Group stays in renovated section of Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas. Then they see the retro side: ‘Wow. They messed up’

‘Theirs (old side) gives Vegas. Yours (newly renovated) gives Hilton.’

A Las Vegas tourist is capturing the internet’s attention after comparing the Flamingo hotel’s newly renovated rooms to its older retro accommodations, with many viewers saying the remodel is actually a downgrade.

On May 11, Josie Weaver (@cricketbbyweave) compared her renovated room to her friend’s unrenovated room in a viral TikTok that has amassed over 668,000 views as of this writing.

“We’re staying at the Flamingo on the renovated side, and they’re staying in the old side, which I’m kind of jealous of,” the woman said. 

How Were The Rooms Different?

The woman shows viewers comparisons of both rooms, with the older room having many more unique qualities. The older room she shows contains uniquely shaped lights and lamps, a distinct bedframe backboard, and significantly more colorful decor. “This is just so different than ours. It’s so vibey,” she said. 

However, the renovated room that she rented is significantly more monotone and standard. “This looks like every other hotel room,” she adds. “There’s not as much character.”

Overwhelmingly, the comments agreed with her preference for the older rooms over the renovated ones. “First time I’ve seen a reno DOWNGRADE a room,” wrote one commenter. “It’s literally GRAY!”

“Theirs (old side) gives Vegas,” added another. “Yours (newly renovated) gives Hilton.”

Is This Standard Minimalism A Wider Trend In Las Vegas?

Many comments insinuated that this is a much larger trend, arguing that a corporate-backed minimalism has made way through Las Vegas and beyond. “Corporate ruined Vegas,” wrote one viewer.

“This is literally showing what’s happening to the entire world right now,” added another. “We don’t want minimalism white.”

This woman is not the first to notice that as casinos continue to invest billions of dollars into renovations, many of those projects have traded bold themes and colorful interiors for more neutral designs. 

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has reported that renovations are essential in the highly competitive Las Vegas market, where resorts constantly refresh rooms and public spaces to meet evolving guest expectations and keep pace with rival properties. Rather than constructing entirely new resorts, many operators have instead focused on large-scale remodels of existing hotels. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean every renovation embraces the same minimalist aesthetic, but it has become increasingly common. Many other properties and casinos in Las Vegas have all undergone significant modernization projects in recent years, often replacing older décor with cleaner lines, lighter color palettes, and furnishings that appeal to a broad range of travelers. Design firms say many hotels aim for a contemporary look that feels timeless and easier to maintain while also appealing to business travelers and international visitors, rather than leaning into highly themed interiors that can quickly feel dated. 

Still, plenty of visitors miss the personality that once defined Las Vegas. Online discussions, such as on Reddit, frequently criticize the disappearance of elaborate themes and distinctive rooms, with many arguing that newer resorts increasingly resemble upscale chain hotels found in any major city.

AllHipHop reached out to Weaver for comment via email and TikTok direct message, and to The Flamingo via email. We will update this story if either responds.

@cricketbbyweave Which room to you prefer?! Flamingo has retro vs modern. A style for everyone #vintage #flamingo #oldvegas #vegasstrip #retrodecor ♬ original sound – Josie Weaver

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