Posted on: November 3, 2025, 07:21h.
Last updated on: November 3, 2025, 12:15h.
The four-story building behind the swimming pool was the last standing structure linked to mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel at the Flamingo Las Vegas, concealing the secret.
Room 44000 in the Oregon Building was where Bugsy had a suite with a view of the pool. Although we can describe its unique features, the plaque installed after its demolition captures it perfectly.
As stated, “Despite a single entrance to the suite, there were five exits, including a hidden ladder from a hallway closet leading to a basement tunnel, which supposedly led to an underground garage with a getaway car always on standby.”
Such a setup is seen as overly cautious, especially since Siegel’s suite was also equipped with bulletproof windows. As history showed, those precautions were justified.
A Tale Full of Bullet Holes
The issue lies in the fact that none of Siegel’s associates testified about any escape tunnel at the Flamingo. A search through millions of pages on Newspaper.com failed to find any mention of “Bugsy Siegel” and “tunnel” until a 1992 article, which coincidentally came after the release of the film “Bugsy.”
Myth Interpretation
Though fantastical, this myth has a kernel of truth. The Civilian Production Administration initially approved plans for the Flamingo’s construction as a single structure. When construction of three wings commenced in 1946, they ordered a halt, yet Siegel convinced them that tunnels between the wings, intended for discreet movement, qualified it as one building.
However, the absence of reports from Hilton Hotels about trap doors or tunnels undermines this tale. If the corporation valued this story, they would likely have searched for evidence after acquiring the Flamingo in 1970.
Tunnel Vision
Lastly, as the plaque immortalizes this tale, we are left questioning why Hilton wouldn’t have excavated for proof of these rumored tunnels. They had ample opportunity to validate the story and even create a media event out of it before demolition.
To conclude, let us quote a line from “Bugsy,” where Hill tells Siegel, “Dialogue is cheap in Hollywood, Ben.”
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