The Linq Hotel & Casino

The Linq Hotel & Casino is owned and operated by the Ceasar's Entertainment Corporation and has gone through a variety of names and changes over the years. In 1959, it opened as the Flamingo Capri Casino and, after extensive renovations, became the Imperial Palace in the late-70's. Harrah's purchased the casino in 2005, and after extensive renovations, it opened as The Quad Hotel & Casino in 2012, after another 232 million dollar renovation, it became The Linq in July 2014. The Linq is an enormous hotel and casino boasting 118,000 square feet of gaming space as well as 2,640 guest rooms. In addition to the hotel attractions, the promenade of this hotel and casino features The High Roller, which, at 550 feet, is the world's tallest observation wheel that features breathtaking views of the Strip. In addition to gaming, this hotel features the Brooklyn Bowl which is a bowling alley consisting of 32 lanes and a tremendous music venue. This hotel also features The Auto Collections, where guests can enjoy viewing (or buying!) over 250 vintage automobiles, the Silver Sky Chapel, which offers two different wedding venues, as well as a wide variety of Groups and Meeting Venues with available catering. As if that weren't enough, this hotel also features a wide and varied shopping experience including quite a few boutiques, hat makers and even a tattoo parlor! There is no doubt that this hotel & casino has something for everyone!

Gaming

After upgrading their inventory since changing from The Quad to The Linq, this casino now has 830 of the newest and hottest slot, video poker and video Keno games available. Unfortunately, the Linq only features one Video Poker game that pays in excess of 98%, with 98.01% Bonus Poker available in the $0.25, $0.50, $1.00, $2.00 and $5.00 denominations. While the Video Poker offerings are not liberal, everyone knows that Downtown and Off-Strip casinos tend to be better for the Video Poker enthusiast, and most visitors to this hotel & casino, are going for the one of a kind atmosphere and unparalleled fun in other venues. The casino features a poker room with eight tables with both Limit and No Limit cash games and has been known to have daily tournaments. The best site for poker tournament and live game information is www.bravopokerlive.com, or one could simply call The Linq for more information. The Sports Book is located conveniently near the Guy Fieri restaurant and features stadium seating, more than 230 individual TV's and twelve big-screen TV's. Finally, The casino features an amazing and diverse selection of 55 of the best table games around. Players can choose from Blackjack, Roulette, Big Six, Craps, Pai-Gow Poker, Let It Ride, Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker and Three Card Poker. Overall, while the Video Poker offerings could certainly be more generous, the casino gaming experience is unparalleled and as good, or better, than anything else that can be found on the Strip for diversity.

Hotel/Accommodations

This hotel & casino is located conveniently in the center of the Las Vegas Strip and, as one would assume of any hotel with 2,640 guest rooms, there is a wide assortment of different rooms and prices to choose from. The Deluxe King and Two-Double rooms run 300 square feet and features 47-inch LED flat-screen televisions. These room types also have pet-friendly rooms available for booking. The Luxury King and Two Double rooms are a bit smaller, otherwise feature the same amenities, but guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip. These rooms are also available in, "High Roller View," from which the High Roller observation tower can be seen. In addition to these rooms, the hotel features suites that are more than double the size of the standard rooms. At a minimum, the Suites feature a 55 inch LED TV as well as a 47 inch with the larger being in the living room and the smaller in the bedroom. The rooms also come with robes and slippers as well as room service available to the rooms. This hotel also offers mini-suites which have all of the same amenities as the standard rooms with additional floor space. There is a fitness center available for all guests of the hotel.

Dining

The Linq features an incredible assortment of dining options from fine dining, to casual dining to grab-and-go, and amongst these are: Guy Fieri's Kitchen & Bar: This is Guy Fieri's first restaurant in Las Vegas and he is a well-known TV personality from the Food Network and Travel Channel as well as an excellent food critic, writer and restaurateur. Chavo's Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar: Featuring a Live DJ who pumps up the volume, this may be one of the only eateries in Vegas that has a true party atmosphere! Yard House: This upscale eatery features classic American food along with a breathtaking view of the High Roller observation tower. They have over 160 brews on tap and over 100 menu selections as well as both indoor and outdoor seating. Starbucks: This is a name well-known the world over and is an excellent addition to the Linq's list of restaurants for its speedy service and excellent coffees. Hash House A Go Go: As with other locations (including the Plaza Casino) this features farm food with a unique twist of contemporary stylings. Nobody is going to go hungry with the tremendous portions, either. F.A.M.E.: This stands for Food, Art, Music and Entertainment. Delight your senses in this one of a kind aesthetically appealing atmosphere that features a wide variety of casual Asian food choices and music to suit the mood. Flour & Barley: This pizzeria features an alluring combination of brick oven pizzas with whole milk mozzarella and hot Italian sandwiches. This location is excellent for grab & go food. The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery: This venue features a wide assortment of drinks and Irish food. Haute Doggery: This venue features good old fashioned hot dogs, but with a twist: a wide assortment of unique and delicious toppings! Combine your dog with rings or fries as well as any one of the dozens of topping selections. Ghirardelli: Enjoy some of the finest chocolates and ice cream at this location. Sprinkles: This cupcake specialty restaurant features the most unbelievable toppings and the best ingredients that can be found in the world.

Entertainment/Nightlife

In addition to the bowling, High Roller Observation Tower and shopping, The LInq also offers a wide variety of lounges and nightclubs: Brooklyn Bowl: We mentioned the thirty-two lane bowling alley earlier in this review, but the Brooklyn Bowl, dubbed, "One of the most incredible places on Earth," by Rolling Stone magazine is so much more than that! The overall location is comprised of 78,000 square feet and features a Blue Ribbon restaurant as well as an enormous music venue. The Linq also offers an unbelievable tropical poolside experience that would lead one to believe that one couldn't be further from the desert! Air-conditioned cabanas are also available for rent including foosball tables, private bathrooms, and fruit bowls. Drai's Beach Club: This nightclub offers an indoor and outdoor dance party experience and pool located on the rooftop! The Purple Zebra: This is a build-your-own Daiquiri bar that gives people the ability to put together their own amazing flavor combinations from over twenty ingredients. Boulevard Cocktail: This laid-back piano bar is a blast from the past and harkens back to the old days of Vegas. Tag Sports Bar: This bar features over 300 beers from the world over as well as an assortment of electronic table games. Catalyst Bar: This is a hip flair bar. Drai's After Hours: Located in the basement, this is the go-to dance party place when the rooftop closes. O'Shea's: This is a Vegas favorite bar and casino in the style of an Irish pub!

Rewards/Deals

The Linq is part of the Caesar's Entertainment Corporation's vast Total Rewards program where your Rewards can be applied at any Caesar's Casino anywhere in the country. This gives players the ability to establish a reputation at one Caesar's Casino and potentially get free rooms based on their play, but on the other side of the country! Also, for people who live near a Total Rewards Casino outside of Vegas, certain levels of play may be considered to get free nights in Vegas!