Delightfully Tacky Yet Unrefined -- the founders of Hooters must have known they were eventually coming to Vegas when they introduced that slogan decades back. Don't tacky and unrefined naturally go with each other? Even with the questionable grammar, the phrase lives in Vegas. That untamed tackiness is what gives our gaudy, glowing desert its unique persona. Hooters Casino Hotel belongs here. The institution never takes itself too seriously, and that's what makes it a magnet for fun addicts of either sex. It is indeed the cure for the common casino.
Poor San Rémo and the gradual decline from its heyday in the last century ("Oh, that's what that hotel behind Tropicana is!"), now tossed out by hot girls in skimpy orange shorts and flesh-covered pantyhose. The busty takeover was official on Feb. 3.
The only Hooters casino and hotel in the world stays with the theme of its 375-plus locations -- it's still tacky but not as unrefined -- with lots of charm and great service. The testosterone-borne enterprise offers all the amenities of a Florida resort but with Vegas-caliber supersize. The 696 Hooterized rooms (interesting number choice for a franchise that insists its name has no sexual innuendo) have all the latest amenities and all the flair of undersized white tank tops.
Although the joint comes equipped with the standard Hooters oyster- and wing-driven eatery, the big owl is spreading its wings. Porch Dogs is a music venue that hooks directly to the original food den, ensuring that cheese fries can be enjoyed over the dueling guitars. Adding more Florida pizazz, none other than Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino brings his Fine Food & Spirits restaurant to the table. Even with the ever-flowing eye candy, the food is still the focus, backing the Hooters restaurant motto: "You can sell the sizzle, but you have to deliver the steak."
Maybe seeking a little refinement, the 13 Club moves in as retro martini bar, and The Bait Shoppe opens up poolside with a sushi bar complimented by gourmet treats.
Food, beer, sports, sexy women in limited clothing; that was good enough. Add to it a nice room to crash in and a 30,000-square-foot Hooters-themed casino floor; this figment of man's imagination usually joins the conversation of "If you had a choice between Jennifer or Angelina, who would you ... ?" It has now materialized just a block from the Strip.