Why I Choose the Plaza Hotel and Casino

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.

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.

[Photos: Blonde4ever, Vital Vegas]

This article appeared in another publication

Eight Remedies for Missing Las Vegas

I have discovered various and assorted ways of easing the yearning I feel to be in my favorite city.

Here are some of the things I do. If you have a similar affliction maybe some of these suggestions will help you too.

1. I plan trips that aren’t happening. The fact that I have neither the time nor the money to go on a Vegas trip has never stopped me from planning one. I spend hours scouting for the best prices on my nonexistent airfare. I book imaginary rooms and shows. I plan fictitious activities. I map out a daily itinerary of things that aren’t happening. I browse the menus of assorted restaurants to see where I might want to eat. It is quite pathetic actually.

2. I read about Vegas. I have a huge collection of Vegas books; tour books, guide books, magazines and stupid romance novels that just happen to be set in Vegas. I dig them out and read them again.

3. I visit one of the millions of Vegas forums and websites. Obviously, since I run a Vegas forum I am online daily discussing Vegasy things, but I also go to many other Vegas sites to see what they are chatting about. I read a lot of trip reports. Reading other people’s Vegas trip reports will either let you experience their trip vicariously and make you feel better, or make you miss Vegas so much you want to cry. One or the other.

4. I read Vegas newspapers. I read Vegas newspapers more than the ones from my hometown oddly enough. I don’t want to miss a bit of Vegas news!

5. I look at Vegas photos and videos; mine, my friends, random strangers. I never tire of Vegas pictures. I also watch You Tube bonus rounds of my favorite slots and pretend they are mine!

6. I take an imaginary walk down a Vegas street with Google Earth. For instance, I will stop in front of Paris, look around a while then fly down the street to Caesars and look around there for a bit etc. I sometimes wonder if I am the only nutjob doing this.

7. I visit the webcams set up around town such as the one on Fremont Street and the one at the Vegas sign.

8. I read my old trip reports. I have been going to Vegas twice a year for many years so I have accumulated quite a few reports. Rereading them brings back a lot of great memories and makes me feel like I am there.

If I do all this and don’t feel any better, then I just break down and book a trip.

It is the ultimate and best solution!

[Images: Milton, Michael M., Google Street View]

Forgetting your TITO or Tales of Extreme Stupidity

One of the things I love about casinos is the atmosphere of controlled chaos; the flashing lights, the ringing machines, the throngs of people. That beautiful frenzy that distracts you from real life and all your troubles. But it also distracts you from things you should be paying attention to; like your purse, the money in your machine, and your chips. Add in alcohol and this will result in an amazing lack of attention paid to important things, like your TITO. (Ticket In, Ticket Out for those who don't know)

I will share with you a cautionary tale in the hopes that you are never quite as stupid as I was. A few years ago, and I was playing in the Paris casino. I was on a dollar Blazing Seven machine, and I was hot, not physically but luck wise. You know that fabulous feeling when everything you touch turns to gold? Well, that was me that night. One of my personality quirks is that I drink more when I am winning. Some people may drink more when they are losing to drown their sorrows, but I am just the opposite. When I am hitting I will have many celebratory “Whoo Hoo I am winning!!!” drinks and this was one of those nights.

I had $500 in the machine, and I was certain there were more jackpots in my future. Due to my reluctance to leave my “lucky” machine I had been steadfastly ignoring the call of nature. Finally, it became clear that I either had to visit the washrooms or become one of those stories people are always telling about wet chairs in the casino. I grabbed my purse and scampered over to those charming Paris washrooms. As I sat there listening to the French announcements they used to play, it occurred to me that I had no memory of having cashed out my TITO.

I frantically checked my purse, no TITO. My stomach suddenly felt queasy. I had no memory of cashing out because my $500 was still in that machine. I tore back to my machine, the money was gone. Of course.

