I quit staying on the strip when they decided to become "Disneyland of the Desert". If you want to gawk at all the (mostly tacky) man-made monstrosities, fine, but if you want to gamble in a relaxed atmosphere go downtown, especially the Lady Luck. Mirage, Bellagio & Venetian are well done, however -- especially the Venetian. I have toured the Imperial Palaces of Russia and the Venetian is the closest I have seen to them. But, for real gambling atmosphere you can't beat Binions & the Las Vegas Club. The history just leaps off the walls at you (or maybe those are cooties <G>). I also enjoy the employee attitude at some of the "local's casinos" like Sam's Town, Fiesta (Station) & Sunset Station.