1st let me say that I am not really a fan of the downtown hotel/casino scene. I love the clubs on East Fremont and the vibrancy of the downtown area itself but I have found with small exceptions, the hotels leave a lot to be desired. \n\nA recent convention held at the Plaza changed that. \n\nThe downs 1st since there are so few: 1) The bathrooms. they are updated but tiny. If you are more than a size 3, good luck closing the door on the toilet/shower combo. 2) The elevators: please repair them. 3) the casino it self still looks \"tired\" and still smells that stale smell of downtown. 4) hire people who are happy to work not just there to fill space, especially in your front desk & club card area. 5) 15/20/25 per day, depending on who you speak with, for a small fridge in the room. Other hotels charge 15/20/25 for the entire stay. \n\nThe ups: 1)The room renovations are outstanding. The beds are comfortable. The amenities are great and currently NO resort fee but I understand that is changing. 2)The convention area where we spent most of our daylight and midnight hours is clean, spacious and well appointed. 3) the staff: housekeeping, bell, valet, & convention center all were extremely helpful and nice. They should train the front desk staff. 4) the lobby is fabulous. I mean really for meeting people, for casual conversations, for people watching I don't think there is a better place. 5) dining choices. I cannot say enough about this. There was something for everyone's budget. From the Pop-Up Pizza (see another review) to Oscar's Beef Booze & Broads (see another review) it was fantastic. Even though we were 400 in attendance, we never had to wait for a table at either Hash House, Island Grill or Oscars. The 24/7 McDonald's was nice and their overnight staff was very nice considering the drunken group of people who were staying there. \n\nWe were on the 15th floor all the way at the end of the hall (so typical of my hotel Karma) but with an unobstructed view of the strip. \n\nWe had 3 late night pool parties 1am-4am and while the pool might not be the most fabulous in Vegas, it suited our needs. You haven't swum (LOL) until you've swum at the Plaza pool at 2am with all of Fremont stretch out before you with a balmy breeze kissing your skin on a warm Vegas summer night. Perfection. \n\nAs this is a new event in an off season, we are planning on repeating it annually and my hope is we return to the Plaza but even if not, I will still send my clients who want the downtown experience. Good Job on the renovations. \n\nSide note: While the rates are good, parents..do not bring your children to downtown. there is NOTHING for them to do. And leaving them unattended in the lobby is not good parenting.
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