What an awful feeling. There were people on either side of my machine, and I asked them if anyone had sat there after me. One of them said…”Yes, it was the strangest thing, a fellow sat down, spun once and cashed out and walked away.”

I felt like the dumbest person in the history of the universe at that point. I stood there dejected. Was there any point in asking the slot attendants for help? Do I dare admit my colossal stupidity to others? As much as I hated to do that, I figured it was worth a try. I told a slot attendant my sad tale of woe, and they called security. The slot attendants, a man in a suit and a fellow in uniform, clustered around me. Some people came over to congratulate me because they thought I had won the big jackpot. Hardly.

 Mr. Suit said something about looking at the “tapes” and for me to sit tight. I sat and discussed my idiocy with the kindly security guard.

After around half an hour Mr. Suit returned and said, “It is your lucky day Miss. Because you told us immediately, we were able to cancel that TITO before it was cashed. We looked at the tapes and saw that things happened exactly as you said. If the man had cashed the TITO, you would have been out of luck. But as it stands he is the one who is out of luck, because he put his player's card in the machine and we know who he is.” He indicated that the thief would be in trouble if he went to cash that TITO at this point. And then he counted five crisp hundred-dollar bills into my hand. I seriously wanted to kiss him but settled for thanking him profusely.

The nice uniformed fellow walked me to a cab. I didn’t indicate that I wanted to go home, but I think they thought I had had enough excitement for one night.

I know I am not the first person to do something this stupid nor will I be the last, but hopefully you will keep this story in mind when you go to order another celebratory cocktail. Don’t forget your TITO!!!

[Images: Michael M, fanart.com,CasinoJapan]

This article appeared in another publication.

Thoughts on Traveling Solo

I was asked recently why I had never done an article about traveling solo. It seems like a glaring oversight considering that on many of my trips I am doing just that. I decided I needed to rectify this omission so here are my ruminations about the art of traveling by yourself.

I was born and raised in Montreal at a time when there was a lot of hostility shown towards English people. I had no friends and the neighbor kids would dump a pail of sand on my head as soon as look at me. (True story)  I learned quickly that keeping to myself was the safest thing to do.

My two favorite places to play were the train tracks and a deserted factory. Can you tell it was the 60s and my mom really didn’t know where I was when I went “out to play”?

I used to call the train tracks the “trail tracks”, I am not sure why nor do I know why I was so obsessed with them. I guess because I was sure they led to somewhere more exciting than where I was right then. 

The factory was an abandoned screw factory. I dubbed it the Screwball factory.  It was a deliciously terrifying place to wander about. I convinced myself it was haunted and used to go commune with the ghosts. I was very sad when they tore down the Screwball Factory but I discovered that the ruins gave me a whole different landscape to play in.  In the center of the property there was a large hole that used to collect water. I called this my “Lake of Shining Waters” a la Lucy Maud Montgomery.  I would sit amid the broken concrete and shattered glass and gaze at my “lake” and imagine all sorts of things.  Looking back I realize how crazy and dangerous this all sounds but this was a different time and children were often left to their own devices.

Being alone was something I had no choice but to get used to and I am now comfortable with.  I don’t waste time wondering why I am alone, I just use those precious moments to explore the inside of my own head.  If you are content with your own company in your day to day life then traveling alone is something you will enjoy.

One of the best things about traveling alone is the FREEDOM. You don’t realize how important freedom is until you don’t have it. Don’t get me wrong, I love my home and my family, but every minute I am there “something” is expected of me;  cooking, cleaning, laundry, finding “things” for people because they can never seem to find anything for themselves; there is always something.  But the minute I step on that plane to Vegas I am FREE. You don’t know what to eat for dinner? Not my problem. Can’t find your black shirt? I guess you will just have to wear something else.  It is such a blessed relief to realize that for an entire week the only person I have to make happy is myself.

