I thought I'd gradually work my way in writing around town, and give my reviews and impressions of things. Since I've been to Vegas 37 times, and stayed at virtually every single hotel, I've got a lot of information to share.
Today's review is The Plaza hotel downtown. It's one of the older hotels (since the early 70s, I think), and I had stayed there in its old incarnation. Well, about a year or two ago, they re-did the place, and it looks nice. The casino is nice and spiffy with funky carpeting, and the front desk is prominently placed right by the entrance (you used to have to lug your bags to the dark and dank 2nd floor to check-in).
There's a cool cupcake shop right near the front, too. The biggest improvement, imho, is an outpost of the Hash House a Go Go right in the lobby. For those of you who haven't made the pilgrimage, HHAGG is a GREAT restaurant -- a Vegas institution. The original is way down Sahara Avenue -- it required a bus or cab ride, and was not conducive to your casual Vegas visitor. Even though it's been featured on Man vs. Food, most people wouldn't make the big effort to get there. Well, now they've expanded (yay!), and have convenient locations downtown at the Plaza, and on the Strip at the Quad (formerly Imperial Palace).
Anyway, I don't even know how to explain HHAGG, other than to say it's the kind of place that when your food comes, you take pictures of it!
I mean, look at that pancake! And that picture doesn't even do the place justice. Check out their website: http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/ Trust me....next time you're in Vegas, you HAVE to go!!!
Anyway, I digress. The Plaza. The casino is worth wandering around, and they have a decent selection of slots and $5 tables. The players club has a decent sign-up bonus for new members, so check that out as well. Take a moment, and when you're back there by the players club, look at the "Old Vegas" pictures on the wall. I always love seeing what Fremont Street looked like when it was still a regular street.
For whatever reason, the Plaza can't seem to hold onto a show for very long. I don't even know what's playing there these days.
Another great thing about the Plaza is that they finally turned the "dome" into something useful -- it's now Oscar Goodman's steakhouse, and the view of Fremont and the food are definitely worth it, if you feel like spending some money on a nice meal.
I have not yet stayed in the renovated rooms, but judging by what the rest of the place looks like, I think they're probably very nice. Rumor has it that they bought the high-end furniture from one of the never-completed fancy resorts on the Strip for pennies on the dollar. Rooms can be had for $29 a night, so you can't really go wrong. The pool is small and un-exciting, but if you're just looking for a pool and some sun, it serves its purpose. Also gives you a nice view of Fremont Street and the downtown area, as its located outdoors on the 8th floor of one of the towers.
I love the Strip, but I also love staying downtown -- the free entertainment every night on Fremont, the cheap tables, and the ease of getting from one place to another. As a downtown hotel option, I'd put the Plaza squarely in the middle of the pack. It's probably your 3rd (or so) best hotel option downtown. I'm looking forward to checking out the renovated hotel.
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