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Aztec Inn
Map
Interactive map of Aztec Inn
Location Las Vegas, Nevada
Address 2200 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Opening date1957
ThemeAztec
No. of rooms45[1]
Total gaming space3,120 sq ft (290 m2)
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerGerald Brinkman
Paul Kellogg
Gary Vause
Previous namesSun N Shine Motel
Sunshine Motel
Mojave Meadow Motel
Renovated in1958
1960
1991
Coordinates36°08′46″N 115°09′23″W / 36.1461136°N 115.15646119999996°W / 36.1461136; -115.15646119999996

Aztec Inn (also known as the Aztec Gold Inn & Casino)[2][3] is a motel and casino located on 0.89 acres (0.36 ha) of land at 2200 South Las Vegas Boulevard,[1] north of the Las Vegas Strip, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The property is located south of the Stratosphere hotel-casino, and includes a nearby apartment complex connected to the Aztec Inn.[4][5]

The property began in 1957, as the Sun N Shine Motel. It became the Sunshine Motel in the 1980s, and later became known as the Mojave Meadow Motel. A casino was added in 1991, when the property was renamed the Aztec Inn. The property is owned by Gerald Brinkman, Paul Kellogg, and Gary Vause.[6] The Aztec Inn's casino is 3,120 sq ft (290 m2) and features 39 slot machines.[7] The Aztec Inn also features a buffet and a business center.[8]

History

[edit]

Early history (1957–2000)

[edit]

The Aztec Inn's various apartment buildings were constructed on the property in 1953,[9][10] 1954,[11][12][13] and 1956.[14] The motel structure was constructed in 1957,[1] and operated as the Sun N Shine Motel.[15][16] Additional rooms were added in 1958 and 1960.[17] The motel became the Sunshine Motel during the 1980s, and was later renamed as the Mojave Meadow Motel.[15] In 1991, a casino was built and opened as the Aztec Inn.[5] The motel's office was demolished to make room for the casino.[17] During the 1990s, the property was owned by Gerald D. Brinkman, Gary Vause, Donald Dombrowski,[5] and Paul Kellogg III.[18]

In 1994,[19] officials from the Stratosphere project – under construction north of the Aztec Inn[4] – entered an agreement with the city's Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency to have the Aztec Inn's parking lot condemned through eminent domain and turned over to the Stratosphere.[19][20][21] The Aztec Inn's owners had spent $700,000 on renovations and feared that the loss of their parking lot would end the business.[19] In June 1995,[20] a judge ruled that the agreement was unconstitutional.[19] The city chose not to appeal the decision.[21] By April 1996, the Aztec Inn settled with the Stratosphere and agreed to sell its parking lot for an undisclosed amount.[19]

Darrin Race, an Elvis Presley impersonator, regularly performed in front of the Aztec Inn during the 1990s.[22][23][24] In December 1998,[18] Brinkman, who owned a 25-percent interest in the Aztec Inn, sued Kellogg and Vause, accusing them and Dombrowski of making numerous high-interest loans to the Aztec Inn and later having the casino repay the loans against Brinkman's objections. Brinkman alleged that the loans violated the Aztec Inn's limited partnership agreement, which required unanimous consent of all loan transactions. Brinkman alleged that the Aztec Inn had lost $1.7 million since its opening in 1991, as a result of the loans. The lawsuit claimed that the casino had lost $217,000 in 1996, $418,000 in 1997 and $474,000 through the first ten months of 1998.[5]

Michael Mushkin, an attorney defending the Aztec Inn's owners, claimed, "Mr. Brinkman has also made loans and received the same rate of interest on loans as these partners have." Brinkman requested a judge to place the Aztec Inn into receivership to recoup his investment money. Mushkin doubted that the casino would be forced into receivership. Aztec Inn's general manager, Bill Maxwell, criticized Brinkman, saying, "The three partners are supporting the company. The fourth partner is not."[5] In March 1999, Maxwell was approved for a four-percent interest in the Aztec Inn. That month, Brinkman was in negotiations with the other co-owners to settle the lawsuit.[18]

Recent history (2000–present)

[edit]

At approximately 3:50 a.m. on May 10, 2000, a 33-year-old woman was driving south on South Las Vegas Boulevard when another driver cut her off. The woman swerved, lost control of her Mercedes-Benz, smashed through the Aztec Inn's glass doors, and crashed into the casino and bar area. Five people were injured. At least 15 slot machines – each one costing approximately $8,000 – were damaged. Four touchscreen slot machines – each one costing approximately $12,000 – were also damaged. One slot machine was hit hard enough by the woman's vehicle to be thrown across the casino, smashing into a wall. The casino's floor was covered in coins and glass shards. Paul Lybarger, the shift manager at the time, said, "I'm still surprised that no one was killed." The motel remained open, while the bar and slot machine area were expected to be reopened by early June 2000.[25]

