Plaza is where I find myself spending a significant amount of time, as it has become my go-to destination for gaming. Amongst the array of choices available, I am particularly drawn to the vintage coin-operated video poker machines that evoke a sense of nostalgia within me. Additionally, Plaza offers the enticing option of indulging in some rounds of the highly rewarding Bonus Poker Deluxe, a game that never fails to captivate my attention and excitement.
June 12 and 13 were the dates my wife and I chose to indulge in a delightful summer staycation, utilizing all of the Plaza comps we had carefully saved up throughout the year.
This marks the third consecutive year we have been granted a cabana suite, each offering distinct arrangements in every single one of the three accommodations.
My friends and I were pleasantly surprised when we were assigned room 553 for our stay this year. Tucked away at the end of the hallway, it offered a sense of privacy and tranquility. What truly made this room stand out was its expansive patio, which was double the size of the other rooms'. From there, we could take in the breathtaking view of Main Street below, with its bustling energy and vibrant atmosphere. The sheer size of the patio sparked an idea in our minds - it would be absolutely perfect for hosting a private pool party. As luck would have it, we hadn't invited any additional guests to join us, but that didn't dampen our spirits. Instead, we reveled in the luxury of having extra space to ourselves, particularly when the sun shifted its position throughout the day.
I've been in many rooms at Plaza, and this one is just like the others, but with a few improvements. It's got a spacious seating area with two comfy chairs, a mini-fridge, a safe, and a large king bed. The bathroom is quite nice too, with a roomy vanity and a shower without a door.
During our visit, the pool hours were from 9 am to 8 pm. Guests staying in the luxurious cabana suites have the advantage of accessing the pool deck directly from their private patios. What's interesting is that there is a magnetic lock installed on the door leading to the pool deck, ensuring that access is restricted when the pool is closed. If you're staying in one of these exclusive suites, you can conveniently use your keycard to enter your room directly from the deck.
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Plaza Pool Visits
During our visit to the pool, my wife and I made it a point to go not once, but twice. On both occasions, we indulged in the delightful and refreshing frozen pina coladas that were on offer. What made these icy concoctions even more appealing was the fact that the frozen component was completely alcohol-free, allowing guests the freedom to select their preferred liquor to add to the mix. My wife, always one for a bit of a kick, opted for the fiery Fireball, while I decided to stick with the classic and reliable Malibu Rum.
I must admit, the price tag on these beverages may seem a bit high at $20 apiece. However, allow me to shed some light on what makes them worth every penny. Each drink generously includes four shots of top-quality liquor, providing a truly indulgent experience. Now, here's an insider tip: if you opt for the larger size, you'll need to purchase an $8 Plaza souvenir cup separately. This additional cost is not included in the $20 drink charge. However, here's where it gets interesting. If you decide to keep the Plaza souvenir cup and bring it along for future visits, you'll actually end up saving that $8. So, in essence, investing in one of these fabulous beverages not only treats your taste buds but also offers the opportunity for long-term savings.
The family pool was an oasis of relaxation, filled with laughter and splashing. I observed children of various ages, all well-behaved and enjoying their time in the water. Although some might find their presence bothersome, it didn't bother us at all. After all, we have our own kids, and occasionally tossing a stray beach ball back to its rightful owner was a small price to pay for the joy it brought them.
Oscar’s
On Tuesday night, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at Oscar's, courtesy of a comp. As usual, I opted for the bone-in filet, a dish that never fails to impress me when it's on the menu. Meanwhile, my wife went for the small filet. There's just something about the bone-in option that infuses it with an incredible flavor, making the slight upgrade entirely worthwhile. To kick off our meal, we indulged in Oscar's famous crab cakes, a beloved appetizer of ours that never disappoints. True to form, they were absolutely superb. Surprisingly, we decided to forgo any alcoholic beverages or desserts on this particular occasion.
Playing at Plaza
My spouse and I decided to head over to the sportsbook bar for a round of video poker. Back in the day, I would always recommend playing at the Omaha bar instead. However, the folks at Plaza had recently made some improvements by upgrading the pay tables in the sportsbook to be on par with the ones in Omaha.
