On my first trip to Vegas I wanted to stay in a hotel that was reasonable and located in a good spot. Now, there are a lot fancier places on the Strip and cheaper places as well, but in terms of value, the Flamingo was perfect to me...relatively inexpensive...but comfortable, in the heart of things and frankly, a lot of fun. The Flamingo has a reputation as one of the original "strip" casinos. Its the casino that was managed by gangster Bugsy Siegel, in which he famously dreamed that Las Vegas could be something more than a regional stop over in the desert, but a desirable resort for the international traveler. The hotel that stands there is not the original building....but an updated facility. Nor does it continue to be run by mobsters but has passed into the hands of legitimate companies long ago and is recently run by the Harrah's Entertainment Group.
The hotel design evokes the 1950's America of drive ins and malt shops. Everything is pink, gold and chrome. The building itself is actually a couple of connected structures surrounding a large inner plaza of palm trees, tropical bird attractions, outdoor bars and a numerous interlocked swimming pools resembling lagoons. The hotel also has a large casino area, a theater which features live performers, shops, restaurants, and the Jimmy Buffet's theme restuarant, Magaritaville.
My room was a generic deluxe, spotless and new. My dealings with the hotel staff, which included the valet services and security (when I missplaced my ATM card) was extremely positive...they were very professional. My room had a full length window overlooking the inner courtyard where I could see all the action at the pool.
Unique Qualities: When I stayed here the place had a youngish "spring break" feel to it compared to the other hotels I visited. The place was full of girls in bikini tops and guys with their baseball caps turned backwards. Every day in the late afternoon they throw a rockin pool party with a live DJ, frozen drinks and a lot of fun. Now, I am an old dude (40 years old) and I liked the spirit of the place, living on the frozen magaritas that they pumped out of the bar which was located next to the elevator bank which took me to my room. The Jimmy Buffet's theme restuarant is worth checking out too. They serve very good Caribbean influenced food and another plethora of frozen drinks. The funky interior evokes the laid back essence of Buffet's music. They do live music there too. I recieved a recorded message on my room's voicemail from the Flamingo's president telling me to come hang out that night at Buffet's place where his friend the classic rock musician Nils Lofgren was putting on a cover free show. Nice touch.
Leave a Comment
Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120
»
Currency Converter
Phone: 702 -733-3111
Address: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Website: http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/flamingo-las-vegas/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml
email me
add as friend
on Jun 10, 2007
Comments for no_seriously_Bill about Las Vegas