One of the oldest of the Vegas casinos, the Sahara dates back so far it has the distinction of being the first casino to actually use a bank. All the greats have played here – Frank, Elvis, The Beatles, Johnny Carson, Tina Turner – and the Sahara is rightly proud. Rather than just give up the ghost as many of the older hotel/casinos have done, the Sahara is valiantly attempting to keep up. Recent renovations have added architectural details that carry the theme further, and a roller coaster should also make things more interesting. As for their guest rooms, it’s difficult to beat their prices. The Sahara’s three towers are called Tangiers, Tunis and Alexandria, so you’ve guessed right if you sense a Northern African theme. The pale sandy colors of the desert are accented in some rooms with rich dark crown moulding, deep plums and forest greens. Other rooms feature walls the color of a desert sunset, complemented by medium-toned woods and medium-toned wood furnishings.

The crowds are young, and they flock here in large part because of the inexpensive rates, but it’s also a more laid back scene than some of the swankier places around town. You can wear your jeans without getting a pitying look from somebody in Paris Hilton’s entourage. In recent years, the Sahara has become the favorite of the NASCAR crowd. The NASCAR Cafe on the main floor offers grilled and greasy fare, and a steady hum of cars whizzing past plays overhead. If that’s not enough for you, head over to Sahara Speedworld and jump on a roller coaster. You don’t even have to leave the café – the ride departs from within. (Just get your burger to go.) If you don’t have a need for speed, check out the Casbar Theatre Lounge where acts like the Platters, the Drifters and the Coasters are offering up a healthy diet of golden oldies. Or ease on over to the Congo Room and catch the Amazing Jonathan, one of the best reviewed comedy/magic acts in Vegas. With the help of his “psychic” assistant, he uses audience participation to keep the show fresh and interesting, and unsuspecting guests may find themselves gently lampooned by his roving camera and hilarious superimposed captions.