In today’s post, Bob Sehlinger, author of The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas, reviews the Tropicana.
The southernmost hotel on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard South, the reestablished new Tropicana is well located at the busy intersection of Tropicana Avenue and the Strip, across from the MGM Grand, New York–New York, and the Excalibur. Once the “Tiffany of the Strip,” the completely renovated Tropicana now boasts a South Beach theme. Vibrant tropical colors and music, natural light, and equatorial fibers and florals percolate throughout the property. The upgrades have created a fun-in-the-sun, laid-back lifestyle in the mid-price market. With the deconstruction of an entire wing and a phalanx of rooms enlarged as lofts, inventory has decreased to a cozy 1,658 rooms, almost placing the Trop in Las Vegas’s boutique class of properties.
Oversize standard guest rooms feature jungle red-and-white spreads, a desk console, and a russet-cushioned daybed. Instead of drapes, plantation shutters cover the windows, and even more unusual—the windows open! Coffeemakers and refrigerators are available on request for a small fee. For an additional $75 per night, larger triangular corner rooms with a sitting area and a dramatic view of one of the Strip’s major intersections are available.
The reconfigured oblong casino offers 21 tables, midi and mini-baccarat, roulette, and craps. Overhead remains the hotel’s original Art Nouveau Tiffany stained glass ceiling. A poker room, slots, video poker, and the high-limit area dominate the casino’s sidelines. The large Sports Book and Pub near the front desk has been updated and conveniently has an outside entrance. The Rotunda has become a party pit gaming area next to the Ambhar Lounge.
The Sky Beach Club provides luxuriant pool gardens, some of the most famous in Las Vegas, with 4.2 acres of mature palms and lawn embracing two pools, waterfalls, a lagoon cave, and two heated Jacuzzis—all surrounded by white chaises. An outdoor café and bar features swim-up blackjack, sand volleyball, lounges, cabanas, misters, bottle service with hors d’oeuvres, outdoor concerts, and a private island at pool center.
The three-level Mandara Spa overlooks the lush pool from the south side, with each floor specializing in a specific fitness and spa component: exercise room, an aesthetician salon and barber shop, and massage treatment rooms.
All restaurants have been remodeled with new menus and themes. On the main floor is the airy 24-hour Beach Café, a bar and buffet that overlook the pool. Close by is the South Beach food court. On the second floor are the spare and elegant Oakville Steakhouse and Carla Pellegrino’s Bacio, a delightful upscale trattoria.
In the Convention Pavilion are the wedding chapel, business center, and a second Starbucks. Entertainment options include the Laugh Factory comedy club and the Tropicana Lounge with free (for now) live music.
For in-depth Las Vegas hotel reviews, check out The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas by Bob Sehlinger. If you enjoyed this post, sign up for our newsletter here.
Photo Credits:
All pictures by Matthäus Wander (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
