There’s not much left of the first boom era of Las Vegas, when hotels like The Desert Inn, The Sands, The Dunes, and The Stardust ruled the roost. Of the dozen major resorts that opened between 1941 and 1960, only five of them remain: The Frontier, The Flamingo, The Sahara, The Riviera, and The Tropicana and all of those hotels are destined for some level of revision.

The Sahara’s new owners are hinting at a top to bottom overhaul; The Tropicana is being torn down in chunks and rebuilt, with only the two main hotel towers remaining and probably being dwarfed by several new ones; The Frontier has been headed toward a date with the wrecking ball for years and 2007 may finally be the year it happens; The Riviera is actively being shopped for new buyers who may want to tear it down and start over; and The Flamingo sits smack in the middle of Harrah’s Entertainment Strip redevelopment plans. While the latter will most likely remain with some sort of remodeling, it’s only considered a part of the “historic” hotels list because of its name. Not one single bit of the original structure stands today.

The question is this: is that a good thing or a bad thing?

With the exception of The Flamingo, which remains a solid B-level hotel, the only real positive about the other properties these days is the fact that you can often get cheap room rates. Unfortunately the maxim holds true that you get what you pay for. There is no comparing a hotel like The Riviera with its small, faded rooms and cramped casino with the modern resorts and their spacious accommodations and seemingly endless entertainment options. So bring in the bulldozers and put up something brand spanking new, right?

On some level that’s a worthwhile point of view, but those room rates are a major factor in Vegas these days. With a typical weekend night’s stay now well over $200 at major Strip resorts, the moderate level visitor is being priced out of the market. Although there are ways for people without unlimited cash flows to have a satisfying Las Vegas vacation, you pretty much can’t do it and stay on The Strip anymore.

Then there’s the historic point of view. As a Vegas history buff and a Vegas travel writer, I have conflicting feelings about the old being replaced by the new. I don’t recommend staying at many of the older hotels from a travel writer point of view but my affinity for “old” Las Vegas makes me hate to see them fall to the wayside at the same time.

Perhaps more properties could take a page from the very successful renovations at Caesars Palace. Opened in 1966, the hotel was headed toward the same fate as many of its contemporaries, epitomizing the term faded glory in the late eighties and early nineties. But then several billion dollars were thrown at the place to bring it in line with modern standards while still retaining the essential spirit of the original hotel. It’s little things like the canopy over the porte corchere and fountains out front, which are all new, but resemble the original and evoke the bacchanalian glamour that the hotel is famous for.

New projects like the $7 billion CityCenter seem to be ushering in a new era of hotel style for Vegas. Their swoopy, modern, glass and steel structures will be unlike anything the city has seen and will almost immediately make places like Bellagio and the MGM Grand seem dated. It makes one wonder if in thirty years we’ll be having the same discussion about the impending demise of those hotels for something bigger and “better.”

For now, though, we are at a bit of a crossroads. Just as The Strip is virtually unrecognizable from the way it looked 15 years ago, the same will be the case in another fifteen or even ten. Whether the days of historic Vegas and the affordable Strip vacation will remain is almost a moot question at this point – for the most part it’s already gone.

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Question: My husband and I are going to Las Vegas this summer and you may find this hard to believe but neither of us has ever been in a casino in our entire lives (and we’re almost 40!). I’m wondering if you have any basic tips for first-timers?

Answer: You’re right, Maria. I do find that hard to believe. Someone who has never stepped foot in a casino? You’re like a Yeti. But hey – I’ve never seen “The Wizard of Oz” and some people find that shocking so what do I know?

Yes, there are some very basic things to remember when visiting a casino. Here’s what you need to know:

Most Las Vegas casinos are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a week.

You must be 21 to even enter the gaming area much less play the games. If you look young, be sure to carry some form of identification such as a driver's license or passport because casino personnel may ask you to prove you're old enough to be there.

There are cameras, security, and undercover operatives that watch every square inch of the casino at all times. Don't even think about trying to cheat - you'll get caught and you will go to jail.

Be sure to pay attention to limits on table games, slots, and video poker. If you mess up and wind up betting more or less than you could've or should've the casino isn't going to listen to a "but I didn't mean to..."

Most casinos offer free or heavily discounted drinks to people playing the games including slot machines. Cocktail waitresses abound in most casinos but remember, they live off your tips so be generous, especially if the drink is free.

Most casinos offer free gaming lessons on the various card and table games. Check with the main casino cage or the guest services counter of any casino/hotel for schedules. These gaming lessons can be valuable in more ways than one. In addition to the knowledge you'll acquire, many casinos offer discount coupon books to people who take the time to learn how to play the games.

Most casinos make it really easy to get money. Again, laws vary from state to state, but most have automated teller machines (ATM), check cashing, and systems to take cash advances from your credit cards. My recommendation is to leave your bank cards, credit cards, and check books at home and only bring as much money as you're willing to lose - most of the time, you will.

There are several ways to get change and chips in a casino. Most have attendants walking around that can "break" large bills or there are change booths sprinkled throughout. Most also offer automatic bill "breakers" which will give you change for large bills. Gaming chips can be purchased at any table or the main cashier cage (ask an attendant where it is) and usually redeemed at the cashier cage only.

Always remember that gambling should not be looked at as a way to make money! Most of the time, you won't. If you view the slots and table games as a form of entertainment you'll have a much better time (and will probably lose less money).

Most casinos have gaming (slot/player) clubs where you earn points toward meals, shows, or rooms by gambling in their casino. You have to give away some of your personal information (like address and perhaps e-mail) but that junk mail you get can get you some deep discounts on future visits.

Most casinos will offer perks if you're dropping a lot of money at their tables or slots. Make sure somebody sees you spending money and then casually ask if their show is any good or which restaurant is best. It's not a guarantee but often they'll give you discount coupons or freebies just to keep you happy and gambling.

And most importantly… have fun!

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