Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Opened in 1946 by mobbed-up bootlegger and Genovese crime family associate Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, the Flamingo Las Vegas is one of the oldest resorts on the Strip and, as such, boasts a rich history. It figures prominently in Hunter S. Thompson's city-defining gonzo opus "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," and both the 1960 and the 2001 versions of "Ocean's Eleven" were filmed on-site. Once the champion of the Strip, the fluorescent-pink Flamingo is no longer the standard-bearer for over-the-top Las Vegas largesse, but still draws hordes of young partiers and couples.

The hotel's exteriors feverishly recall Las Vegas' 1970s heyday. Fluorescent pink abounds, and massive light displays illuminate up the night, creating the impression that the hotel wishes the '70s never ended. Several rounds of renovations in rooms and common spaces have given new life to the hotel, yet its gargantuan size means the vibe is impersonal. The lobby feels very much like an airport departures hall, with gleaming off-white floors, bright lights, retractable belt barriers, self-check-in machines, hundreds of travelers with suitcases, and several sets of escalators. The outdoors, however, have the feel of a playground for grown-ups, with its popular Wildlife Habitat complete with exotic animals, and a large adults-only party pool with music and cabanas.

Despite the many partiers who choose to stay here, the Flamingo Las Vegas manages to appeal to families as well, thanks to the aforementioned Wildlife Habitat and a small family-friendly pool area with slides. But kids might be bummed that the larger Go Pool is only for guests 21 and over. Despite its retro flair, though, the Flamingo isn't quite as themed and kitschy as some of its competitors. Those looking for family-friendliness and slightly lower rates might want to consider the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, which has an arcade and Arthurian-themed dinner show. Wherever you go, there is bound to be some party presence -- this is Vegas, after all.

Most Las Vegas visitors want to explore all of the big properties along the densely packed three-and-a-half mile long stretch of hotel-casinos known as the Strip, and the Flamingo puts guests smack in the middle of that scene. Big-name casinos such as Caesars Palace, Bally's, the Bellagio, and Paris are close neighbors. Worthwhile activities in the area include the Bellagio's fountains, Caesars' 160-store Forum Shops, and the High Roller Ferris Wheel, all within a five-minute walk of the hotel. Cabs are easy to find at virtually any time of day or night. Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are also popular and convenient transpiration options. A generally less expensive option for getting up and down the Strip is the Deuce, a double-decker bus that runs up and down the strip 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Monorail has a stop right outside the property as well. The Flamingo is a 10- to 15-minute cab ride from McCarran International Airport.

The Flamingo Las Vegas has a whopping 3,626 rooms, the smallest of which start at a spacious 350 square feet. Units are divided into several categories, including Flamingo -- the standard type here -- Fab, Go, Premium, and Executive. Entry-level Flamingo Rooms, as well as Flamingo Premium and Flamingo Executive, were renovated in 2017-18 and feature contemporary decor that combines bright pops of the brand’s signature fuchsia in bed runners and seating with dark-gray padded headboards, black-and-white patterned carpets, cute wallpaper with flower designs, and clean-lined furniture in brown hues. Fab Rooms haven’t been renovated in years and feel a tad dated and basic. They feature bland decor with heavy wooden furniture, laminate floors, and accent walls in neutral colors. Go Rooms are somewhere in between, with large white tufted headboards, brown patterned carpeting, fun striped wallpaper, and stylish lounge chairs by the window.

In-room amenities are basic for this category, as only flat-screen TVs and alarm clocks are standard. Renovated Flamingo rooms as well as Go Rooms and suites have upgraded amenities, including electronic blinds, high-definition TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is available throughout and it is included in the mandatory resort fee. Guests can choose between city, High Roller, and Strip vistas.

Bathrooms vary between renovated and non-renovated units -- while Flamingo and most Go units are outfitted with sleek walk-in showers, Fab Rooms and Go Executive Rooms feature basic shower/tub combos. In addition, all room categories offer an array of toiletries, as well as simple wall-mounted hairdryers. Go Room bathrooms have in-mirror TVs, frosted glass doors, and more contemporary fixtures, including round sinks over marble counters.

Smoking and non-smoking rooms are available.

During the day, the action takes place around the hotel's two pools. The Beach Club Pool is quieter and smaller, with dozens of loungers and a more family-friendly vibe. Kids get access to a couple of even smaller pools with little waterslides near the main Beach Club Pool, though hours here are more limited.

The adults-only (21 and over) Go Pool has a party atmosphere, with DJ sessions, ball games, and slides. It is a fun and rowdy spot, but there are always long lines due to ID checks and bag searches (no food or drink is allowed in, not even water). It's a good idea to line up early if you want to snag a lounge chair, and prepare to pay an extra fee when there are performances. A poolside bar offers drinks, and cabanas with a minimum tab are available for those willing to pay big bucks. Some guests may feel turned off by the crowds and super loud and rowdy party vibe.

The Flamingo serves up a wide variety of dining options: value at the Paradise Garden Buffet, a fun party scene at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and quick bites at the Flamingo Food Court.

• Paradise Garden Buffet has massive windows, and vaulted ceilings create a far more pleasant environment than the windowless confines of other Vegas buffets. This is a popular brunch spot for guests and non-guests alike.
• Margaritaville, a theme restaurant and bar that is equal parts Florida Keys and Caribbean islands, has colorful deck chairs, jumbo margarita shakers, and large screens playing Jimmy Buffett's videos. Booths shaped like boat decks cry kitsch, but in a fun way.
• Carlos 'n Charlie's is a fun, colorful Mexican restaurant.
• Beach Club Bar & Grill serves poolside snacks seasonally.
• Flamingo's Food Court offers burgers, pizza, Asian food, sandwiches, and salad from a few fast-food chains.

The casino offers almost 2,000 slot machines, 14 gaming tables, and a large betting hall with dozens of screens showing sports and races. A bar keeps drinks flowing through the night. The poker room offers low-stakes Texas Hold 'em, among other games. In addition to the main, larger casino, there's the 15,000-square-foot Margaritaville Casino with 200 slot machines. It opens right on to the sidewalk of the Strip, so lots of foot traffic finds its way through the wide doors, livening up the action.

The Flamingo Las Vegas features a spa with private, couples’ and group massage cabins, a well-equipped fitness center, several shops, and six wedding venues. The on-site Wildlife Habitat is a popular attraction that draws locals and visitors alike. It occupies an extensive outdoor area with tropical plants and ponds, and is home to dozens of exotic fish, turtles, and birds, including flamingos. The hotel also features self-parking and valet parking, both for a fee.

At night guests and non-guests have a wide array of live shows to choose from, including burlesque and comedy shows.

Flamingo Las Vegas participates in the PetStay program for dogs, which allows guests to book designated PetStay rooms (these incur an additional nightly fee). PetStay rooms come with mats, food and water dishes, treats, and waste bags; guests will also receive welcome packets with information on outdoor dog potty areas (there's a relief area on-site) and walking routes. Dogs must be under 50 pounds and up to two dogs are allowed per room. In addition, dogs must be crated when left unattended in the room and during housekeeping service.