The Dunes, themed after the "Arabian Nights" stories, opened on May 23, 1955. It was designed by architects John Replogle and Robert Dorr Jr. Milton Schultz designed the Diamond of the Dunes tower in 1961. Maxwell Starkman designed the south tower in 1979. The new resort included 200 hotel rooms, located in several two-story buildings. Also featured was a 90-foot V-shaped swimming pool and a 150-foot lagoon. The resort also featured the Arabian Room, which had the capabilities and size of a Broadway theatre. Hollywood star Vera-Ellen headlined on opening night. The resort was located on an property, some of which remained vacant at the time of opening. The hotel's slogan was "The Miracle in the Desert". From the time of its opening, the Dunes was known for the tall fiberglass sultan statue that stood above its main entrance.