Hotel Comparisons
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino vs Plaza Hotel & Casino
Compare Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and Plaza Hotel & Casino side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
A modern, mid-range downtown pick a block north of Fremont — quieter than the core with the largest rooftop pool deck downtown. vs. The anchor at the west end of Fremont Street — a value-tier downtown room with an unusually fun pool deck. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino | Plaza Hotel & Casino | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Location | Downtown | Downtown |
| Rooms | 1,124 | 995 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 1971 |
| Resort Fee | N/A | N/A |
Best For
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- +Travelers who want downtown access without the Fremont Street noise
- +Couples and small groups looking for a calmer downtown base
- +Pool-first trips — the rooftop Citrus Pool deck is unusually large for downtown
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- +Downtown-first trips on a mid-range budget
- +Travelers who want walkable Fremont Street access without paying Golden Nugget rates
- +Pool-first stays (the Plaza pool is a sleeper-good downtown amenity)
- +Steak-and-cocktail nights at Oscar's with an arched-window Fremont view
Not Ideal For
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- -Anyone who wants to walk straight onto the Fremont Street Experience (it's a block away)
- -Travelers chasing Strip-tier dining or nightlife
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- -Anyone wanting a quiet stay — the front door opens onto the Fremont Street zip line
- -Travelers who care about modern room finishes
Top Highlights
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- *Opened November 2013 on the Lady Luck site after a $100M+ renovation
- *Gallery Tower added 495 rooms in 2020 — first new downtown hotel construction in 10+ years
- *Citrus Grand Pool Deck — the largest rooftop pool deck downtown
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- *Opened July 2, 1971 — anchors the west end of the Fremont Street Experience
- *Built on the site of the original Las Vegas Union Pacific train station
- *Oscar's Steakhouse — domed restaurant with a 270° view down Fremont Street
Notable Dining
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- -Freedom Beat
- -Triple George Grill
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- -Oscar's Steakhouse (named for former Mayor Oscar Goodman)
- -Hash House A Go Go
- -Pop Up Pizza
Verdict
Edge: Plaza Hotel & Casino
Plaza Hotel & Casino edges ahead overall thanks to its Downtown location and mid-range positioning. That said, Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino is the better pick if you prioritize travelers who want downtown access without the fremont street noise.
Choose Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino if you want
- +Travelers who want downtown access without the Fremont Street noise
- +Couples and small groups looking for a calmer downtown base
- +Pool-first trips — the rooftop Citrus Pool deck is unusually large for downtown
Choose Plaza Hotel & Casino if you want
- +Downtown-first trips on a mid-range budget
- +Travelers who want walkable Fremont Street access without paying Golden Nugget rates
- +Pool-first stays (the Plaza pool is a sleeper-good downtown amenity)
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Are Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and Plaza Hotel & Casino close to each other?
Yes, both hotels are on the Downtown, so they're within walking distance of each other. The choice comes down to the on-property experience rather than location.
Is Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino or Plaza Hotel & Casino better for a first trip to Vegas?
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino is best for Travelers who want downtown access without the Fremont Street noise and Couples and small groups looking for a calmer downtown base. Plaza Hotel & Casino is best for Downtown-first trips on a mid-range budget and Travelers who want walkable Fremont Street access without paying Golden Nugget rates. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino or Plaza Hotel & Casino?
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino is the larger property with 1,124 rooms, compared to 995 rooms at the other. Larger hotels generally mean more dining and entertainment options but can feel busier and have longer walks to your room.
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