Once inside, visitors realize they're actually in a
satellite casino: a small space with slots and other
gaming machines, but not the real deal. Getting to the
main casino involves using escalators or dodging speeding
cars. But it's worth it. Fans of Vegas' golden years
enjoy the 75,000-square-foot James Bond- style casino,
where cocktail waitresses wear short blue dresses as
they navigate the Asian- themed gaming area (done in
crystal, jade and carved wood). The gaming area has
been renovated and features more than 1,800 slots, 42
table games and the only multi-tiered sports book in
Las Vegas. Another interesting touch is the collection
of instant breathalyzers mounted on the casino wall
as you walk toward the parking garage.
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The standard rooms are just that, but the up-market
rooms are a hoot, with a larger bedroom (with a mirror
over the bed) and a larger-than- usual bathroom featuring
a 300-gallon sunken whirlpool "luv tub" (complete
with more mirrors). Visitors should note that all the
rooms, standard and up-market, have a balcony, which
is almost unheard of in Vegas. Excellent facilities
for people with disabilities are available.
The Palace also has a few attractions that set it apart
from the other casinos. From April to October, the hotel
holds luaus at the pool, featuring a Polynesian revue
complete with buffet and tiki torches. Elvis sightings
are commonplace in Vegas, but Madonna dealing blackjack?
Flip Wilson flipping cards? The Imperial Palace bets
gamblers are drawn in by the "dealertainer"
concept as it gets the stars of its popular 'Legends
in Concert' (also worth seeing) to pull double duty
in the aptly named Legends Pit (dealers who can do impersonations
are also included). On a regular basis, Zorro, Elvis,
the Blues Brothers, Marilyn Monroe, Patsy Cline, Barbra
Streisand, Rod Stewart, Buddy Holly and others take
the floor and rub shoulders with guests. Also of note
is the Auto Collection, located on the fifth floor,
which features more than 800 antique, classic and special-interest
vehicles (some belonging to celebrities and former heads
of state) spanning a century of automotive history.
Centrally located on the Strip, the Imperial Palace
offers affordable rates, tempting restaurants and top
entertainment shows and attractions. Imperial Palace
Hotel-Casino runs with a fairly distinguished crowd.
Caesars Palace is across the street. The Flamingo and
Harrah's flank the hotel on either side. With neighbors
like these, a property should feel compelled to set
itself apart -- to offer at least one thing the other
resorts can't. The Imperial Palace has two.
Legends In Concert and The Auto Collections have been
drawing visitors by the thousands for more than a decade,
and their popularity remains strong. "Legends"
is one of the most popular tribute shows in the world,
with artists impersonating Elvis, Tom Jones and Madonna,
among others, playing to packed houses six nights a
week. The Auto Collection inspires repeat visits, with
its peerless assortment of vintage cars that once belonged
to celebrities and heads of state.
Once you've taken in one or both of these must-see attractions,
you can avail yourself of the Imperial Palace's many
other amenities. Several restaurants and a giant buffet
feed any appetite, and the lounges serve up any desired
refreshment. The hotel's cozy ambience -- flavored by
handsome, unobtrusive Japanese touches -- makes the
Imperial Palace worthy of its surrounding royalty.
