Trendy. Stylish. Hip. These weren't the words associated with the Tropicana, a rare Las Vegas landmark that opened in 1957. But they are now.
Located on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, this revitalized property is in the heart of the Strip and within walking distance to many of the city's large-scale resorts and favored attractions. The Tropicana has embraced a South Beach-inspired theme, complete with a breathtaking four-acre pool and beach club area. It even boasts a fresh redesign of every hotel room and suite.
Of course, the latest enhancement at the Tropicana -- the one that has kicked the energy level into full gear -- is RPM Nightclub. The resort's north side entrance offers direct access to clubgoers. It has had a makeover, too, and features striking bamboo wall accents. RPM itself is a sprawling 16,500-square-foot space that hosts celebrities and top recording artists as well as a variety of world-class DJs, dancers and specialty acts. It also houses an elite gaming lounge and three bars.
In addition, the Tropicana has three unique dining venues that provide truly innovative eating experiences. Enjoy a decadent menu of Italian fusion cuisine at the trattoria Bacio by Carla Pellegrino, or tuck into perfectly prepared steaks and fresh seafood at the elegant steakhouse Biscayne Steak, Sea and Wine. Whether you're hungry for the basics or want to try something completely different, you'll discover both -- along with spectacular views of the pools -- at Café Nikki. Snack on sandwiches, slices of pizza, pastries and gourmet coffees at the South Beach Marketplace.
Guests can take in some of the coolest and craziest drumming around in the Tropicana Theater, thanks to the loud-and-proud quartet Recycled Percussion. An area of white leather chairs and opulent red fabrics creates a sensual experience at the Ambhar Lounge. Delight in imaginative cocktails and entertainment provided by iCandy Burlesque -- a troupe of dancers and singers who mix aerial stunts into their sexy choreography.
A treatment at Glow, A Mandara Spa is a blissful experience. The décor here fuses beach, stone and jungle elements, which perfectly enhance the divine pleasure of traditional and contemporary health and skin care. Experience unique spa services that were developed to relax, rejuvenate and pamper the body and soul, such as the Sweet and Spicy Orange Body Scrub and the Bamboo Massage.
After your heavenly spa trip, come back down to earth in the vibrant casino. Much of the gaming action takes place amid the tables that line the center of the white marble floor under the Tiffany stained glass dome, but guests will also appreciate the intimate new poker room and upgraded race and sports book.
The Tropicana gives a nod to the past in the form of the Mafia-themed, interactive Mob Attraction Las Vegas. At this time, a large part of it is closed and being retooled. But guests can still peruse displays of more than 1,000 items of memorabilia, furniture, clothing and photos that were supplied by the families of famous mob figures like Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Sam Giancana and Lucky Luciano.
With a hot new nightclub, excellent restaurants, an exquisite spa, a lagoon-like pool complex and a 60,000-square-foot high-tech conference center, the Tropicana offers everything for singles, couples and traveling executives -- including that all-encompassing laid-back beach atmosphere.
-- By Renée LiButti