I've got some insider knowledge on the most fantastic game you can find on these machines—it's called 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe. Trust me, you won't want to miss it! Now, there are a few other games that are definitely worth your time as well. Take, for example, 9/6 Jacks or Better, 8/5 Bonus Poker, and 9/7/5 Double Bonus. These games are a real thrill to play! And here's the best part: if you're aiming for top-notch returns, most of the games at the bar offer a minimum of 99% when you play with five coins and employ flawless strategy. It's a win-win situation, my friend!
As always, I found myself on the losing end while my better half emerged victorious, a scenario that never fails to repeat itself whenever we engage in any form of gambling within a casino setting. While my wife opted for the classic game of Jacks or Better, I decided to try my luck with Bonus Poker Deluxe, naively hoping to strike gold with a winning hand of four of a kind, only to be let down by the merciless absence of such a rarity.
We embarked on a journey towards Fremont Street, armed with our libations. Determined to relish every drop, we found solace on a nearby bench, basking in the atmosphere, before venturing across the bustling Main Street. However, fate intervened, and our transient pause transformed into an extended sojourn. Time flew by as we sat there, engrossed in each other's company. Perhaps by societal standards, we may be deemed an old married couple, but our hearts were filled with sheer joy and delight throughout the evening.
During our time there, my wife and I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the inner workings of Fremont Street Experience, as well as Plaza. Engaging in conversations about casino operations, we delved into the intricacies of the business. Additionally, we gladly embraced the role of photographers, capturing memorable moments for groups of enthusiastic tourists visiting the area.
Golden Knights Celebration
Luckily, we hit the jackpot and secured a downtown stay right in the heart of the Golden Knights celebration. Following a delightful afternoon basking in the sun by the pool and trying our luck at Joker Poker, we eagerly made our way to the bustling stage near The D. Positioned approximately 25 rows behind a sea of enthusiastic fans, we found ourselves on the Four Queens side, eagerly awaiting the spectacle that awaited us. As we glanced to our right, the captivating view unfolded before our eyes, capturing the essence of the buzzing atmosphere.
Being immersed in the vibrant atmosphere was an enjoyable experience, as it mainly attracted those from the area rather than accidental visitors.
The event was marred by a common annoyance that arose from the presence of parents who decided to bring strollers amidst the bustling crowds. This ill-conceived decision led to a plethora of avoidable complications. Frankly, I am at a loss as to how any responsible parent could deem such a notion as a wise one. As a result, a considerable number of them had to prematurely depart from the event, burdened by the incessant cries of their little ones, before it had even concluded.
Andiamo Steakhouse
I had an evening to remember when my partner and I secured reservations at The D's renowned Andiamo Steakhouse for 8:30pm. As we approached the restaurant, we couldn't help but notice the bustling activity outside. A sizable crowd had gathered, and security personnel were diligently managing the entrance. Curiosity piqued, we eagerly awaited our turn to be seated, unaware of the exciting surprise that awaited us. It was only upon settling into our cozy two-top in the dining room that the reason behind the commotion became clear. The Vegas Golden Knights players, accompanied by their esteemed guests, were enjoying a private dining experience in the adjacent room. Our luck seemed to be in full force as we found ourselves seated right next to their grand table, allowing us to revel in the electric atmosphere and perhaps catch a glimpse of these celebrated athletes.
Our dining experience at Andiamo was absolutely fantastic. As my spouse and I sat down, we eagerly ordered the bone-in ribeye for two, cooked to a delightful medium-rare perfection. The attentive waiter even inquired about our preferred cutting style, and we requested thin slices. Without disappointment, the steak arrived impeccably cooked. To complement our main course, we chose a delectable combination of creamy mashed potatoes and sumptuous lobster pasta. Although traditionally steak and pasta may not be an ideal pairing, I cannot help but highly recommend this particular side dish. In fact, I dare say it was one of the most outstanding sides I've ever had the pleasure of savoring.
We refrained from placing an order for appetizers, nevertheless, the dining experience includes a serving of pasta for our esteemed patrons prior to their main course.
We had never been to Andiamo Steakhouse before, but now it's definitely a must-visit for us.
We were completely satisfied with our meal. Afterwards, we returned to our room and decided to call it a night. The following morning, we proceeded with the check-out process.
Our recent stay in downtown was an exceptional staycation, one that will be remembered for a long time. I would like to extend my gratitude to Nicole, our wonderful host, and the incredible team at Plaza for making this experience possible.
