Las Vegas: Flamingo, musical home of Donny & Marie

We have not seen everything or stayed everywhere; we will only offer our opinion on those features we have experienced. We are much more interested in educating our readers on their options.

Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Address: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Phone: 1-800-732-2111, Web site: www.flamingolasvegas.com

Quick facts

The Flamingo, located in the center of the Strip, is a hallmark of a bygone era. Built in the 1940s by Bugsy Siegel, the property is as legendary as any other Las Vegas icon. Most of the early casinos have been demolished to make way for newer, shinier digs. The Flamingo stands as a welcome anomaly; it’s the definition of an oldie, but a goodie.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Although Donny and Marie Osmond’s family-friendly singing seems to be the antithesis to Las Vegas, the spectacle is the best ongoing concert series in Sin City. The two legendary singers surprisingly fit well in the legendary casino. Apparently they have created an ever-evolving showcase of their hit songs, plus some new medleys and tunes to delight audiences.

If you ever swooned to “Puppy Love” or “Paper Roses,” then give the Osmonds a shot. You won’t be disappointed. They still retain their impressive voices and know how to put on a great, glitzy show. This one is perfection (we caught a version in New York City).

The 90-minute performance has a varied schedule. Ticket prices are $95-$260, making Donny and Marie quite pricey. Click here for more information.

For comedy fans, the Flamingo offers the talents of George Wallace, Vinnie Favorito and Nathan Burton. Free tickets are usually available for Burton’s show; be sure to scope around for some coupon books.

Dining

The Flamingo is not exactly known for its classy restaurants. Most of its dining options are of the burger-and-shake variety. Jimmy Buffett has a branch of his famous Margaritaville franchise at the Flamingo. There’s also the Paradise Garden Buffet and Hamada of Japan.

A decent deal for ambitious diners is the Buffet of Buffets, an extensive dining program run by Caesars. Here’s the deal: You get access to six buffets at Caesars’ top properties, including Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Imperial Palace, Paris and Planet Hollywood. For extra money, you can get access the seafood buffet at the Rio.

To take full advantage of the offer, you’ll need to start with a late dinner and work your way through breakfast, lunch and another dinner (this one a little early). Also, be sure to check for room/buffet packages.

Atmosphere & Location

The Flamingo’s lobby, casino and exterior leave something to be desired. Yes, it feels like old Las Vegas, but all of that pink neon also looks chintzy and fake. The Flamingo is located in the heart of Las Vegas. Paris, Caesars Palace and the Bellagio are all within striking distance.

Gambling Options

There’s nothing special about the casino at the Flamingo. The lobby area has a slightly suffocating feel, but there’s enough room to mingle around.

Room & Pool Options

If you’re staying at the Flamingo (we haven’t), maybe try their recently renovated GO rooms. They feature contemporary designs, modern furniture, pillow-top mattresses, CD and DVD players, electronic window treatments and flat-screen televisions, according to the resort. For a resort that is nearing its 70th anniversary, the brand-new GO rooms are the way to go.

There’s a family-friendly pool facility, plus a lagoon pool for guests 18 and older. They are both lushly tropical and feature private cabanas and Plasma televisions.

Nearby is the Flamingo’s wildlife habitat, featuring swans, turtles, quail, pheasants and, of course, flamingos.

Shopping, Spas & Salons

There aren’t too many options. You’ll probably end up heading to the enormous malls attached to sister properties. The co-ed salon features massages, sauna and weight equipment.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Please note: All of this information is subject to change. This is Las Vegas, after all. Restaurants, lounges, attractions and shows open and close almost every single day. Be sure to check official Web sites and call the resort for details.

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