A perfectly decent entry in the Best Western corporate chain that, while pleasant and unassuming, lacks just about all the excitement that made Las Vegas famous. Even if all you're looking for is a place to lie down there are better alternatives closer to the action.

The BW Mardi Gras is located on Paradise Road about a mile from The Strip and likewise from The Las Vegas Hilton and Hard Rock - the only two big properties on Paradise. Most people coming here have their own cars so location isn't usually an issue.

Two story motel type buildings surround an inner courtyard with a large pool and a multi-level sundeck. I'm told that the place is popular with budget minded Europeans and that often the sunning becomes, well, European if you catch my drift. I didn't see anything like that on our visit and there are now topless areas at pools on The Strip so even if that was something that would get you to stay here you have options now.

There is a small, and I mean small, casino with a few dozen slots and video poker machines but no gaming tables. Basically they have taken what may have been a large lobby and lounge and shoved the check-in desk in the corner. My opinion is that this area is only for the hard core gambling junkies - if you find yourself pumping quarters into one of the BW Mardi Gras' slots at four in the morning, you need help.

The rooms are larger than what you'd expect, with small sitting areas in the king-size-bed rooms and kitchenettes with coffee makers in all rooms. Furnishings are adequate but that's about it - you're not staying at the Four Seasons, after all.

You can often get pretty cheap rooms here, which is appropriate since they don't have a lot of the facilities or amenities that the bigger, more expensive properties do. If you call and are quoted anything over $100 a night, go somewhere else unless everything else is booked.

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