In January 2001, a flash fire occurred in one of the motel rooms and injured two people.[26] In June 2004, Maxwell was approved to sell his four-percent stake to Dombrowski and Vause for $100,000.[2] In January 2005, the casino agreed to correct discrepancies after being warned of violations in its internal control accounting procedures. In June 2005, state agents found repeated violations, which included underreporting slot machine winnings by $38,218. Other violations included improper recording of supply purchases, an improperly tested coin counter, and the allowance of a bartender to have a $2,000 bankroll to make gaming payouts that were not recorded in the casino's accounting system.[27]

A fire forced the evacuation of the motel on June 22, 2005, at approximately 11:45 p.m. The fire was confined to a closet in a motel room, and was extinguished with no injuries.[28] Another motel fire, involving a flaming mattress, occurred in July 2005.[26] On the night of August 3, 2005, a three-alarm fire broke out on the western portion of the Aztec Inn, on the second floor of the two-story wood-frame motel,[26] located on Baltimore Avenue.[29] The casino was evacuated.[26] Firefighters arrived at approximately 11:38 p.m.[29] More than 100 firefighters spent 45 minutes to get the fire under control. Traffic on South Las Vegas Boulevard, between Sahara Avenue and St. Louis Avenue, was diverted to make way for firefighters.[26]

The fire was mostly located inside the motel's attic. Aside from the attic, two motel rooms and a stairwell were also damaged by the fire, which caused an estimated $200,000 in damages. The motel was vacant prior to the fire, as it was undergoing renovations. It was the worst of the three fires that the Aztec Inn suffered that year,[26] although officials determined that they were unrelated to each other.[30] Fire investigators wanted to determine if renovations on the building were related to the fire. Smoke clouds drifted south along the Las Vegas Strip into the early morning hours.[26]

In May 2006, the Aztec Inn was fined $5,000 after Dombrowski admitted to the accounting violations from the previous year.[27]

References

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Aztec Inn

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Aztec Inn is a small, budget-oriented and located at 2200 South in , , positioned north of the Las Vegas Strip adjacent to The Stratosphere. Established in as the Sun N Shine Motel, the property evolved through name changes including Sunshine Motel in the and Mojave Meadow Motel before adopting its current branding and incorporating limited facilities with approximately 40 slot machines, a bar offering inexpensive drinks, and a restaurant serving low-cost meals such as $5 breakfasts. The 45-room establishment caters primarily to value-seeking visitors in a gritty, vintage atmosphere reflective of early motel strips, though its surrounding area has been described as rundown. In 2021, the Aztec Inn was bundled with nearby properties and listed for potential sale at $60 million, highlighting ongoing redevelopment pressures in the vicinity.

History

Founding and Initial Operations (1957–1980s)

The Aztec Inn property was established in as the Sun N Shine Motel at 2000 North, amid a surge of modest motor hotels catering to budget-conscious motorists along the northern extension of the Strip. This era saw evolve as a key corridor for travelers arriving via U.S. Highway 91, with small properties like the Sun N Shine offering affordable overnight stays amid the city's tourism boom. The motel featured basic accommodations typical of mid-1950s roadside , including ground-level rooms accessed from a , and operated without gaming facilities, focusing solely on for transient visitors. Initial operations emphasized low-cost appeal, with rates and amenities geared toward families, truckers, and short-term guests rather than high-rollers, reflecting the competitive landscape of independently owned motels north of . By the and , the property maintained its role as a no-frills stopover, benefiting from proximity to emerging attractions while avoiding the lavish expansions of Strip resorts further south. Maintenance records and period postcards indicate standard features like neon signage and palm-lined entrances, but no major renovations or expansions are documented during this period, underscoring its steady, unpretentious function amid Las Vegas's rapid commercialization. In the early 1980s, the motel underwent a to the Sunshine Motel, signaling minor updates to and possibly interior refreshes while preserving its core budget model. This change coincided with shifting ownership patterns in the area but did not introduce or upscale elements, keeping operations aligned with economical hospitality for local workers and value-seeking tourists through the decade's end. The property's modest scale—later confirmed at around 45 rooms—remained consistent, avoiding the debt-fueled growth that characterized larger competitors.

