3595 Las Vegas Blvd S, .

Slotted in between several of the city's greatest names, the tiny, 200-room Barbary Coast feels like a throwback to a long-lost Las Vegas. Its main distinguishing feature is a classic piece of old Vegas neon, the hourglass-shaped sign above its front entrance. That entrance is always thrown open to the Strip, and with clattering tables and slots just inside the door the Barbary Coast is kept ticking nicely by walk-in gamblers weary of ogling its outsize neighbors.

The interior of the Barbary Coast is filled with lots of brass and glass, including what's said to be "the world's largest Tiffany-style glass mural." Amenities on the ground floor, however, are minimal; apart from the chilled shrimp cocktails in the cabinets behind the main bar, there isn't even any food on sale. Inconspicuous elevators, however, lead to two expensive and highly rated restaurants: Drai's , down in the basement, and Michael's upstairs. The latter is named for proprietor Michael Gaughan, who also owns the newer Orleans out on Tropicana Avenue. Guest accommodation too is better than the rather faded elegance of the gaming area might lead you to expect.

Barbary Coast

• Barbary Coast

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