the rate of $5,000 a month since September of 1954, which became due monthly after the lessees took possession of the premises.

Stutz also charged that various sums were due under the lease agreement, that one of the items was an increased in the cost above the figure of $133,200 and that the actual increase over cost as a result of chances amounted of $225,920.

Stutz further charged that there was due and payable the sum of $12,500 which was agreed to be paid by defendants which sum was to have been a lien to the lessor to aid in the construction of the casino.

Stutz stated that the defendants had been repeatedly refused a gaming license by the Nevada Tax Commission to operate a casino on the premises, and that the Tax Commission has advised that no license will be issued to defendant Gershenhorn and certain others, as in the opinion of the commission said persons were undesirable, and defendants may not conduct the operation on the property contemplated by the lease agreement.

Stutz was asking to declare the rights of the parties, declaring that the agreement had been breached, and that the defendants have forfeited their rights under it. Stutz also asked the court to declare that he was entitled to immediate possession, and to cancel the agreement.

On December 16, 1954, Desert Spa announced that it would open on January 1, 1955. It was reported that the casino, bar and dining room would be opened, and that Olsea and Johnson were featured in the show, produced for opening night. It did appear unlikely though that the Spa would receive its gambling permit in time for the opening.

On December 17, 1954, it was announced that Gershenhorn disposed his 21% of the interest in the Spa. The remaining partners gave Gershenhorn a $200,000 promissory note for his 21% interest. The note provided for minimum payments of $1,500 monthly beginning 30 days after the Spa opened.

On December 20, 1954, it was reported that the Tax Commission was dawdling on the Spa license. In addition to Gershenhorn, apparently they had a problem with Fred Weichman. Weichman was questioned at length concerning his past activities. Weichman put up $10,000 for a 5% interest in the Spa. He was questioned in particular about his association with Armand Cerami, a former associate of California gangland figures Mickey Cohen, Jack Dragna, and Joe Sica.

Cerami was once questioned by Los Angeles police in connection with the gangland slaying of Tony Brancato and Tony Trombino. Weichman said Cerami had been associated with him in the Everly Credit AGency from late 1950 to the latter part of 1953. He said his credit agency had never had anything to do with Brancato or Trombino.

Weichman said his credit agency had only sought to collect one gambling check and that its clientele included mostly doctors, attorneys, and merchandise stores. He added that one gambling check incident did not involve Trombino or Brancato.

On December 21, 1954, the Tax Commission told the Spa owners they would not grant a gambling license until all owners appear "with completely clean hands." The Commission stated that applicants Gershenhorn and Weichman would have to be totally out of the picture before a license was granted.

After persistent questioning, Weichman finally recalled that Cerami had been associated with a credit company he formerly operated for about three years and had in fact been Vice President of at one time. The Commission said that Gershenhorn's disassociation was unsatisfactory since it left Gershenhorn more or less a silent partner.

On December 26, 1954, the Spa's troubles doubled when M.A. Pollard, a bay area furniture man, filed a lawsuit stating that Gershenhorn, acting as agent for the hotel, signed at note for construction work on the establishment. The note was signed by Gershenhorn in September of 1954 and was payable if the former hotel promoter was not able to transfer 2% of his interest in the hotel to Pollard.

On January 24, 1955, it was reported that Stutz and Paul Agsten of San Diego were spending $200,000 to finish the construction early in April of 1955.

Lessees and operators of the property was a group headed by Earl Maltby, formerly with the Silver Slipper, and Johnny Haines, formerly with the Westerner. Litigation which had delayed the opening had been cleared through the U.S. Supreme Court.

Planning the completion and opening of the Desert Spa is shown above. From left to right were Don Farr, electrical contractor; Hy Yanke, Southern Nevada Plumbing and Heating; Earl Maltby, General Manager and head of group leasing the property; Stutz; Cliff Mance, roofing contractor; and Eddie Wakelin, in charge of entertainment, bar and show.

On March 1, 1955, the Tax Commission gave the spa a conditional gambling license. The operators had to satisfy three conditions before the actual license was given. The conditions included putting up a $200,000 bankroll, placing $75,000 in escrow to pay off Gershenhorn and Weichman, and they must obtain consent from all the resort's creditors to the effect that the Desert Spa was to be given time in which to meet its obligations.

The revised licensee list included Fred Trevillian for 15%, Charles Marens for 6%, Paul Asten for 4%, Walter Stutz for 16%, Paul McDonald for 2%, David Caplow for 17%, Jack Rosen for 2%, and S. S. Toberoff for 20%.

In October of 1955, a lawsuit was filed by Emilie Wanderer on behalf of I.E. Miller, who claimed the resort owed him $638.01 for goods delivered during January of 1955.

In October of 1956, a question was asked in the paper "another "why" . . . how come the Desert Spa is still lit up at night".

It appears that even though Gershenhorn and Weichman were out, an October 26, 1956 article stated "A reply brief on the Desert Spa suit was mailed last night by attorney Harry Claiborne, and associate counsel Al Gershenhorn. According to Fred Weichman, there may be bright lights at the Desert Spa yet."

District Judge Harry Watson presided over the trial during this year resulting in Gershenhorn and Caplow being removed from the Spa because of inability to pay construction costs incurred during the expansion.

Then a February 12, 1957 article stated "Wonder what the Desert Spa will do when Fred Weichman files his suit against Walter Stutz . . heard it's in the readying stage."

