First-Timer’s Guide to Downtown Las Vegas: What to Expect & Must-Do Experiences
Las Vegas is famous for its iconic Strip, which is filled with mega-resorts and world-class entertainment, but what about Downtown Las Vegas? We decided to switch things up and spend our first stay in Fremont Street at the Plaza Hotel & Casino to see if Downtown could compete with the Strip. From the unique Fremont Street atmosphere to dining, gambling, and even a rooftop pickleball court, here’s what we discovered during our stay! Our full vlog is below, but keep reading for more details and on our experience.
Full review of Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and our First Time staying in Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street.
Checking in at the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Located at the western end of Fremont Street, The Plaza Hotel & Casino has been a staple in Downtown Vegas since 1971. It offers:
A prime location right at the entrance to the Fremont Street Experience.
Recently renovated rooms, including the Lux rooms, provide a more modern and comfortable stay.
A smoke-free casino section featuring Brian Christopher Slots.
Checking in was quick and efficient—no-nonsense, straightforward, and painless. This doesn’t mean you are not getting good service, but the service at the front desk is intended to get you checked in without wasting too much time trying to upsell you to a different room or suite as they do on the Vegas Strip. This will be a welcome change if you’re used to the Strip’s elaborate check-in processes!
The Room Experience
We stayed in a Lux Room in the North Tower, and our first impressions were:
Clean, spacious, and minimalistic.
Comfortable beds and a refreshing departure from the older designs of some Downtown hotels.
The evening lighting could be dim, but the overall aesthetic was modern and stylish.
The Plaza's rooms will suit your needs if you value a no-frills, clean, and functional hotel room over ultra-luxury. The hotel is an older property, so temper your expectations before you arrive. When planning your stay in Las Vegas, it's essential to consider how hotel rates vary between Downtown's Fremont Street area and the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The Plaza Hotel & Casino, located at the western end of Fremont Street, offers rooms at around $41 per night, though prices can fluctuate based on demand and season.
In comparison, other hotels near the Fremont Street Experience have rooms available for approximately $33 per night, with an average price of $9, though these rates vary. On the Las Vegas Strip, the average nightly rate for a 3-star hotel is about $157, while 4-star accommodations average around $196 per night. It's also important to note that many hotels, including the Plaza, charge a daily resort fee. At the Plaza Hotel & Casino, this fee is $35 per room per day, plus tax, covering amenities like covered parking, fitness center access, and bottled water.
Overall, staying in Downtown Las Vegas, mainly at establishments like the Plaza Hotel, can offer a more budget-friendly experience than the Strip without compromising on the vibrant atmosphere and entertainment options the city is known for. The location is also at the end of Fremont Street, which offers access to the fun but far enough away that noise won’t be a significant factor. Notice we said a major factor. The noise of Fremont Street is a factor to consider when staying Downtown because, on the weekends, it can get deafening,g and if you’re a light sleeper, we would probably recommend you re-think staying in the middle of Fremont Street.
Dining at The Plaza
One of the biggest surprises of our stay? The value and quality of food available at the Plaza and nearby spots on Fremont Street! The popular trend in Las Vegas is the Food Hall or Food Court. They are slowly taking over several hotels on The Strip and replacing the once king of Vegas, the Buffet! We love options that won’t break the bank and offer quick eats.
Here’s what we tried:
Pop-Up Pizza 🍕
Downtown Las Vegas has diverse pizza spots catering to all cravings. Pizza Rock is a popular choice, known for its gourmet creations and energetic vibe, while Brooklyn’s Best Pizza & Pasta serves up classic New York-style pies with authentic flavors. Pop-Up Pizza at the Plaza Hotel & Casino stands out as a solid option on Fremont Street. This hidden gem has earned high praise for its fresh ingredients, flavorful sauces, and perfectly baked crust. With a cozy atmosphere and a reputation for serving some of the best pizza downtown, it's a go-to spot for a quick slice or a full meal in the heart of the action.
It's super affordable compared to Strip Pizza Spots.
Hearty, filling slices with solid flavors.
Favorite: Mike’s Hot Pepperoni with jalapeños and hot honey 🔥
Hash House A Go Go 🍳
Located inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino, Hash House A Go Go is famous for its "twisted farm food"—a creative spin on classic comfort dishes served in huge portions. The generous servings make it a great spot for sharing, offering excellent value without sacrificing flavor. Favorites like the Sage Fried Chicken & Waffles showcase their unique take on farmhouse-inspired cuisine. Whether starting your day with a hearty breakfast or refueling after exploring downtown, this spot guarantees a satisfying meal as filling as it is delicious.
A Las Vegas staple known for massive portions and over-the-top dishes.
We tried Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken Benedict and the Chilaquiles—both five-star meals.
Don’t miss the famous Flapjack, a pancake more significant than your head!
Oscar’s Steakhouse 🥩
Oscar’s Steakhouse, located inside the iconic Plaza Hotel & Casino, offers a classic Vegas dining experience with a rich history. Named after former Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman, this upscale steakhouse sits inside the hotel’s glass dome, once home to the legendary Center Stage Restaurant. Known for its prime steaks, handcrafted cocktails, and old-school Vegas charm, Oscar’s pays homage to the city’s mob-era past while delivering a top-tier dining experience in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. We dined at Oscar’s and did a full review. Check it out here.
