Tropicana Hotel Casino has long been a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Strip. Originally opened in 1957, it brings a tropical vibe to the heart of the desert. Over the years, it’s undergone multiple renovations, but it has retained a laid-back charm that draws visitors who want to experience both the glitz of modern Vegas and the nostalgia of classic casinos. For those of us who have lived in Las Vegas for decades, Tropicana remains a refreshing retreat among the sprawling, more frantic casino resorts.
The tropical ambiance—complete with lush palm trees, white beach-themed architecture, and South Beach-inspired interiors—offers something unique on the Strip. Unlike some of the mega-resorts, Tropicana feels less overwhelming while still delivering a full-scale Vegas experience.
The Casino Floor: Gaming in Paradise
The Tropicana Hotel Casino offers a vibrant, welcoming casino experience that feels different from the other bustling resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The tropical ambiance and the laid-back atmosphere create a refreshing gaming environment for all players. Below, we explore each major section of the casino floor and the various games you can enjoy.
Slot Machines
Slot machines at Tropicana offer an exciting, immersive experience with options for all types of players. Over 650 slot machines are available, ranging from classic three-reel favorites to the latest video slots.
- Classic Reels: The simple, nostalgic slots that many players still love. These machines evoke the earlier days of Las Vegas, with traditional symbols like cherries, bars, and sevens.
- Video Slots: The video slots offer multi-line play, animated graphics, and interactive bonus rounds. Popular titles include Buffalo Gold, Wheel of Fortune, and Game of Thrones.
- Progressive Jackpots: Many machines offer progressive jackpots that can reach the millions. These machines pool bets from casino players nationwide, building huge potential winnings.
- Denominations for All Budgets: Whether you’re a penny-slot player or prefer the thrill of high-stakes spins, Tropicana has machines that fit every budget. Denominations range from $0.01 to $100.
Table Games
Tropicana’s table games are always lively, offering some of the most classic Vegas experiences. Professional dealers and a friendly crowd make the table games a must-try part of any visit.
- Blackjack: Tropicana offers both traditional blackjack and variations like Spanish 21. The rules favor players, with tables allowing double down on any two cards and surrender options.
- Craps: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the craps tables at Tropicana have you covered. The high-energy environment is enhanced by a skilled crew of dealers who keep the action moving.
- Roulette: A classic that never goes out of style, Tropicana offers both American and European roulette. The European version has better odds for the player due to its single-zero format.
- Baccarat: Baccarat tables cater to high rollers and casual players alike. The game, famous for its association with James Bond, is simple to learn and offers high-stakes action.
Poker Room
The Tropicana poker room is one of the most relaxed in Las Vegas. It provides a cozy, intimate setting for both casual and serious poker players. With smoke-free gaming and professional staff, the room offers a great poker experience.
- Daily Tournaments: Regular tournaments are available for various buy-ins, allowing players of all levels to compete in No-Limit Texas Hold’em.
- Cash Games: In addition to tournaments, Tropicana offers daily cash games, with buy-ins ranging from low to high stakes. The variety of blinds attracts players from all walks of life.
- Comfortable Seating and Quiet Atmosphere: Unlike the noisy casino floor, the poker room offers a quiet and comfortable environment to focus on your game.
Sportsbook and Race Book
The sportsbook at Tropicana provides a sleek, comfortable environment for sports betting enthusiasts, with a variety of ways to place your wagers. Large screens ensure you never miss a second of the action.
- Multiple Betting Windows: You won’t have to wait long to place your bets. The sportsbook is well-staffed and efficient, ensuring a smooth process.
- VIP Seating Area: For serious sports bettors, the sportsbook offers a VIP seating area with plush leather chairs and private screens.
- Live Betting and Parlays: Whether you’re placing a straight bet or going for a parlay, Tropicana’s sportsbook offers live, in-game betting to add excitement to any sports event.
Dining at Tropicana: A Culinary Adventure
The dining options at Tropicana Hotel Casino provide something for every palate, whether you’re looking for fine dining or a quick snack between games. Here’s a detailed look at the culinary landscape at Tropicana.
Robert Irvine’s Public House
This celebrity chef-driven restaurant offers a blend of hearty American fare with a creative twist. Robert Irvine’s Public House is known for its elevated comfort food and is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night bites.
- Signature Dishes: Standout dishes include the Short Rib Poutine and the Fennel Crusted Pork Chop. Both dishes bring bold flavors and generous portions.
- Open Kitchen Concept: Diners get to watch the culinary team in action with the open kitchen setup, adding a touch of theater to the dining experience.
- Casual, Friendly Vibe: Although run by a celebrity chef, Public House keeps things relaxed and approachable, making it ideal for all types of diners.
Oakville Steakhouse
Oakville Steakhouse is the epitome of fine dining at Tropicana, offering premium steaks and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting.