Of course, there are lots of benefits to traveling with a friend too; you have someone to chat with over dinner. You have someone to exchange medical information with in case one of you get hit by a bus. You can use all of those great “two for one” coupons that are useless to singles. But it is also wonderful to wake when you want to, shower when you feel like it, eat whenever and whatever you choose, go to bed at 3 am if you are on a hot streak and not have to worry about inconveniencing anyone else.

I follow a general rule of thumb when I travel alone;  I don’t do anything in Vegas that I wouldn’t do at home such as wandering unfamiliar areas alone at night or going places with total strangers. You must trust your instincts. If something feels “hinky”, get out.

If perchance you do get to feeling lonely, you have to take action. Don’t sit there with your phone in front of your face; make eye contact with people and smile!  The best advice I can give about making friends is to take part in something you are passionate about. Chances are you will run into someone who shares those interests and before you know it you will be engaged in a conversation with them.  Vegas seems to be a particularly wonderful place for making new friends. I have been slurped up into all manner of strange conversations just by smiling at people.

I am heading out soon on yet another “Solo Vegas Vacation”  with no feelings of trepidation, only excited anticipation.

Photos by Blonde4ever, and Medium.com

This article appeared in another publication.

New Reasons to Love the Plaza Hotel and Casino

Anyone who has been listening to me in recent years knows that I have a long standing love affair with the Plaza Hotel and Casino. I have been staying there regularly for years and every visit I find new things to love. Here is a list of the NEW exciting things that are happening at the Plaza.

1. The fabulous new carpet. Could there be a more Vegasy floor covering on the planet? It is like all the fun of Las Vegas Nevada exploded all over the Plaza casino floor. This work of art was designed by Sarit Werner.

2. The Plaza will have a brand new gym, Real Results, opening May 1st.  I am not likely to be working out on my holidays (or ever for that matter) but I see that they also feature massages and I would definitely be down for those!

Link Below.

Real Results Gym

3. The fantastic pool deck is entering into its third season and it looks like it will be another great one. Whether I am just sipping Margaritas in the hot tub or partaking in one of the many parties they host on the beautiful pool deck, this is always one of my favorite places to be at the Plaza.  This is the perfect place to enjoy a beverage and the glorious Vegas weather.

Link Below.

The Plaza Pool

4. Room renovations are coming! One hundred and fifty rooms are about to be updated soon.

5. A little bird told me that the Plaza will soon be featuring a new show!  "“A Mob Story” will entertain audiences with an original production that tells the “tale of how the Mob made Las Vegas, and how Vegas took down the Mob.” Tickets are on sale now for the limited engagement show featuring stunning 180-degree visual effects and world class choreography set to today’s popular music, influenced by wiseguys, gangsters, and mistresses to the mob." I adore the classic Vegas showroom at the Plaza and I am happy to hear something new is on the way.

Tickets start at $59.99 for general admission and can be purchased here.

A Mob Story Tickets

6. The Plaza has a different function every weekend it seems; music jamborees, sporting event parties, holidays parties etc. There is always something new and exciting going on. This was my son and I at the Luau Beach Party last Memorial Day Weekend. (They are holding that again this year!)

7. BINGO!  Looking for the only bingo room in Downtown Las Vegas?  It is at the Plaza!  They even give Bingo lessons if you have never played before. The Plaza bingo room has had recent renovations and continues to draw crowds.  Come and see what is new.

Link Below.

The Plaza Bingo

8. Fireworks are one of my most favorite things on earth and the Plaza frequently features them. Every holiday is an excuse to set off fireworks!

Video by Vital Vegas

Of course this list just adds to all the other features of the hotel that I already adore; the huge rooms, the wide selection of restaurants (including the new Manchu Wok), the amazing selection of slots.

Here are my older articles in which you can find out more about the Plaza.

10 Reasons Why I Love The Plaza

Why I Choose the Plaza Hotel and Casino

The Plaza continues to evolve and improve and will always be my Las Vegas home away from home!