Carousel Bar 🍸
The Carousel Bar at the Plaza Hotel & Casino is a vibrant open-air bar that brings a fresh twist to downtown Vegas nightlife. This stylish spot on Main Street features a carousel-inspired design, colorful lights, and a lively atmosphere. With expertly crafted cocktails and a prime view of Fremont Street, it’s the perfect place to sip a drink and soak in the energy of Downtown Las Vegas. Whether starting your night or looking for a late-night spot, Carousel Bar offers a unique, must-visit experience.
Located outside the Plaza, it is perfect for people-watching on Fremont Street.
A fun cocktail menu with hot drinks is available in the winter months.
A must-stop if you’re staying at or near the Plaza!
Exploring Fremont Street
One of the best parts of staying in Downtown Las Vegas is having the Fremont Street Experience at your doorstep. If you're looking for an energetic, high-energy atmosphere, Fremont Street delivers with live music, street performers, and a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the scene. It’s often compared to Bourbon Street in New Orleans—a fitting comparison, though opinions vary. We love Bourbon Street for its culture, energy, and lively atmosphere, and Fremont has a similar appeal.
While Fremont Street is packed with fun and excitement, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings—just as you would anywhere you travel. It’s no more dangerous than the Strip, but it's wise to remain mindful like any busy, tourist-heavy area. Keep an open mind, embrace the unique vibe, and you’ll have an unforgettable time in the heart of Downtown Vegas.
The world’s largest LED screen is overhead, creating an immersive digital light show.
Live music, street performers, and a lively party atmosphere.
Easy access to multiple casinos, making for a convenient and fun gaming experience.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a less rowdy experience, visiting during the daytime is a good alternative.
Gaming at The Plaza
Here’s where Fremont and, specifically, Plaza differ from The Strip. As more and more casinos change the rules to your favorite games, from blackjack to roulette, these changes are becoming less and less friendly to the player. The House always wins and has the advantage, even before triple zero roulette reared its ugly head. But, Plaza is still offering more player-friendly rules, even though the rules still favor the House; the edge is not as big as on The Strip. For those who love table games and slots, the Plaza has some impressive offerings:
3:2 Blackjack with low minimums (rare for Vegas!).
Downtown’s only single-zero roulette table offers better odds than typical double-zero wheels.
The Brian Christopher Slots Room is for those who love slot machines and a smoke-free environment.
Unique Amenities: Pool & Pickleball
Pool Complex 🏊
It is not the largest or most glamorous pool complex in Vegas, but Plaza offers something rather unique. If a big Vegas pool experience is what you seek, then you may not find what you are looking for at Plaza, but we will say the boutique feel of the Plaza pool, along with the great service they offer, makes it a good contender for those looking for a more relaxed and chill Vibe.
Heated pool (though in winter, it still feels cold!).
A hot tub, which was a lifesaver in the chilly January weather.
A poolside bar and food truck are available during peak seasons.
Pickleball Courts 🏓
We’ve never seen an amenity like Pickleball offered in Vegas. We haven’t looked, so perhaps it does exist, but this was our first time playing the game, and the Plaza took great care of us. Not only was the employee assisting us friendly and helpful. They helped us by giving us a quick crash course on the game. We are now Pickleball boys and love the game. We pre-judged the game for how quickly it rose to popularity, but we regret that because it is a lot of fun.
Located on the 5th-floor rooftop.
Available for hotel guests and locals ($20 for locals, $30 for non-hotel guests).
It is fun to exercise in Vegas without losing money at the casino!
Final Thoughts: Would We Stay Downtown Again?
After spending time at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, we discovered Downtown Las Vegas could be more relaxing and welcoming than The Strip. We felt like locals, and the energy of Downtown was more communal and less pretentious than that of The Strip. People were friendly, chatting with us as we walked along Fremont Street. We found the atmosphere enjoyable, free from any air of pretension.
While we appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy a bit of luxury, we also love being around people who want to have a great time. That’s why we are such big fans of Carnival Cruise Line. Passengers on Carnival are there to have fun and tend to be far less judgmental than those on other cruise lines we’ve experienced.
We would compare Fremont Street to a Carnival cruise and, to some extent, most of The Strip (though not all) to Royal Caribbean Cruises. This analogy isn’t a perfect one, and it certainly doesn't cover every aspect, but it serves as a helpful comparison between the two experiences. If you are curious about the Royal Caribbean Versus Carnival Cruise, we did a full review; click here to watch.
Pros of Staying at The Plaza ✅
Affordable food & drinks compared to the Strip.
Great gaming options with better odds.
Unique amenities like pickleball and a smoke-free casino.
Prime location for exploring Fremont Street.
Cons of Staying at The Plaza ❌
Rooms, while clean and modern, could use a bit more personality.
The casino lacks ambiance compared to newer Strip properties.
The pool is essential, so pool lovers may want to look elsewhere.
That said, for the value, location, and entertainment, staying at The Plaza was a fantastic experience. Downtown Las Vegas is worth it if you’re considering a more budget-friendly, fun, and lively alternative to the Strip. Would we stay here again? Absolutely!
Note: The Plaza Hotel and Casino hosted Random Recess, but the experiences and opinions in this blog post and YouTube vlog are our own.