Rooms in this sprawling compound are quite a bit larger than the typically tiny hotel rooms in the real Gotham. Beyond all the legroom, they're not particularly fancy, but the hotel has made some improvements in recent years. Bedspreads are busy, however, lighting is too bold, and furniture is somewhat utilitarian (although attractive art deco-inspired armoires are a nice touch). Also, the trek from the front desk to some of the towers can feel longer than the New York City Marathon, and the Manhattan Express roller coaster that loops around the hotel can be obnoxiously loud if your room is near the tracks. Several grades of room are available, and as you pay more, you get such plush amenities as separate sitting areas with sofas, marble bathroom counters, and separate glass showers.

The Casino. The intricate New York theme runs wild through the Central Park-esque casino pit. Twinkling lights adorn artificial trees on the main casino floor, and faux hedges and a fountain set off Gaming on the Green, a separate area for high-limit slots and table games.

The Big Apple Bar almost literally puts bands on a pedestal, towering over the casino floor, and the sports book has a fun synergy with the adjacent ESPN Zone theme restaurant. We think it's all worth a look-see, but we'd recommend you gamble elsewhere: table game limits are high, and the rules aren't tempting for discerning players. Space limitations make the casino floor, particularly the pit area, crowded and cramped -- just like its namesake.

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