Caesars Palace

Description:

• The Caesars casino is simultaneously the ultimate in gambling luxury and the ultimate in Vegas kitsch. Cocktail waitresses in very short togas parade about as you gamble under the watchful gaze of faux-marble Roman statues. The very high ceiling in certain newer areas of the casino makes for a very low claustrophobia level. Unfortunately, some spots in the casino are still dark and entirely too claustrophobic. Although we love it, the casino has become somewhat confusing and unmanageable because of its size and meandering layout, like Caesars itself. The new Pussycat Dolls section (Tues and Fri-Sun 9pm-5am) features hot-pink and black leather tables, nubile dealers dressed in the Dolls' signature scanties, and dancers in cages above, all the better to help you concentrate on your game. Given that table limits start at $50, this could really be an issue.

  A notable facility is the state-of-the-art race and sports book, with huge electronic display boards and giant video screens. Caesars pioneered computer-generated wagering data that can be communicated in less than half a second, and it has sophisticated satellite equipment that can pick up the broadcast of virtually any sporting event in the world. It's quite comfortable, but is located right by the line of foot traffic. The domed VIP slot arena of The Forum Casino (minimum bet is $5, but you can wager up to $1,500 on a single pull!) is a plush, crystal-chandeliered precinct with seating in roomy, adjustable chairs. They also have the largest poker room in the city. Gamblers can accumulate bonus points toward cash back, gifts, gratis show tickets, meals, and rooms by joining the Total Rewards players club. Club membership also lets you in on grand-prize drawings, tournaments, and parties. The most upscale of the Caesars gaming rooms is the intimate, European-style casino adjoining the Palace Court restaurant. It's a gorgeous and elegant place to gamble, but we've never won there, so we hate it.

• © Frommer's 2012