Rich and famous in Nevada

The Boulder Dam Hotel in Nevada - where the rich and famous once rested their heads - has been rescued from dilapidation and near ruin.

Built in 1933, the hotel became the first destination resort in Southern Nevada and was one of the few air-conditioned buildings in the area.

Before Las Vegas became the drawcard for the region, the Boulder Dam Hotel flourished.

Guests included Bette Davis, Henry Fonda, John Wayne, the Duchess of Westminster and Pope Pius X11 (while still a cardinal).

The hotel fell into disarray and near ruin until the Boulder Dam Hotel Association bought it in 1993.

Over the past eight years 22 rooms have been refurbished and restored to their original 1930s style, but with modern amenities.

Boulder Dam Hotel