Rebranding and Casino Introduction (1980s–2000)

In 1981, the property, previously operating as the Sun N Shine , was rebranded as the Sunshine , reflecting efforts to update its image amid evolving competition on the Las Vegas Strip. This change occurred during a period of modest operations without gaming facilities. By 1990, it underwent another name change to the Mojave Meadow , signaling further adjustments to attract budget-conscious travelers. The pivotal development came in 1991, when the was demolished to make way for a new structure on the east side of the property, introducing for the first time. The resulting gaming floor measured 3,120 square feet and housed 39 slot machines, establishing the site as a small-scale operation targeted at locals and low-stakes visitors rather than high-rollers. Concurrently, the property adopted the Aztec Inn name, evoking a thematic nod to Mesoamerican motifs while aligning with the casino's addition. Through the remainder of the 1990s and into 2000, the Aztec Inn maintained its configuration as a 45-room hotel-casino with limited amenities, operating stably without significant expansions amid the Strip's rapid mega-resort boom. This period solidified its niche as an affordable, no-frills venue proximate to larger attractions like the .

Contemporary Developments (2000–present)

In August 2005, a three-alarm fire originated in a vacant adjacent to the , forcing the evacuation of guests and gamblers while causing an estimated $200,000 in damage but no injuries. The property has continued operating as a small-scale and without major structural renovations or expansions reported in the intervening years. In July 2021, the was placed on the market for sale as part of a group of adjacent properties north of the Las Vegas Strip, listed at $60 million or in two separate $30 million transactions, attracting interest from international firms. As of October 2025, no sale has been completed, and the venue remains active, offering budget lodging and limited gaming focused on slot machines for and low-end tourists.

Physical Description and Facilities

Location and Site Details

The Aztec Inn is situated at 2200 South , Las Vegas, 89102, along the iconic corridor. This address places the property immediately north of Hotel, Casino & Tower at 2000 South , approximately 0.5 miles north of the Sahara Avenue boundary marking the conventional northern terminus of the Las Vegas Strip. The site is at the corner of and Avenue, providing direct vehicular access and proximity to , about 1 mile east. The property occupies a compact lot of approximately 0.89 acres (38,655 square feet), supporting a two-story building and an adjoining casino wing. In 2021, it formed part of an 8-acre assemblage of north-Strip offered for sale, highlighting its position in a developing area adjacent to larger resorts. The site's urban setting features standard commercial typical for venues in this stretch of the boulevard, with surrounding businesses including , small casinos, and retail outlets.

Accommodations and Layout

The Aztec Inn provides 45 budget-oriented rooms in a compact, two-story structure spanning roughly 40,000 square feet on a site adjacent to larger resorts like . The layout follows a traditional configuration, with exterior-facing rooms accessible via walk-up stairs and ground-level parking, facilitating easy vehicle access along . Guest accommodations emphasize simplicity, featuring standard amenities such as , , and basic furnishings in single or double configurations suitable for short-term stays. Some rooms include divided spaces with a area and an adjoining sitting zone equipped with a sofa, though interiors reflect the property's age with dated decor and minimal modern updates. The overall design prioritizes functionality over luxury, with no reported elevators or interior hallways, aligning with its origins as a 1950s-era roadside .

Casino and On-Site Amenities

The at the Aztec Inn spans approximately 3,120 square feet and houses 39 multi-denomination slot machines, including bar-top , electronic , and dollar denomination options, with no table games available. This compact gaming floor integrates with the on-site lounge, providing a no-frills environment focused on low-stakes play. On-site amenities emphasize affordability and basic convenience, featuring a full-service bar serving inexpensive beer and other beverages alongside the gaming area. The adjacent , often described as an cafe-style eatery, offers budget meals such as a $5 breakfast special, rice, and Philly sandwiches with fries. Free parking is provided for guests, accommodating vehicles in the lot adjacent to the property. These facilities cater primarily to patrons and budget travelers seeking economical options near the Las Vegas Strip.

Operations and Business Model

Gaming Offerings

The Aztec Inn maintains a compact floor spanning 3,120 square feet, featuring 39 slot machines as its primary gaming attraction. These machines cater to low-stakes players, with denominations typically starting at $0.25, emphasizing accessibility for budget-conscious locals and visitors seeking a no-frills experience. Unlike larger properties, the does not offer table games such as , , or , nor does it include dedicated poker rooms or sportsbooks. Video poker variants are integrated among the slots, often positioned near the bar to facilitate casual play during drinks or meals. This limited selection aligns with the venue's dive-bar atmosphere, prioritizing simplicity over expansive variety. Gaming operations adhere to regulations, with machines audited for fairness, though the small scale results in tighter payout perceptions compared to Strip resorts, as reported in player forums. The absence of high-limit areas or progressive jackpots underscores its role as a neighborhood spot rather than a destination for serious gamblers.

