The Big Easy meets Sin City at The Orleans. From the playful Basin Street facade to the alligator-shaped door handles, the soul of New Orleans envelops guests.Inside, you'll find bright festive colors, giant Mardi Gras masks hanging from the ceiling and watering holes with names such as the Crawfish Bar and the Alligator Bar.Of course, Vegas still is very much in evidence with a bustling 135,000-square-foot casino offering slots, a 23-table poker room and a race and sports book among its many assets.The 827-seat Orleans Showroom hosts big-name entertainment such as Debbie Reynolds, Air Supply, Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell. Plus, the state-of-the-art Orleans Arena features headliners and is also home to Vegas' minor league hockey team, The Wranglers.A wide choice of dining is available at the Orleans including steaks and prime rib at Canal Street.Family entertainment abounds with a youth activity center, state-of-the-art bowling center and giant movie theater complex.Above all, the Orleans offers the entertainment and distinctive charm of its namesake -- a place to trade your blues for rhythm and blues, your scowl for a grin, a bad day for a great evening. Mardi Gras has begun and will never end.