dingo,

I am planning a trip to Vegas just after the first of the year and have been doing some research over at http://www.vegas.com/ubbcgi/Ultimate.cgi There is some good information there (although not quite up to quality of FlyerTalk, IMHO).

The Desert Inn is supposed to close at either the end of August or September. As noted, Caeser's no longer has a connection with Starwood. I do vaguely remember reading about some type of connection between Starwood and the MGM Grand (could easily be wrong about this).

Marriott does not have any type of casino properties in Vegas, making Hilton the only major chain with with a casion presence there. In addition to the Hilton, they have the Flamingo Hilton, Paris and Bally's. The Flamingo will drop the Hilton name, but remain under Hilton's 'wing'.