JACKIE GAUGHAN'S PLAZA

 

If you watch enough MTV, you might recognize the exterior of the Plaza. It's circular driveway and canopy of hundreds of light bulbs has been in every other rap video. The irony is that while the videos use this frontage to convey a sense of extravagance and "gettin paid", the Plaza is actually somewhat of a low-rollers' casino (not that there's anything wrong with that). The Plaza's low table limits like dollar Blackjack and penny slot-machines attract an eclectic crowd. Many stop in on the Plaza between seeing the Freemont Street Experience (see attractions), and  Main Street Station. If you get there early enough, The Center Stage Restaurant in the Plaza is a good place to view the "Experience".

Built in 1971 on the site of the old Union Pacific Railroad Depot, the Plaza has an unused Amtrak station right in the hotel and the Las Vegas Greyhound terminal in the back. The decor probably hasn't changed much from when it was originally constructed, but that grants it that indescribable Vegas feel. Our editors won some money here, so it couldn't be so bad.

    Staying at the Plaza is not a bad option if you're in town for a couple of days. Moderately priced, the rooms are bigger than most in the downtown area and are nicely decorated.