On February 17, 1957, a contempt citation and two other motions were issued against Gershenhorn and Caplow for their refusal to return promissory notes totalling $47,500 to Walter and Louis Stutz in accordance with a trial verdict which removed Gershenhorn and Caplow from the Desert Spa.

District Judge Harry Watson approved the motions to cite Gershenhorn and Caplow for contempt, forbidding their transfer of assets, and compelling them to answer interrogatories, and order the pair arrested on a bench warrant already issued. Neither Gershenhorn nor Caplow appeared for the latest hearing and authorities said whereabouts of the pair were unknown. Judge Watson ordered Gershenhorn and Caplow to return promissory notes of $22,500, $12,500, and $12,500 to the Stutz brothers.

In May of 1957, The "swingin'-est" rock and roll session in Las Vegas was scheduled to take place the following Saturday. The dance was held simultaneously in the Desert Spa and Silver Slipper ballroom, starting at 8:00pm. All proceeds went to the Boy Scouts. Tickets were sponsored by Las Vegas Post 711 of the Jewish War Veterans.

Scan donated by Dennis Rosen

Pictured above is Mrs. Felix Ross making a valiant attempt to advertise the dance by putting a card on the Desert Spa marquee. Assisting Ross was Bill First representing the Boy Scouts, N.H. Major Kay and dance chairman Hal Miller.

Scheduled to perform were Hal Miller's Rock n' Rollers, Jack Dix and his Rhythm Kings, Hoyt Henry and his Fabulous Five, Art "Cow Eyes" Engler from the Hacienda, Johnny Olenn from the Dunes, the Frank Moore Five from the Sands, and The Treniers from the Royal Nevada. Louis Prima, Mickey Katz, and Chuey Reyes were also invited. Also scheduled were Silver Slipper comedian Sparky Kaye and actor Robert Alda.

In March of 1958, prospective operators of the Spa's casino re-applied for their gaming license. Landlords Agsten and Stutz stated they associated themselves with a group of Nevada and west coast gamblers who plan to invest $400,000 in the new resort. While the resort's litigations which went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court were being heard, a gambling license was granted to the casino. Portland, Oregon Frank J. Cobbs, Jr., headed a group of six men who told the Gaming Board they planned to invest $407,000 in the resort. Stutz stated the casino planned to spend $10,000 a week for entertainment.

The application called for 80 slot machines and 11 gaming tables. They had a five year lease with an option to renew and would pay $13,000 a month rent.

In addition to Cobbs who invested $220,000 in the venture for 57%, and Stutz, applicants included M. Earl Maltby for 10%, Walter O. Parman for 3%, Henry Trammel for 1%, and Agsten for 6%.

In May of 1958, the Lounge showcased Freddie Bell & The Bellboys, and Charlie Ventura Quintette with Jeannie Johnston.

In June of 1958, Desert Spa showcased Wingy Manone and his Quintet and Charlie Ventura and his Quintet.

In July of 1958, Desert Spa filed Chapter 10 Reorganization Petition in the U.S. District Court. The petition was filed by Cobb, President of Purple Sage, who stated the Spa had claims of indebtedness totaling $206,8762, plus $77,593 in pending court actions. Judge John Ross signed an order continuing Purple Sage in possession of the Spa premises and staying creditors' suits, and foreclosures and commencement or continuation of suits against Purple Sage, until the petition for reorganization is either approved or dismissed. The judge further ordered a complete list of debts, liens and assets filed by August 15, 1958. Cobbs stated that the resort had accounts receivable of just $30,000.

Cobbs set $200,000 as the minimum needed from new investments, outside present stockholders, to reopen the doors of the Spa.

In February of 1959, the Chapter 10 reorganization plan was thrown out of court and the Spa was ruled bankrupt. Judge Ross said that the petition was not filed in good faith and that the Spa was hopelessly insolvent at the time of the filing of the petition for Chapter 10 reorganization.

Under the provisions of Chapter 10, a financially stricken firm can apply to the Federal Courts for relief. The court can supervise the reorganization of the firm and block attachments and litigation in lower courts. The Spa, which operated as the Purple Sage, Inc., was instructed to draw up a formal order as to the bankruptcy to be filed with the court.

Sometime in 1959, the Desert Spa turned into the Desert Spa Shopping Center.

In 1960, the Desert Spa Shopping Center's Kosher Kart (owned by Little Willie) expanded, and the Golden Spur Cocktail Lounge opened (owned by Drexel Denton). It was noted that the Golden Spur was decorated in western motif, with large murals on every wall. The restaurant in the Spur specialized in steaks, prime ribs, and bar-b-que.

In mid-July of 1961, Desert Spa Shopping Center burned to the ground when it was struck by lightning.

In October of 1961, District Attorney John Mendoza stated that a settlement from the insurance company was forthcoming and requested additional time from the court to clear the Strip property of debris.

Mendoza said the attorney for the owners of the shopping center informed him that negotiations were in the process for a sale of property to Texaco Company, and that part of the agreement was that the area be cleaned off.

The owners requested an extension of time on the nuisance abatement order of county commissioners would be granted. Several bids had been received on cleaning the property and work would start as soon as the settlement was received.

It appears from a 1963 ad that another shopping center opened called the Fashion Square.

Today it is a strip mall located at the corner of Convention Center Drive and the Strip.