- Prime Cuts of Steak: The steakhouse offers USDA Prime cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon, all perfectly cooked to order.
- Napa Valley Wines: Oakville features an award-winning wine list, with selections from Napa Valley and other renowned wine regions. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you pair the perfect wine with your meal.
- Luxurious Ambiance: The decor is elegant yet modern, featuring dark woods, soft lighting, and white tablecloths, creating an intimate, upscale atmosphere.
Red Lotus Asian Kitchen
For those craving Asian cuisine, Red Lotus Asian Kitchen provides a diverse menu featuring flavors from across the continent.
- Diverse Menu: Choose from a wide variety of dishes, including sushi, General Tso’s Chicken, and Vietnamese Pho.
- Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: Red Lotus is also a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions, offering many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- Quick and Casual: This spot is perfect for a more laid-back meal. It offers fast service without sacrificing quality.
Savor, The Buffet
When you can’t decide what you want to eat, Savor, The Buffet provides endless options.
- Themed Buffets: Each day features a different cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, and seafood nights, ensuring variety throughout the week.
- Fresh and Local Ingredients: The buffet prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients in many of its dishes, giving the offerings a farm-to-table feel.
- All-You-Can-Eat: You can indulge in endless helpings of your favorite dishes, perfect for satisfying a big appetite after a day at the tables.
Drinking Spots: Where to Sip and Savor
Tropicana offers a selection of bars and lounges where you can grab a drink and unwind after a day of gaming or sightseeing.
Tropicana Lounge
A classic Vegas lounge experience, the Tropicana Lounge is where live music, great drinks, and comfortable seating come together.
- Signature Cocktails: The drink menu includes tropical-inspired cocktails like the Mai Tai and Piña Colada and classic martinis and Manhattans.
- Live Entertainment: The lounge features live music most nights, from jazz and blues to pop covers. The intimate space allows for a more personal concert experience.
- Cozy Seating: With plush couches and armchairs, the Tropicana Lounge offers a more intimate, laid-back environment than the high-energy casino floor.
Chill’m
A frozen cocktail bar with a modern, fun twist, Chill’m is ideal for those looking to cool off in style.
- Frozen Drinks: Chill’m specializes in frozen concoctions like margaritas, daiquiris, and frozen mojitos. Each drink is served in souvenir cups, perfect for vacationers.
- Grab and Go: Located near the casino floor, Chill’m is designed for quick stops. You can grab your drink and head back to the action.
- Bright, Fun Atmosphere: Neon lights and a beach-party vibe make Chill’m a fun, casual stop for a drink.
Lucky’s Sports Bar
Lucky’s Sports Bar offers a fun environment for the sports fanatics to catch the game while enjoying some drinks and snacks.
- Wide Selection of Beers: Lucky’s features a rotating selection of local craft beers alongside classic domestic and imported options. They often run specials during major sports events.
- Game Day Vibe: With multiple large screens, the bar offers a great view wherever you sit. It’s an ideal spot to catch major games, from football to UFC.
- Game Day Specials: On game days, Lucky’s often has special offers like discounted beers, cocktails
Nightlife: Tropicana After Dark
Tropicana Hotel Casino transforms into a hotspot for those looking to enjoy Las Vegas nightlife when the sun goes down. Whether you’re in the mood for live music, dancing, or a more relaxed evening, Tropicana offers a variety of venues to keep the party going late into the night. With its tropical ambiance and intimate atmosphere, Tropicana’s nightlife scene feels like a laid-back, classy beach party in the middle of the desert.
Tango’s Lounge
Tango’s Lounge is the centerpiece of Tropicana’s nightlife. It offers an energetic yet comfortable place to enjoy live music and dancing.
- Live Bands and DJs: On any given night, you’ll find an array of live performances ranging from jazz and blues to pop and classic rock. DJs often take over on weekends, spinning popular tracks and keeping the dance floor packed.
- Spacious Dance Floor: Whether you’re into salsa, swing, or just want to bust a move, Tango’s offers a large, welcoming dance floor where everyone can join in the fun.
- Late-Night Drinks: The bar serves cocktails, wine, and spirits well into the night, with a drink menu that includes tropical favorites like Mai Tais and Mojitos. Their happy hour often runs late, making it easy to enjoy great drinks at affordable prices.
- Perfect for Couples or Groups: Whether you’re out for a romantic date or a fun night with friends, Tango’s Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Sky Beach Club
During the warmer months, Sky Beach Club becomes one of Tropicana’s biggest draws for partygoers looking to enjoy the Vegas pool party scene. It’s a daytime party spot that often extends well into the evening, combining the best of Vegas nightlife with a luxury pool experience.
- DJ Pool Parties: Sky Beach Club hosts renowned DJs that spin beats all day and into the evening, offering a perfect soundtrack for a poolside party. Expect top hits, classic party anthems, and the latest dance music.
