I think the world can be boiled down into three types of people: Those who think the concept of a Hooters Hotel and Casino is a cool thing, those who think it's one of the signs of the apocalypse and those somewhere in the middle.

After visiting the new Hooters Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, I'm firmly in the middle.

For those of you living in a cave somewhere with a slightly less tolerant attitude toward the "sex sells" mantra, Hooters is a chain of restaurants that is mostly famous for its Hooters girls -- a bevy of buxom lasses who serve food wearing very short shorts and very tight baby-doll T-shirts. You can say that it's more about the "We're in on the joke" humor, casual atmosphere and generously portioned servings of hearty American food, but let's all just accept the fact that it's about the women and move on with our lives.

The company purchased the dingy San Remo Hotel, located just behind the Tropicana on Tropicana Boulevard and threw its corporate branding at it in a big way, from the Florida casual theme (think lots of orange, bleached wood and beach decor) to the aforementioned girls. It's miles, leagues and light-years ahead of what the hotel used to be (a dump), but I have to say there is a certain amount of "painting the pig" going on. You can still see the remnants of the old hotel lurking here and there, like in the elevators, which have gotten a nice interior makeover -- but designers left the scarred and pitted doors and control panels.

This is all minor stuff and will most likely be addressed as the property moves forward, but if you've gotten used to the gleaming, sparkly everything at some of the major Strip hotels, this will come as a bit of a let down.

The main floor has gotten the most dramatic makeover, turning the casino space into a lively, energetic and very, very crowded party spot. There are several restaurants around the perimeter, plus bars, lounges, a gift shop, a small video arcade and more. The hotel has packed a lot into a very small area, so personal space is at a minimum.

A revised pool area that is certain to be a tourist hot spot will be open by late spring.

The rooms are not only a marked improvement over the old hotel's offerings, but they are nice, without the qualification. There's more of the beach theme, with plank wood headboards, armoire, desk and vanities, plus plenty of orange to go around. The beds are super-comfy, and there's just about everything you need elsewhere, including a nice, big TV with in-room movies, a dressing table, several mirrors, iron and board, coffee maker, safe, hair dryers and dataports on the phone (no high-speed Internet yet, sorry). While they aren't as big or luxuriously appointed as some Vegas rooms, they are just fine and more than the Average Joe will ever want or need.

Rooms in the Bay View tower have balconies -- a rarity in Las Vegas.

And yes, there are Hooters girls all over the place, from waitresses to blackjack dealers, and everything in between. But keep in mind that there are other employees as well. Don't expect to have your room service delivered by a hot chick in tight shorts.

The staff was unfailingly polite and efficient, managing to smooth over a few inevitable opening week bumps with friendly smiles. It's got a real "down home" atmosphere, with employees calling you "sweetheart" and "darling." Whether you prefer that over being called "sir" or "ma'am" by one of those drones in a way-too-expensive suit is totally your call.

Now here's where we get to the biggest issue regarding Hooters -- the price. Random checks of room rates over the next couple of months mostly returned $125 to $175 a night during the week and well over $200 a night on the weekends. That's verging into Mirage territory. That is just way too much money to pay for this hotel, unless you are a total devotee to the brand. Perhaps rates will come down after the initial rush of people checking the joint out abates, and summer always brings cheaper costs, but if you want to spend this kind of money there are better places to do so.

Although there are none with Hooters girls, so there's always that.

Highs: Fun environment, friendly staff
Lows: Price is too high, still some remnants of the old hotel.

Location: 9 -- Just a few steps from the south Strip madness
Price: 5 -- Not expensive for Vegas, but ...
Value: 4 -- Too expensive for this particular hotel
Rooms: 7 -- Well appointed and comfortable
Casino: 6 -- Very densely packed, but festive
Amenities: 6 -- Lacking a few extras that you'd expect at this price
Facilities: 6 -- Plenty of food, not much entertainment
Service: 10 -- Friendly and always smiling
Fun: 7 -- A lively joint
Bonus: 7 -- An audacious concept deserves extra points

Vegas4Visitors Rating: 67

Hooters Hotel & Casino
115 E. Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(800) 522-7366

The Full Story

• Hooters Perks Up Hotel, But Some Signs Remain
• Details Squeeze Out About Tropicana's Future
• 'Hairspray' Stands Alone In Las Vegas
• Vegas Q&A: Will Ads Really Give Me Free Hotel, Show?

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