Room 20. The name alone whispers secrets. This isn’t just any room. It’s a room at the Oasis Motel a notorious landmark on Las Vegas Boulevard.
The Oasis Motel. A faded jewel nestled amongst pawn shops and bail bond offices. Its history stretches back to the 1950s when it was known as the Em-Le Motel. Built after World War II it aimed to capture a piece of Las Vegas’s burgeoning tourism boom. Later it became the Oasis Motel. A name that’s become synonymous with a seedier side of Sin City.
This motel’s history isn’t all glitz and glamour. It’s seen its share of crime. A temporary closure in 2012 was a consequence of the numerous illegal activities taking place within its walls. Prostitution thrived despite Nevada’s regulations. The Oasis remained a place where those seeking cheap accommodation could easily find it. A brief respite before the bright lights and high-stakes gambling of the Strip.
But the Oasis is also infamous for its darker stories. Two famous names are forever tied to Room 20. Poker legend Stu Ungar the greatest of all time spent his final days there. He was found dead in November 1998. An apparent drug overdose although the autopsy revealed little in his system. His death was likely caused by long-term drug abuse. Months later actor David Strickland checked in. He was found dead in the same room. His end a suicide. He hanged himself using a bedsheet.
The Oasis Motel. It stands as a testament to Las Vegas’s duality. Glamour and darkness. High rollers and those down on their luck. Room 20 is a chilling reminder. It’s a place where the ghosts of Sin City still linger. Perhaps a story for another tour. Perhaps you’ll dare to stay in Room 20 yourself. But for now let’s move on. There are other stories to uncover in this fascinating city.