Pricing and Target Market

The Aztec Inn maintains low pricing for accommodations and gaming to attract cost-sensitive patrons, with room rates typically positioned well below those of Strip resorts, often emphasizing affordability in promotional contexts and guest feedback. Casino offerings feature inexpensive slots and table games with minimal wagers, alongside budget dining such as $5 breakfast entrees and $3 beers during extended happy hours. These elements support a focused on volume over premium margins, though exact nightly rates vary by , averaging in the lower range for off-Strip motels without published averages from the property itself. The primary target market comprises local Las Vegas residents seeking everyday low-stakes gambling and meals, budget tourists avoiding high-end hotel costs near the vicinity, and casual casino enthusiasts favoring "old-school " experiences over lavish . Reviews indicate appeal to working-class visitors and short-stay gamblers who prioritize proximity to the Strip at reduced expense, rather than affluent high-rollers or families desiring upscale amenities. This demographic aligns with the property's modest scale and unpretentious vibe, drawing repeat for value-driven outings.

Ownership and Management

The Aztec Inn Casino operates as the , with ownership held by Gerald Brinkman, Paul L. Kellogg III, and Gary W. Vause since the casino's establishment in 1991. These principals acquired their interests around the time the motel added gaming operations and rebranded, maintaining control through the limited partnership structure. In January 1999, Brinkman, holding a 25% interest, filed a against co-owners Kellogg and Vause, alleging improper high-interest loans from the partners to the , which were repaid at rates exceeding 20%, along with claims of in equipment purchases. The dispute highlighted internal tensions but did not alter the ownership configuration, as the trio continued as co-owners post-resolution. The property was placed on the market in July 2021 as part of a bundled sale of Strip-adjacent assets valued at $60 million (or $30 million per separable transaction), brokered amid interest in potential, though no transaction has been completed and the same ownership persists. Day-to-day management falls under the , with Gary Vause acting as key principal, , and active partner involved in operations. Vause, a native, oversees aspects of the small-scale casino alongside his co-owners, emphasizing low-overhead, locals-oriented gaming without major corporate involvement.

Reception and Reputation

Guest Experiences and Reviews

Guests frequently praise the Aztec Inn for its affordability, with reviewers noting low-cost accommodations starting under $50 per night during off-peak periods and inexpensive gaming options like slots with minimum bets as low as $0.25. Bar patrons highlight bargain drinks, including $2 well cocktails, which contribute to its appeal as a no-frills locals' spot near the . Food offerings, such as basic diner-style meals, receive occasional commendations for value, with one reviewer describing them as "great" in the context of cheap slots and proximity to attractions. However, many experiences emphasize drawbacks tied to its age and upkeep. users commonly describe the property as "dirty" and "cheap looking," with some opting not to stay due to visible wear and the surrounding area's perceived sketchiness. reviews echo this, labeling it an "old school dive casino" with a "sketchy" exterior and neighborhood, though some appreciate the unpretentious vibe for brief visits. Cleanliness issues, including cold or undercooked food in the restaurant, appear in isolated complaints, deterring longer stays. Overall ratings hover in the low-to-mid 3s out of 5 across platforms, with at 3.2 from 35 reviews and at 3.3 from 35 as of October 2025, reflecting a divide between budget-conscious gamblers who value the low stakes and transients wary of safety and amenities. Experiences suggest it suits short, economical gaming sessions rather than extended vacations, with some sources deeming it among Las Vegas's more rundown options despite its central Strip-adjacent location.

Criticisms and Area Context

The Aztec Inn has drawn criticism from guests for its dated and poorly maintained facilities, with reviewers frequently describing rooms and common areas as rundown, dirty, and unappealing. Multiple accounts highlight issues such as visible wear, inadequate housekeeping, and an overall seedy atmosphere that deters repeat visits. While some praise the low prices and occasional payouts, these positives are often overshadowed by complaints about the property's neglect and lack of modern amenities. The surrounding Boulder Highway neighborhood contributes significantly to perceptions of unsafety, characterized by high rates and transient populations. Local extended-stay motels along the corridor, including those near the Aztec Inn, have generated thousands of police calls since 2017, primarily for disturbances, thefts, and violent incidents, straining resources with limited long-term resolutions. Community forums and visitor reports describe the area as sketchy, with risks of panhandling, drug activity, and random assaults advising caution for solo travelers or pedestrians. This context aligns with broader data on southeastern corridors, where property and violent crimes exceed Strip averages, though the Aztec Inn itself has not been linked to disproportionate on-site incidents beyond isolated fires, such as a 2005 blaze causing $200,000 in damage.

