Inspired by The Mirage's success, themed family-friendly megahotels took over the Strip one after the other – Excalibur, Luxor Las Vegas and Steve Wynn's Treasure Island all opened in quick succession. Hard Rock Hotel, the French Riviera-themed Monte Carlo and the jaw-dropping New York-New York (pictured) all opened in the following years. If that wasn't enough to entice visitors, 1999 saw the opening of The Venetian and Paris Las Vegas too.

Take a look at these vintage photos of the world's most famous landmarks

Sin City secrets: the incredible story of Las Vegas