- Luxury Cabanas: If you want to elevate your experience, the club’s cabanas offer private areas with bottle service, plush seating, and exclusive views of the poolside action.
- Swim-Up Blackjack: One of the unique offerings at Sky Beach Club is the swim-up blackjack tables, where you can play a hand of cards while staying cool in the water. It’s a quintessential Vegas experience you won’t want to miss.
- Tropical Cocktails and Poolside Bites: Refreshing frozen cocktails and small bites are available throughout the day, so you can keep the party going without leaving the pool.
Tropicana Lounge: Late Night Relaxation
The Tropicana Lounge offers a quieter nightlife experience with cozy seating and relaxing music for those seeking a more laid-back vibe.
- Chill Atmosphere: While Tango’s is the spot for dancing, the Tropicana Lounge provides a more intimate setting for quiet conversations, with soft lighting and a laid-back tropical aesthetic.
- Craft Cocktails: The lounge serves up expertly crafted cocktails with a menu that includes everything from classic martinis to tropical specialties like coconut rum punches and pineapple margaritas.
- Late-Night Hours: Open until late, this is a great place to wind down after an evening of gaming or catching a show at the casino.
Nearby Attractions: Exploring Beyond the Tropicana
One of the advantages of staying at the Tropicana Hotel Casino is its prime location on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s conveniently close to some of the city’s most famous attractions, making it easy to explore more of what Las Vegas has to offer. Whether you’re interested in catching a world-class show, exploring a different casino, or indulging in a bit of retail therapy, Tropicana’s central location gives you access to it all.
MGM Grand
Directly across the street from Tropicana, MGM Grand is one of the largest and most famous hotels on the Strip, offering an array of entertainment, dining, and gaming options.
- KA by Cirque du Soleil: This awe-inspiring Cirque du Soleil show is one of the most popular in Vegas, featuring martial arts, pyrotechnics, and stunning acrobatics. It’s a must-see for any visitor to the Strip.
- Hakkasan Nightclub: If you want to experience one of the premier nightclubs in Vegas, head over to Hakkasan at MGM Grand. It regularly hosts world-renowned DJs like Tiësto and Steve Aoki, making it a top choice for partygoers.
- Grand Pool Complex: With multiple pools, rivers, and waterfalls, MGM Grand’s pool area is a popular daytime attraction, especially during Vegas’ hot summer months.
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Just a short walk away, Excalibur Hotel & Casino offers a fun medieval theme with a wide range of family-friendly entertainment.
- Tournament of Kings: Step back in time with this medieval dinner show, complete with jousting knights, epic sword fights, and hearty feasts. It’s one of the best family-friendly attractions on the Strip.
- Fun Dungeon Arcade: Perfect for families and kids, the Fun Dungeon is a massive arcade featuring classic carnival-style games, video games, and air hockey.
T-Mobile Arena
Less than a 10-minute walk from Tropicana, T-Mobile Arena is home to major sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale entertainment.
- Vegas Golden Knights: If you’re visiting during the NHL season, don’t miss the chance to catch a Vegas Golden Knights game. The energy in the arena is electric, and it’s become one of the most exciting sporting events in the city.
- Concerts and Special Events: The arena regularly hosts performances from top international artists and major sporting events like boxing and UFC fights.
The Park and Park MGM
Just a short stroll from Tropicana is The Park, an outdoor promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and beautiful public art.
- The Park Theater: Located within Park MGM, the Park Theater hosts residencies from big-name performers like Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Aerosmith. It’s one of the best venues on the Strip for intimate concerts and shows.
- Outdoor Dining and Relaxation: The Park offers a more relaxed vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of the main Strip, with shaded walkways, water features, and outdoor dining options like Beerhaus and Eataly.
Luxor Hotel & Casino
A short walk south of Tropicana, Luxor Hotel & Casino is an iconic landmark on the Strip with its massive pyramid shape and shining light beam.
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition: This educational and emotional exhibition showcases artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic and recreations of parts of the famous ship.
- Bodies… The Exhibition: This exhibit at Luxor is a fascinating exploration of human anatomy. It displays preserved human bodies and organs in an educational and immersive way.
- HyperX Esports Arena: Gamers will love the HyperX Esports Arena at Luxor, a dedicated space for competitive gaming with state-of-the-art equipment, live tournaments, and special events.
Experience the Timeless Charm of the Tropicana Hotel Casino
The Tropicana Hotel Casino stands as a shining example of how classic Vegas hospitality can blend with modern amenities to offer a well-rounded experience. Tropicana has something for every kind of visitor, from the lively casino floor to the relaxed nightlife, award-winning restaurants, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a first-timer on the Las Vegas Strip or a seasoned local, this tropical escape will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable Vegas experience.
