Tropicana

Tropicana review Rate it

The Tropicana was at the heart of the biggest bidding war in casino history when, in 2006, Columbia Sussex (owner of various Westin, Sheraton and Marriott hotels) paid $2.75 billion for the rights to redevelop the 50-year-old 'Tiffany of the Strip'. The Polynesian-themed hotel will soon undergo a multi-million-dollar, property-wide expansion, transforming it into the largest casino-resort in the city. Until then, the Trop is worth a look if you want a nice pool - between the hotel's two towers lie 5 acres of tropical landscaping with pools, lagoons, waterfalls and swim-up blackjack tables - without paying too much for it.

Accommodation
The original two-storey motor inn buildings surround the pool and are thus conveniently close to it; although they're the oldest at the resort, they can be comfortable if you get one with a balcony and pool view. The newer tower rooms are generally better, though they could do with a renovation.

Eating & drinking
Mizuno's, a Japanese-style teppan room and steakhouse where staff cook food (steaks, Gulf shrimp and Australian lobster) at your table, is one of the resort's best eateries. The colossal shrimp cocktail and prime rib at Legends Steak & Seafood is a throwback to the classic Vegas steakhouse. Other choices include Tuscany for pizza and pasta, and the obligatory, all-you-can-eat Island Buffet.

Entertainment
The Trop is home to the carefully old-fashioned feathers-and-sequins spectacular Folies Bergere: the longest-running production show in America, it opened here in 1959. It shares the Tiffany Theatre stage with Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur. There's also the Comedy Stop, which has a weekly rotation of stand-ups.

Gambling
The swim-up blackjack bar is the Tropicana's one unique gaming pull. Otherwise, there's the usual variety of games, with a bit less video poker than other places and some of the slots showing their age. The casino is on the smallish side, and cramped, with a tiny, dingy sports book at the bottom of a stairway at the back, hidden as if the hotel were embarrassed by it. Which they should be.