For visitors wanting to be in the center of the magic and excitement on the Las Vegas Strip, the Flamingo is a wonderful option. It's located near the always busy Flamingo Road/Las Vegas Boulevard intersection, and -- when compared to all the elite resorts in the area -- the rooms here offer comfort and luxury at more affordable prices.
Situated in the heart of paradise, the laid-back Flamingo is also themed for paradise. In fact, it's always five o'clock in the Margaritaville Casino. Inspired by singer Jimmy Buffett's island-escapism lyrics, the resort constructed a 15,000-square-foot casino at the front of the property that opens right onto Las Vegas Boulevard. The décor features palm trees and tropical colors. Bikini-clad babes serve cocktails, while flair bartenders keep tabs on the shack-style 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar.
Margaritaville Casino is complemented by the multilevel, Caribbean-themed Margaritaville restaurant, which boasts two patios overlooking the Strip and a huge retail store. Festival-like sights and sounds are all around. Parrot Heads can dine in a wooden boat or on its bow. Not only is the place buzzing with Buffett's hits, but there are stilt walkers who craft balloon hats and waitresses who slide down from the top of the three-story Volcano Bar and land in a 300-gallon blender of margarita mix.
The party vibe can also be found in the Flamingo Showroom. The family musical duo Donny and Marie Osmond host a nightly extravaganza presenting their greatest hits. (Note: Fans can view costumes from their TV stints on "Dancing with the Stars" and Donny's mirrored disco ball trophy in exhibit cases near the lobby.) In the late evening hours, you'll break a rib laughing when comedian George Wallace takes the stage. At the X Showroom, men will get all hot and bothered by the beautiful dancers in X Burlesque -- while women can learn the secrets to the cast's sexy moves at XBU - X Burlesque University). Magician Nathan Burton, a delight for showgoers of any age, performs in the afternoons.
Another major attraction at the Flamingo is the Wildlife Habitat. Its impeccably manicured grounds are home to pink Chilean flamingos, wood ducks, koi, turtles and other fascinating creatures -- all of which coexist peacefully together. If you are captivated by the playful critters, you may want to have a meal -- breakfast, lunch, dinner or weekend brunch -- in the Paradise Garden Buffet, which overlooks the habitat.
Amid the 15 acres of lush greenery lie the resort's spectacular pools. The main pools are interconnected and feature lagoon areas, a seasonal waterslide, a meandering river and cascading waterfalls. For a trendy dayclub experience, visitors will want to check out the Go Pool (open during summer only), where a DJ pumps up the volume for guests reveling in chaise lounges, daybeds and VIP cabanas.
In the vicinity, near the enchanting garden and gazebo wedding chapels, a plaque marks the site of the original hotel (erected in 1946 and knocked down in 1993). It also pays tribute to the Flamingo's infamous founder, Bugsy Siegel. This resort is one of the few left in Las Vegas with links to the past. Be sure to behold its pulsating pink and orange neon façade, another rarity in this day and age.
When you get hungry, you'll find plenty of places for a relaxing, casual meal -- from the Tropical Breeze Café to the food court. Hamada of Japan serves up an authentic Japanese dining experience, complete with teppan demonstration cooking and a sushi bar. Featuring a black interior with pink accents, the Center Cut Steakhouse perfectly cooks organic steaks, Kobe burgers and rack of lamb. And Carlos'n Charlie's restaurant and bar is known for great food and overflowing spirits -- which often lead to impromptu dancing on the tables and chairs. The restaurant has an expansive indoor dining room and an outdoor patio.
In contrast to the resort's easy-going vibe, the action in the casino is always fast-paced. You'll discover a party pit, with female dealers manning pink felt-covered blackjack tables, by the open-air entrance near Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. A sexy pole dancer entertains from a small cage suspended above the gaming floor. A friendly poker room is tucked next to the lobby, and the race & sports book makes sure all the games are right in your face.
Named for the legendary mobster, players can grab a drink in the casino at Bugsy's Bar or head to the shopping promenade for Sin City Brewing Co., which brews four distinct beers exclusively in Las Vegas.
There is a wide range of rooms available at the Flamingo. The Go rooms and the recently renovated FAB rooms both have stylish and funky interior design elements as well as flat-screen TVs and other modern amenities. Pets (dogs weighing less than 50 pounds) are welcome in the specially designated PetStay section of the hotel, which contains a dog relief area.
Pamper yourself at The Spa. Or if you'd prefer to get out and about, transportation is easy. There's a Las Vegas Monorail station on the premises, so you'll have access to several other resorts along the Strip.
The biggest news at the Flamingo lately is the beginning of construction on The LINQ project. This $550 million retail, dining and entertainment district -- complete with a giant observation wheel called The Las Vegas High Roller -- is set to bring even more excitement to the resort in 2013.
-- By Renée LiButti
