Independent rankings · No paid placements · Video games only, no gambling
California Hotel and Casino at night, Downtown Las Vegas

The hotel behind Plainlabin · Downtown Las Vegas

California Hotel and Casino

A classic Downtown hotel with a long Hawaiian connection, one block from the Fremont Street canopy and a short walk from old-town bars, shows and restaurants.

Check rates on AgodaSee photos
  • 1975open since
  • 1 blockto Fremont Street
  • Rooftopoutdoor pool
  • On-siteparking garage

About the hotel

The California, known locally as "the Cal", opened in 1975 on Ogden Avenue in the oldest part of Las Vegas. It was one of the first hotels of Sam Boyd, whose company became Boyd Gaming, the operator of this website. The red marquee on the corner has looked much the same for decades, as the 1986 photo in the gallery shows.

Early on the hotel began welcoming groups from Hawaii, and it is still a favourite with island visitors. You notice it in the food, the friendly service and the guests who come back every year.

Location

  • One block from the Fremont Street Experience light canopy
  • Pedestrian bridge to Main Street Station next door
  • Walking distance to the Downtown Container Park and the Arts District
  • A short drive or bus ride to the Las Vegas Strip and the airport

Rooms

Rooms are in the hotel tower and are simple and practical: one king or two queen beds, a work desk, a TV and a private bathroom. Higher floors give views over Downtown. It suits travellers who plan to spend their days out exploring rather than in the room.

Facilities

Rooftop pool

An outdoor pool on the roof for a break from the heat. Seasonal hours.

Parking garage

Self-parking on site, handy if you drive in from California or Arizona.

Bars and lounges

Several bars on the main floor, from a quick drink to an evening with friends.

Gift shop

Snacks, travel basics and souvenirs, including treats from Hawaii.

Eating and drinking

Dining runs from casual to sit-down. A long-running café is known for its oxtail soup, a Hawaiian counter serves plate lunches and saimin, the California Noodle House offers Asian noodle and rice dishes, and a classic steakhouse covers slower evenings. Menus and opening hours change, so check them with the hotel before you go.

Things to do nearby

  • Fremont Street Experience: the light-and-music canopy over five blocks
  • The Mob Museum: the history of organised crime and law enforcement in Las Vegas
  • The Neon Museum: restored signs from old Las Vegas, best on an evening tour
  • Downtown Container Park: small shops, food and a playground
  • Arts District: galleries, cafés and a First Friday street event each month

Tips before you book

  • Compare the total price, including any resort fee, not just the nightly rate
  • Ask for a higher floor if you want a better view and less street noise
  • Weekends and big events in town fill up fast, so book early
  • Read the cancellation rules on the booking page before you pay

Booking

Rates and availability are set by the hotel and the booking service. Use the button to compare current prices on Agoda.

Check rates on Agoda

Questions about the hotel

Where exactly is the hotel?

At 12 E Ogden Avenue in Downtown Las Vegas, between Main Street and First Street, one block north of the Fremont Street Experience.

Is it on the Las Vegas Strip?

No. It is Downtown, the older part of the city. The Strip is a short drive or bus ride south.

Is there parking?

Yes, the hotel has its own garage. Parking rules and any fees are set by the hotel, so check them when you book.

Can I walk to Fremont Street?

Yes. The light canopy of the Fremont Street Experience is about a block away, a walk of a few minutes.

Are there resort fees?

Many Las Vegas hotels add a daily fee on top of the room rate. Check the final price and what it includes on the booking page before you confirm.

How old do I need to be?

The casino floor is for guests aged 21 and over. Check-in age rules are set by the hotel and shown in the booking conditions.

The booking link leads to Agoda, a third-party travel site with its own terms. The casino floor is for guests aged 21 and over. Plainlabin itself covers video games only and does not offer or promote gambling.

Photos from Wikimedia Commons: The red California marquee on Ogden Avenue by Shelby L. Bell, CC BY 2.0; Entrance to the California Noodle House by Aleza Freeman, CC BY-SA 2.0; Carved Buddha figure inside the hotel by Missvain (Sarah Stierch), CC BY 4.0; The hotel tower lit up after dark by Lloyd Tudor, CC BY-SA 4.0; The same marquee in 1986 by Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0; The corner of Ogden Avenue and First Street at night by Gribiche, CC BY-SA 2.0. Images resized.