Gold coast casino vegas

Within its modest, Mediterranean-style building, the Gold Coast has a tasty little surprise: a noted Chinese restaurant. Ping Pang Pong serves what some diners consider the best dim sum in Vegas. The dumpling carts are rolled out every day from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The little treats I tried, like plump pork bao, were delicious and authentic. The hotel is just half a mile from Chinatown, and both its restaurants and gambling tables are popular with locals. The restaurant is also very reasonable. Two people can fill up on dumplings and tea for less than $20, with tip. Travelers inexperienced in the ways of dim sum should take note that not all servers speak English and some dumplings may contain animal parts they're not used to eating. After dim sum hours, Ping Pang Pong serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

A second Asian restaurant, Noodle Exchange, also serves fairly authentic Asian food, especially compared to the bizarre facsimiles of ethnic food served in many casinos. The lunch specials are $6.99, and dinner entrées range from $6.95 won ton noodles to a $15.95 shrimp with lobster sauce bento box. I tried the Asian grilled beef salad for $10.95 and found it pretty tasty, especially when accompanied by a glass of fresh iced green tea.

The hotel also features more typical Vegas fare, like a steak and seafood place Cortez Room, which has reasonable for Vegas prices (an 8-ounce filet mignon for $23), the Ports O' Call Buffet, a Seattle's Best Coffee Shop, and a Kate's Korner ice cream shop. The T.G.I. Friday's, open 24 hours, serves the chain's extensive and affordable menu, including $3.99 breakfast specials.

Hotel room service is 24 hours. I ordered hot water with lemon and honey one morning and was utterly shocked when the woman brought it and didn't charge me. "It's free," she said, "it's just hot water." Free room service, especially at a low-end hotel -- a pleasant surprise.