vegas paradise hotels

While there's no shortage of skimpy shorts and skin-tight tank tops on the Las Vegas Strip, it's quite likely that the highest concentration can be found at the world's only Hooters Casino Hotel.

A tropical-themed resort, with a casual, party atmosphere, Hooters Casino Hotel's cup runneth over with hundreds of Hooters Girls in trademark orange shorts and white tank tops. These all-American cheerleaders serve food -- including Hooters' famous Buffalo wings -- and drinks, greet guests at the door and even deal cards.

But the "delightfully tacky, yet unrefined" hotel-casino, known for its irreverent spirit, offers more than just eye candy. Guests at Hooters, both male and female, are treated to comfortable rooms with several amenities, plenty of exciting casino action, a variety of dining options and more.

A beach-bumming feel permeates Hooters, right down to the image of sandy footprints on the floor of the elevators leading up to the rooms and the line of colorful surf boards on the walls of each lobby level.

The rooms are casually decorated and include a round bar table with orange, Hooters-themed bar stools (Hooters Girls not included). The king-sized or double beds, which are so popular they have been made available for purchase at the front desk, feature 500-thread-count sheets and comforters with removable duvet covers. Rooms also feature high-speed internet access (for a fee) and a vanity with a magnifying mirror outside the bathroom.

For a complete beach experience, guests can also choose to stay in the bungalows rooms, located off the pool area with direct access to the pool and S.A.S.S., a full-service salon and spa, as well as a fitness center.

In Hooters' 30,000 square foot casino, wood flooring lines the general pathways while festive lights are strung along the ceiling. A Hooters Girls' Party Pit keeps the action hopping with Hooters Girls behind the tables to deal games including war and blackjack. Also featured is Hooter's own rapid roulette with a specially licensed Bud-Light beer tap. Several Hooters-themed slots, such as Blazing Hooters, can be found among the 670 slot and video poker machines throughout the casino. There is also a poker room offering games at both smoking and non-smoking tables.

The Hooters Girls may face a little competition, especially during NASCAR season, as all eyes turn to a different sleek spectacle on the casino floor: The actual Hooters-sponsored Thunderbird raced by the late Alan Kulwicki to win the 1992 American NASCAR Winston Cup.

Between gambling, swimming and ogling, the typical Hooters Casino Hotel guest can work up quite an appetite. But with several restaurants to choose from, hunger is never an issue. The Dam Restaurant is a 24-hour coffee shop that serves huge food portions and features a buffet on weekends. Hooters' own namesake restaurant, Hooters, is the only one in the world to feature a full bar. Also be sure to try a Shorty Burger at Pete and Shorty's Book & Bar or enjoy a wine from the extensive collection at Dan Marino's Fine Food & Spirits, Las Vegas' first restaurant from the former Miami Dolphins quarterback.

In the evening, the Night Owl Showroom oozes with old school charm, with tables and chairs in the intimate space, putting guests up close and personal with entertainers, including comic Bobby Slayton and The Mentalist Gerry McCambridge. For live music, try Nippers Pool Bar, a Bahamas import known for its unexpectedly strong Nippers Juice, or the Porch Dogs club, with its whimsical decor.

Even more good news for Hooters fans: No one ever has to leave empty handed. The Bait Shoppe not only fulfills your typical gift shop needs, but also sells flower bouquets and corsages. Splurge, meanwhile, enables Hooters devotees the opportunity to take home just about any Hooters memorabilia imaginable -- everything except the Hooters Girls.

-- Review by Aleza Freeman