California Hotel and Casino

*Steer Clear if You Want to Win* After the Super Bowl, I decided to try my luck at California Hotel and Casino, hoping to experience the famed “golden arm” at the craps table. Unfortunately, I left with an emptier wallet and a new addition to my personal list of places to avoid. After losing $1,100 on craps, I turned to blackjack with my remaining $500. A single double-deck shoe gave me a modest $55 in winnings—not exactly a jackpot, but still a win. Just as I was about to play another round, two security guards approached and told me my night at the tables was finished. However, I was more than welcome to continue playing the slots. In other words, you’re encouraged to play until you’re down, but winning appears to be frowned upon. Having visited Vegas over ten times, with a Gold status at MGM and a Diamond at Caesar’s, I’ve never been asked to leave a table before. And the irony? Only four people were playing blackjack at the time. It seems this place is more interested in easy targets than genuine gamblers. Save yourself the hassle. If you want to enjoy table games and maybe have a chance to win, consider visiting a different casino.

I recently stopped by the California Casino in downtown Las Vegas for some slot machine fun and left quite impressed. Although I didn't stay at the hotel, I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around the gaming area. It's not located directly on the Fremont Street Experience, but reaching it is just a short, easy walk. The indoor walkway that leads to the Main Street Station casino was incredibly convenient, making it effortless to move between casinos. A standout feature of the California is its two-story layout packed with slot machines—an unusual trait in Vegas that offered a refreshing and exciting gaming atmosphere. The selection of slot machines was diverse, and the overall vibe was vibrant. For anyone seeking a casino with a distinct setup, a prime spot near Fremont Street, and straightforward access to the Main Street Station, the California Hotel and Casino is a must-visit. I'm eager to return for another gaming session!

To the security personnel working at California Hotel and Casino on Thursday night, February 6, 2025, possibly during the overnight shift, this 5-star review is dedicated to you for your attentive and caring actions. Your assistance to a young woman in need was truly commendable. Your intervention that evening was crucial and likely life-saving. She was on a business trip and remembers dining with coworkers, but nothing beyond that. She later tested positive for being drugged. To those in the casino who disregarded her situation, shame on you. It's unimaginable to feel the fear a parent experiences when receiving a distress call from their child in the middle of the night, disoriented and without support, and then losing contact for two agonizing hours. Thank you, Security Guard, for your compassion and humanity in taking a moment to provide her with the help she so desperately needed. We are immensely thankful for your kindness. Edit: It has come to our attention that there were two female security guards involved in assisting her. Thank you both!

The highlight of this hotel is definitely the room, which was clean and quite spacious. However, there's no weather stripping on the windows, which means they let in the cold and noise whether they're open or closed. It seems one of the elevators in the tower has been out of service for months, and another one stopped working during our stay. This left just one elevator operational for most of the visit. The food at the café was decent, considering it's a $20 breakfast in Vegas.

We spent two nights in suite 2304, and it was fantastic! The space was incredibly roomy, and being a corner unit on the top floor, it offered an amazing view of Las Vegas and beautiful sunsets. The only downside was the elevators; the wait time to go down was between 10-20 minutes. With the suite on the 23rd floor, taking the stairs wasn't a viable option.

This was my first time visiting Las Vegas, and I would describe my stay at the California Hotel and Casino as satisfactory. Upon entering, the strong smell of cigarettes is noticeable on the main casino floor almost all the time. However, the hospitality from the staff was impressive, with their consistent politeness leaving a positive impression. The room was comfortable and welcoming. Overall, the hotel was well-maintained and offered good value for the price. The amenities, the bathroom, and the warm reception contributed to a pleasant stay. In terms of location, the hotel is approximately a 10-15 minute drive from the Strip, which is important to remember for those planning to visit. On the bright side, it's only a short walk to the famous Fremont Street, which was an incredible experience. Overall, I had a great experience and would be delighted to return!