Longevity and Economic Role

The Aztec Inn property traces its origins to 1957, when it opened as the Sun N Shine Motel on , later rebranded as the Sunshine Motel and Mojave Meadow Motel before adopting its current name with the addition of a in 1991. This marks over 68 years of continuous operation as lodging and nearly 34 years with gaming facilities, outlasting many short-lived ventures in the volatile market north of the Strip. Despite a 2021 listing for sale as part of a $60 million package of nearby properties, the inn has persisted without closure, navigating economic pressures like the downturn that idled larger Strip operations. Economically, the 45-room Aztec Inn functions as a low-end in an underdeveloped corridor, offering budget accommodations and a compact 3,120-square-foot floor with inexpensive slots and dining to locals and value-driven transients rather than high-rollers. Its modest scale limits broader impact—generating limited employment and gaming compared to Strip giants—but it bolsters the area's viability by filling a niche for affordable stays amid rising costs elsewhere, contributing gaming taxes and sustaining a gritty, off-Strip that contrasts with luxury-dominated tourism. This endurance highlights the resilience of small independents in , where such venues persist by targeting underserved segments despite surrounding decay and redevelopment pressures.

References

  1. https://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/casino/aztec-inn-casino-2526
  2. https://www.globalcasinoguide.com/local-casinos/usa/nevada/aztec-inn-casino
  3. https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/potential-sale-on-the-horizon-for-las-vegas-small-aztec-inn-casino-95798
  4. https://lasvegascasinos.com/casino-reviews/aztec-inn/
  5. https://www.slotstemple.com/us/states/nv/las-vegas/aztec-inn-casino/
  6. https://www.yelp.com/biz/aztec-inn-las-vegas-2
  7. https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/aztec-inn-part-of-group-of-properties-up-for-sale-near-strip-2403535/
  8. https://www.facebook.com/100088232388188/posts/the-sun-n-sand-motel-began-in-1957-under-the-name-sun-n-shine-motel-part-of-a-wa/765695999714806/
  9. https://historiclasvegasproject.com/Aztec-Inn.html
  10. https://www.thrillist.com/venues/aztec-inn-89104
  11. https://vintagelasvegas.com/lvb
  12. https://www.ebay.com/itm/389073647373
  13. https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/las-vegas/overlooked-las-vegas-casinos-to-visit
  14. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/aug/04/fire-forces-evacuation-at-aztec-inn-on-strip/
  15. https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/the-strip/10-historical-hotel-casino-fires-on-the-las-vegas-strip-photos/
  16. https://www.casinoreviewbank.com/nevada/las-vegas/aztec/
  17. https://ggbnews.com/article/aztec-inn-casino-for-sale-in-las-vegas/
  18. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g45963-d91698-Reviews-Aztec_Inn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html
  19. https://www.mapquest.com/us/nevada/aztec-inn-10654154
  20. https://www.crexi.com/properties/619586/nevada-aztec-inn
  21. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/2200-S-Las-Vegas-Blvd-Las-Vegas-NV/23416487/
  22. https://www.analytic.legalbettingsites.info/nevada/las-vegas/aztec/
  23. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Feature-g45963-d91698-zft9171-Aztec_Inn.html
  24. https://local.yahoo.com/info-20277484-aztec-inn-las-vegas/
  25. https://www.casinosavenue.com/en/casino/aztec-inn-casino-las-vegas/7002
  26. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/general/29630-aztec-inn-whats-the-deal/
  27. https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/mar/26/regulators-move-to-limit-slot-locations-in-stores/
  28. https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jan/20/partnership-dispute-erupts-at-strip-casino/
  29. https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.aztec_inn_casino_limited_partnership.7612dcf4798aa2ca814f8f237d0c1e76.html
  30. https://nevadapolicy.org/staff-member/garyvause/
  31. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Feature-g45963-d91698-zft9166-Aztec_Inn.html
  32. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Feature-g45963-d91698-zft9165-Aztec_Inn.html
  33. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45963-d91698-r1531050-Aztec_Inn-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html
  34. https://www.reviewjournal.com/investigations/thousands-of-police-calls-and-patrols-few-consequences-for-boulder-highway-motels-2519234/
  35. https://www.reddit.com/r/LasVegas/comments/18dhwev/how_dangerous_would_it_be_for_a_female_to_stay_at/
  36. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8129667/Las-Vegas-goes-dark-Iconic-strip-deserted-Sin-City-joins-list-barren-towns.html
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