Tropicana

Hotel Review

Trendy. Stylish. Hip. These weren't the words associated with the Tropicana, a rare remaining Las Vegas landmark having opened in 1957. But they are now.

Located on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, this revitalized property sits at the southern end 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.

Tropicana's newest nightlife experience is Bagatelle Las Vegas, a chic dining and entertainment experience operated by The ONE Group and Bagatelle America. Not only does it feature Mediterranean dining at Bistrot Bagatelle, but at the end of December 2012, it will also introduce Las Vegas to the original Bagatelle champagne party brunch -- made famous in New York City's Meatpacking District. The Bagatelle Beach Club, offering poolside fun, will debut in spring 2013.

The Tropicana currently has three unique dining venues that provide innovative eating experiences. Enjoy a decadent menu of Italian fusion cuisine at the trattoria Bacio, 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 the Beach Café. Snack on sandwiches, slices of pizza, pastries and gourmet coffees at the South Beach Marketplace.

Guests can take in a variety of entertainment in the Tropicana Theater. An area of white leather chairs and opulent red fabrics creates a sensual experience at the Tropicana Lounge. Delight in imaginative cocktails with sports broadcasts and live music provided there during the weekends. The Tropicana also features the Laugh Factory Las Vegas. In addition, "Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas," an extravaganza re-creating the excitement of the popular TV show, will return for performances in March 2013.

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 upgraded race and sports book operated by Cantor Gaming. 

The Tropicana gives a nod to the past in the form of the Mafia-themed Mob Attraction Las Vegas. Guests step back in time and enter creatively crafted scenes from Ellis Island, the Prohibition era and the early years at the Trop while having face-to-face interactions with actors and encountering holograms of iconic mobsters. At one point, you can peruse displays of more than 1,000 items of memorabilia, furniture, clothing and photos that were supplied by the families of five famous mob figures: Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Sam Giancana, Lucky Luciano and Tony Spilotro. Upon leaving, you'll find out if your actions have caused you to be "made" or "whacked." 

With the coming of a hot new dayclub/nightclub as well as 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 South Beach vibe.

-- By Renée LiButti