This was originally sent out to the DLV 98 mailing list ...
Last updated March 7, 1999
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I'll describe a few of the Strip hotels where I've stayed. If anybody
has any questions or comments, write here and I'll reflect them to the
list.

Another hotel that is known to be t-friendly, but where I've never
stayed is the Tropicana. This is a legacy hotel toward the
south end of the Strip which caters to the grownup crowd. It shares
a corner with three newer "theme" resorts (MGM, Excalibur, NYNY). 

I'll only discuss the properties where I've actually stayed, and those
I would recommend to others.

I'm quoting the approximate walk-in or phone-in rates. Regular players
at all LV properties can get reduced or complimentary rooms, depending
on supply/demand and the phase of the moon. Those who do not have an
established history of playing at a certain place can seldom get the
"Casino Rate" or "Comp" rooms. Some hotels will book a room at the
casino rate, subject to play evaluation by a casino host.

RTFFP!!! Casinos and travel promoters are notorious for quoting hotel
rates that are quite deceptive. (Stardust is one of the worst for this.)
Read the fine print. Be sure the rate you see is the rate that will be
charged to you. If you see an amazingly low rate, don't be surprised if
that rate is not available. Also watch out for fine print "per person,
based on double occupancy, not available weekends, etc."

Here are the places I would recommend:

Stardust (updated March 7 1999)

Note: Stardust is closing all their motor inn buildings, in preparation
for the construction of a third hotel tower.

Overall, this is probably my favorite place to stay and play in LV.

Stardust is one of the original Strip hotel/casino properties. It had a
less-than-reputable past. This is the property portrayed in the film
"Casino".  Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal (Ace Rothstein in the film) ran the
Stardust for the Mob, even though all the money in Vegas could not buy
him a gaming license. Yes, most of the film was quite accurate. The
parking lot of what is now a Tony Roma's on Sahara Blvd. is where Lefty's
car was firebombed.

For many years now, Stardust has been operated by the squeaky-clean Boyd
Gaming Group (Sam's Town, et. al.) but some reputation persists.

Advantages (Stardust general):

* Wide variety of accommodations, from very plain to opulent.

* Wide variety of restaurants, reasonably-priced.

* Mini-mall of reasonably-priced shops.

* Very large gaming area.

* No problems finding parking.


Disadvantages (Stardust general):

* North Strip area, long walk to most newer "theme" properties.

* Still has somewhat unsavory reputation it cannot seem to shake.

* Frequently sold out.  Huge blocks of rooms to large tours.

* No covered parking


There are now three types of regular rooms at the Stardust.

1. Villa. Newer motel type rooms at south end of property.
Walk-in rates are $30-ish to $70-ish depending on demand and
availability.

Advantages (Stardust Villa):

* Close to pools, shops.

* Larger motel-type rooms.

Disadvantages (Stardust Villa):

* Somewhat off the beaten path.

* Tower rooms often available for same price.

2. East Tower (older of the two towers).
Walk-in rates $30-ish to $70-ish.

Advantages (Stardust East Tower):

* Nice to very-nice rooms, large rooms.

* Close to casino and food.

* No security guard at elevators (as of 12/97).

Disadvantages (Stardust East Tower):

* Lower floors have poor view (such as air handling unit).

3. West tower (newer and much larger tower).
Again, walk-in rates $30-ish during slack times, $70-ish during busy
times, and well over $100 during Comdex.

Advantages (Stardust West Tower):

* Very nice. Large and well-furnished rooms.

* Reasonably close to casino and food.

* Excellent view (ask for high up on the Strip side).

Disadvantages (Stardust West Tower):

* High-numbered rooms can be a long hike to elevators.

* Security guard checks room keys evening/night.


Riviera

Note: Riviera is now sold out for Friday and Saturday of the
DLV99 weekend.

Riviera is probably my second choice of where to stay in Vegas.
It's across the Strip from the Stardust.

It's usually more expensive than Stardust. I've seen walk-in rates
as low as $40 or so, and as high as $80 or so on busy weekends, with
$200 reported during Comdex.

It's a legacy Strip hotel/casino and has been continuously expanded
and remodeled.

Riviera was used to film the casino scenes in the film "Casino" since
Stardust's management refused to let them use the actual property
portrayed in the film.

They have one type of regular room in several towers, two d/q.

Advantages (Riviera):

* Generally regarded as being GLBT-friendly. (Frank Marino's "La
Cage" is one of their featured shows.

* Usually resonably priced.

* Large rooms, usually a good view.

* Plenty of covered parking.

* Large gaming area. Recent addition (Nickel Town) for low-rollers.

Disadvantages (Riviera):

* North strip.  Long walk to most newer "theme" properties.

* Access to parking garage from Strip can be confusing.

* Tower elevators can be slow and congested.

* Slightly more expensive than others in the immediate area.

* Second (overflow) parking garage is a LONG hike to rooms.


Imperial Palace:

This is a midscale hotel-casino right in the heart of the strip. It's
famous for its classic auto collection. Oriental theme.

They offer tower rooms and motel-type rooms, mostly with two d/q.
These are usually in the $50-ish range.

Advantages (Imperial Palace):

* Usually very reasonable.

* Rooms are almost always available.

* Center strip. Just north of "four corners" (Flamingo/LV Blvd).

* Large covered garage.

Disadvantages (Imperial Palace):

* This area is frequently very congested (vehicles and people)
during peak periods.

* Access to parking from strip is confusing.

* Is not able to shake a very politically-incorrect reputation.
(Researching this is an exercise for the student.)