Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas

Perhaps because it lacks the glamour and prestige of its "brother" (Caesars Palace) across the street, the Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas works harder to impress and take care of Seven Stars cardholders.

The storied history of the Flamingo (think Bugsy Siegel), combined with its signature gardens (and, of course, those flamingos) make this a choice to consider for a visit, but it's not without its problems.

There is a special Diamond/Platinum check-in to the far left of the front desk. Look for the small Seven Stars Club placard in the rear near the host desks. Self-parking in an adjacent garage is complimentary, but it's a bit of a walk if you have lots of luggage. Also, the garage and garage elevators are in pretty sad condition, so you might be better kicking off your trip more pleasantly by taking advantage of the complimentary valet parking.

If business is taking you to the Convention Center, the Flamingo is directly on the monorail line – another big advantage.

Hotel guestrooms

Upper-floor rooms and hallways have been renovated in a love-it-or-hate-it hot pink/white/orange/chocolate brown color scheme. The Go Suites are particularly spacious, and have a large workspace for those who must combine business with pleasure. "Regular" Go Rooms, though, are small and not particularly comfortable if you want to sit down and relax. Other than the bed and a straight-back chair for the "desk," the only seating is a brown backless sofa. Whoever designed these rooms should be forced to spend a couple of days in them. Of course, the idea is to keep you out of the rooms and in the casino, so maybe this is intentional.

All rooms have refrigerators. Sadly, with all the emphasis on design, the small white refrigerators seem like an after-thought, and sit unceremoniously exposed on the floor. A remote for the television embedded in the bathroom mirror also sits on the edge of the sink. Some advance planning could have resulted in a better way to store this. If it's important to you, ask for a "Strip" view, or a view looking out over the Bellagio fountains.

EntertainmentThe Flamingo Showroom, for years occupied by Donny and Marie Osmond, is now home to Piff the Magic Dragon. RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! opens on Thursday, Aug. 5.

There is a special Seven Stars entrance, but don't expect to take your drinks inside. You need to dispose of them outside the showroom and purchase drinks inside.

The X Burlesque Theatre is home to "X Burlesque 'Private Edition'" and "XBU: X Burlesque University".

Check schedules for exact showtimes and performance days.

Dining

Dining choices range from the beautiful Paradise Garden Buffet to the so-so Carlos'n Charlie's, as well as the Flamingo Food Court, two Club Cappuccinos and Café Express. Look for special Seven Stars cardholder entrance at the buffet. Seasonally, the Beach Club Bar & Grill is open poolside.

In addition to the Flamingo-owned restaurants, there also is a franchise of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Reward Credits are accepted (at a 1:1 ratio) in both the gift shop and in the restaurant.

Bugsy & Meyer's Steakhouse, right, is Flamingo's newest restaurant. It's located in the space formerly occupied by Center Cut Steakhouse, Café To Go and the Laurel Lounge, and is named for Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and his business partner Meyer Lansky who opened the Flamingo, the first resort-style hotel on the Strip.

In addition. . .

The Flamingo has two pools, open seasonally: the GO Pool Dayclub and the Beach Club.

There also is a spa and salon, along with shopping.

Special Seven Stars benefits*

In addition to the special Seven Stars cardholder entrances for the buffet (see above), as well as the taxi line, Seven Stars cardholders and a guest receive complimentary entry to the spa and fitness center. While modest and somewhat dated, the spa and fitness center has all the latest workout equipment (bring your own headphones if you want to listen to TV while you exercise), and some of the best whirlpools in town.

Seven Stars Lounge