To any Elvis fan, the Las Vegas Hilton is a landmark of almost biblical proportions. To the rest of us, it’s a place to indulge our secret love of Barry Manilow away from friends and family members who might tease us mercilessly. Manilow’s engagement at the Hilton, titled “Manilow: Music and Passion,” carries the Hilton’s entertainment schedule. And you can stop snickering – this time around, it’s cool to like Le Manilow. All jokes about fluffy sleeves and polyester jumpsuits aside, Manilow’s show does for his extensive repertoire of songs what Mamma Mia did for Abba’s. Not to be outdone by the plebeian likes of Celine Dion or Sir Elton John, the undisputed king of ‘70s pop has created a show that, through the use of creative in-stage seating, actually makes you want to hear “Copacabana” one more time. And even if you don’t, visit the in-theater bar of the same name and bolster your fortitude with an 80-proof security blanket.

The Hilton has a knack for picking up on oft-mocked pop culture icons. To wit: Star Trek Experience, a collective exhibit/ride/shop/restaurant complex that brings Gene Roddenberry’s 24th century to life (at this point, you are either clapping your hands with glee or running for the hills). But even those who aren’t sci-fi fans can find something to like here. If Disneyland took over the Roswell crash site, this is what it would turn out like. The creators have seamlessly integrated actors, 4D, sound, and light into the uber-realistic Borg Invasion. Invade they do, attempting to take over your tour of a seemingly harmless research facility. Their weapons? The deafening collective total 23,000 watts of sound – these Borgs are after your eardrums. Good thing you aren’t a Ferengi.

Less glitzy (and less crowded) than the Wynn or the Bellagio, the Hilton’s sleek white tower offers a more understated luxury. The most interesting rooms are the themed suites – safari, Caribbean beach, Old Hollywood, etc. It’s not directly on the Strip, but it is on the monorail, which is good news for those who want to wear impractical shoes. The Hilton’s prices are less than what you’d find on the Strip, but in terms of dining, you get what you pay for. If you want a $15 buffet with free wine and beer, the Hilton is your top choice. If you want high quality French or Asian cuisine, you’ll have to leave the premises. What it lacks in dining options, it more than makes up for in its amenities. The hotel offers a special set of suites that are adjacent to the recently renovated entertainment deck, which tells you it’s both a pretty big deck and a pretty big deal. Eighteen million dollars worth of fun and relaxation greet you on the third floor, with private cabanas, full bars, and an excellent vantage point for people-watching. Try not to get sunburned, or you won’t be able to take advantage of the heavenly stone massage offered in the spa.