The Plaza has been my “home away from home” now for several years. Every six months I do a Vegas trip, and the Plaza is always included in my accommodations. I will explain why I choose them over other downtown hotels.
The reason I fell in love with the Plaza initially is because you get free wifi with a comped room. I will go anywhere that comps me a room, but I was always discouraged by other downtown properties that would charge if you wanted to use your wifi from the comfort of your bed. I am on a budget, but I also need to stay connected while I am in Vegas. I run a Las Vegas forum that I have to keep an eye on (LasVegas4ever.com), and also I am a social media girl. I want to stay in touch with my friends and family back home with Facebook and other platforms. I love nothing better after a long day of Vegas fun than to return to my room at night and update everyone on my day’s adventures.
So that is what attracted me to the Plaza at first, but as my stays grew in number, I found lots of other things to love. I appreciate how spacious the rooms are, especially if multiple people are staying in the room. Some hotel rooms have a very claustrophobic feel to them but not the Plaza. Yes, they need new furniture. There are a few dings and scratches in the current ones, but that does not bother me when held up against all the other things I enjoy about the hotel. I like the layout of the rooms too; one person can be showering while the other is using the sink since it is in a separate area. It helps to expedite things when two people are trying to get ready in the morning. I have always found the rooms to be clean, cool and comfortable.
The Plaza food court is full of economical choices for a quick bite; McDonald's, Subway. Zaba's Mexican Grill, Cafelatte, and the new Manchu Wok. With the addition of the lovely Brightside Cafe, there is yet another option for a fast, cheap meal.
If you are looking for larger portions Hash House a Go Go is a very popular restaurant. There is also the option of Pop Up Pizza if that is what you are craving. Don’t forget Oscar’s steakhouse for an upscale meal. I am a big fan of the Happy Hour in Oscar’s Lounge; from 4-7pm daily, 50% off appetizers, house wine, well liquors and beer. It is a great deal, and the sliders are delicious!
As a person with some mobility issues, it is critical to me that there are lots of choices of places to eat without ever leaving the building. I know that there are lots of great choices nearby in downtown Vegas, but there are times when I am too tired or in too much pain to make it that extra block.
Following that same train of thought, I was pleased to see that if I chose to rent a scooter on my trip, the personnel at the Bell desk would arrange it for me. They even had a scooter on site that I could have had immediately if I had wanted it.
It is helpful that the Plaza has a large selection of TV channels on a high definition television for the times when my gambling day did not go well, and I need to retire to my room.
Something else I noticed on my last trip was the piped in music. I always enjoy the bands they have in the evenings, but I never paid any particular notice to the songs being played at other times. On my last trip the music in the casino was so appealing that I was actually shoving extra twenties in my machine just to stay in that environment longer. I don’t know if they have upgraded their sound system or what, but it was hitting all the right marks with me. It was loud enough to be noticeable, but not ear-splitting like the Golden Gate and the D. And the selection was varied but with a definite leaning towards upbeat music that would appeal to us more "mature" visitors. I was literally bopping in my chair to the songs (sorry if that presents an unpleasant mental image to you).
As downtown has increased in popularity and with the addition of all the stages, event centers, and festivals, finding a quiet room is becoming increasingly difficult. Sometimes I stay at other hotels and wear earplugs, but I really appreciate how quiet my Plaza rooms have always been. If you enjoy retreating to a calm, quiet place, the Plaza is one of the best hotels to find a room like that; just request a quiet room at check in. I also adore how the air conditioning systems stay on constantly so your room is always cool and it also provides white noise in case there are loud people going by in the hall.
In years past people have mentioned long lines at check in. On my last trip, I stayed seven nights and saw no long lines during that time period. I also witnessed them installing self-check-in kiosks which will help with any check-in congestion.
I was startled by all the changes in the casino. At first, I thought some of my old favorite Video Poker machines were gone, but then I realized they were just moved. The casino was filled with all the latest slots.
I managed to find all the new games I was looking for, but I am happy that they continue to keep a mix of old and new machines. The recent addition of the gorgeous crystal chandeliers all through the casino give it a brighter, more elegant look.
The renovated pool area is fantastic and the Plaza now has one of the nicest downtown pools. I am partial to the heated pool and hot tub. Those things are invaluable to those of us with joint issues.
Pool information found here.
Pool information found here.
The Plaza is constantly planning events and activities to draw in the crowds. I had a blast attending their Aloha Slot Tournament and Luau Beach Party last year; dinner, drinks, entertainment, and fireworks all on the gorgeous pool deck. What is not to love?
If you enjoy bingo, the Plaza is the place to be. They have a 280-seat newly renovated Bingo room that hosts six daily Bingo sessions. Complimentary beverages and doughnuts too!
A new show is opening at the Plaza in July. It is called A Mob Story and is described as " a musical tale of how the Mob made Vegas." Information can be found HERE.
Sometimes it is hard for casino patrons to know what they are entitled to in the way of comps. There are many of us who are shy about talking to hosts and who would prefer the ability to check things out online. I encourage you to give them a call; it really isn’t that intimidating an experience.
I cannot emphasize enough, do NOT judge the Plaza by people’s comments from the past. It has changed radically and continues to improve all the time.
Visit, stay and judge for yourself.
Visit, stay and judge for yourself.
[Photos: Blonde4ever, Vital Vegas]
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