Las Vegas Hotels

This is the sort of post-collegiate playpen where the Owen Wilsons of the world come to play, flirt and make frat-boy fools of themselves while their pregnant wives wait back home. If that's your C-cup of tea, this loud, lively and intentionally tacky casino-hotel may be for you.

Be honest: Hooters is only marginally naughty to begin with. So in the bawdy context of Vegas, this casino seems almost sweet and all-American. The pert, friendly waitresses walk on their tiptoes like cheerleaders vying for homecoming queen. The Hooters girls, in fact, may wear more clothes than any other barmaids in town.

Hooters Casino, open since February 2006 (next door to the Tropicana), is trying to tap into the chain's reputation for sports and good, leering fun.

Rooms are casual -- orange lampshades, anyone? -- and beds are comfortable enough. You don't have to walk a mile to reach your room.

The casino floor is packed with the latest available games and also offers a sports book and poker rooms. There is a sort of beachy pool area that draws a decent late-afternoon crowd. Dan Marino's restaurant is the best of half a dozen restaurant options.

The ultra-casual Hooters Casino Hotel isn't for everyone. But, then, neither is Vegas.

Pros:Relatively small as casino hotels go. Nearly walking distance to the airport, free easy-in, easy-out parking. With 200 to 250 Hooters Girls, it is said to be the largest such staff in the world. (This may be hype.)

Cons:The congested casino floor is tough to navigate. Good luck finding the elevator to your room after a few drinks. The parking garage is not well-marked. Yes, it's tacky. That's the point.

- Chris Erskine, L.A. Times Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2006)