You’re walking down the Las Vegas Strip, surrounded by billion-dollar glass towers and fountains that dance to Frank Sinatra. It’s loud. It’s expensive. You just paid $22 for a mediocre cocktail in a plastic cup. Suddenly, tucked between the massive Harrah’s and the ultra-sleek Venetian, you see a neon sign that looks like it hasn't changed since the 1990s. That’s the Best Western Plus Casino Royale, and honestly, it shouldn't exist in 2026.
It’s a total anomaly.
In a city where "resort fees" have climbed to $50 a night and parking costs more than a steak dinner, this place is a holdout. It’s the kind of spot where you can still find a deal without feeling like you’re staying in a haunted basement. People often overlook it because it doesn’t have a celebrity chef or a resident Cirque du Soleil show, but for a certain type of traveler, it’s the holy grail of the Strip.
The Best Western Plus Casino Royale Experience: No Frills, Just Location
Location is everything. If you stay at the back of some mega-resort, it takes twenty minutes just to walk from your bed to the sidewalk. At the Best Western Plus Casino Royale, you step out the front door and you’re basically standing on the sidewalk of Las Vegas Boulevard. You’re across the street from the Mirage (or what’s becoming the Hard Rock) and a five-minute stumble from the Forum Shops.
The rooms? They’re surprisingly solid. Don't expect gold-plated faucets or floor-to-ceiling marble. Think clean, modern, and functional. They went through a significant renovation a few years back, so the bedding is comfortable and the bathrooms don’t feel like a time capsule.
But here’s the kicker: no resort fees.
🔗 Read more: Woman on a Plane: What the Viral Trends and Real Travel Stats Actually Tell Us
Most people don’t realize how rare that is. In Vegas, "The No Resort Fee Club" is a very small, exclusive group. When you book a room here, the price you see is actually the price you pay. It sounds crazy that this is a "feature," but in the current hospitality climate, it’s a massive win for your wallet.
Why the Casino Floor Feels Different
Walking into the casino here is like stepping into a different era of gambling. It’s tight. It’s noisy. It smells a little bit like nostalgia and floor wax. But it’s one of the few places left where the "low rollers" are treated like kings. While the big corporate houses have moved toward $25 minimums for blackjack, you can often still find more approachable limits here.
They are famous for their promotions. For years, they’ve run a "First $20 is on us" slot play offer for new club members. Is it going to make you a millionaire? No. Is it fun to play with the house’s money for twenty minutes? Absolutely.
The gaming floor isn’t huge. You won't get lost in a sea of identical machines. It feels more like a neighborhood pub that happens to have a few hundred slots and some table games. It’s unpretentious. Nobody cares if you’re wearing a tuxedo or a t-shirt you bought at a Walgreens three blocks away.
Eating Cheaply in the Heart of Luxury
If you’re looking for a Michelin star, keep walking. But if you want a $3 beer or a hot dog that doesn't cost as much as a car tire, this is your home base. The food court at the Best Western Plus Casino Royale is legendary among budget travelers.
💡 You might also like: Where to Actually See a Space Shuttle: Your Air and Space Museum Reality Check
- White Castle: It’s right there. Sometimes, at 3:00 AM, nothing else matters.
- Outback Steakhouse: Located upstairs, providing a predictable, decent meal with a view of the Strip.
- Denny’s: It’s a Denny’s. You know what you’re getting.
- Pizza Hut and Subway: Fast, cheap, and reliable.
There was a time when they were famous for the $1.99 footlong hot dog. Prices have crept up because inflation hits everyone, even the rebels on the Strip, but it remains one of the cheapest places to eat without leaving the main drag. You’ll see people in expensive suits standing in line next to backpackers, all united by the desire for a cheap snack.
The Mystery of the Parking Garage
Parking in Vegas has become a nightmare. Most resorts charge a tiered fee based on how long you stay. At the Best Western Plus Casino Royale, they offer free parking to hotel guests. This is a huge deal. If you’re driving in from California or Arizona, you’re saving $30 to $40 a day just by having a place to put your car.
The garage itself is a bit of a maze. It’s tight. If you’re driving a massive dually truck, you might have some nervous moments navigating the turns. But it’s tucked away behind the building, providing a level of convenience that you just don't get at the larger properties where the "self-parking" garage is a mile-long hike from the lobby.
The Reality Check: What to Expect
Let’s be real for a second. This isn’t the Wynn. If you want a spa with eucalyptus-scented air and a poolside cabana with a personal butler, you’re going to be disappointed. The pool here is small. It’s basically a place to get wet, not a "day club" with a DJ.
The crowd is a mix. You’ll see families, older couples who have been coming here for thirty years, and groups of young people who spent all their money on nightclub bottles and need a cheap place to crash. It’s eclectic. It’s a bit gritty around the edges.
📖 Related: Hotel Gigi San Diego: Why This New Gaslamp Spot Is Actually Different
Service is generally friendly, but it’s efficient rather than "white glove." They’re used to high turnover and people who are there for the location, not the amenities.
Why It Survived the Corporate Takeover
Las Vegas is dominated by two or three giant corporations. They own almost everything. The Best Western Plus Casino Royale has managed to remain an outlier. By staying under the Best Western umbrella, they tap into a global loyalty program while maintaining a "mom and pop" feel that the giant resorts have long since polished away.
It works because it fills a gap. Not everyone wants the "Vegas Experience" to be a high-end, curated luxury event. Some people just want to be in the middle of the action without going bankrupt.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book a room at the Best Western Plus Casino Royale, keep these things in mind to maximize the value:
- Join the Rewards Program: Since it's a Best Western, you can earn or use points. This is a great way to stack value if you’re a frequent traveler.
- Ask for a Strip View: Some rooms look out over the action. It can be a bit noisier, but watching the crowds from your window is part of the fun.
- Use the Walgreens Next Door: There’s a massive Walgreens literally seconds away. Grab your water, snacks, and sunblock there instead of paying hotel gift shop prices.
- Check the Slot Club First: Before you put a single dollar into a machine, go to the player’s club desk. See what the current promotion is. They almost always have a "loss rebate" or a "new member bonus" that gives you a mathematical edge for your first few minutes of play.
- Don't Forget the Coffee: There is a coffee shop on-site, but the in-room coffee is actually decent. It saves you that $9 Starbucks run in the morning.
The Best Western Plus Casino Royale represents the "old" Vegas heart beating inside a "new" Vegas body. It’s practical. It’s slightly tacky. It’s incredibly convenient. In a city that often feels like it's trying to squeeze every last cent out of your pocket, this place feels like it’s actually on your side.
For the traveler who values the experience of the city over the thread count of the sheets, it remains one of the smartest bets on the Strip. Just don't expect a mint on your pillow, and you'll have a great time.