Half the length of the real Eiffel in Paris, France (1063 feet high), it was a cleaver movie by Bally’s Entertainment Group creating a half size version of the real Eiffel. Celebrating their new hotel, Paris, along the famous Las Vegas Boulevard, it was built in 1999. It is now an iconic point landmark along “the Las Vegas Strip.”
The genuine Eiffel was built in 1889 to commemorate Paris’s World Exposition. There was a great debate if the real Eiffel should come down after this great event. But, smarter minds prevailed giving us one of the world’s most iconic symbols. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was the tallest structure in the world for forty years, eclipsing the Washington Monument.
The cost to go on “a lift” for the genuine Eiffel is over 15 euro’s. Five euro’s if you are willing to climb the stairs. Near the top there is a restaurant (we have never been to), and a platform to take in the views. I remember seeing the river Seine, Arch De Triumph, and the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur on the top of Montmartre Hill. Even in June, it can be quite cold to gain these Eiffel vistas.
Bally’s Eiffel will cost you $17 dollars. But, we did find on the website with a two-for-one offer, almost half what it would cost to go up the real Eiffel. There are no stairs to take up, only the emergency one that is required. I must admit, the lighting, glitz and flashing neon signs along the Las Vegas Strip is quite impressive and mesmerizing.
We went up around sunset. At about the same time the Bellagio Fountains became active. It was a great show we will never forget.
We have enclosed photos of both places in our travels. My parents 1953 photo is also included of the actual Eiffel. We drove through Las Vegas in 1968 during my families vacation to California, and I remember we stopped at a gas station between two casino’s. There was only desert that surrounded everything. The attendant said there was something “wrong” with our car. Going across the desert our car would break down. But, my mom dismissed the diagnosis knowing full well it was a ploy to take our money. Las Vegas has developed other creative ways to take our monies now.
