Let's be real for a second: Downtown Las Vegas is a whole different beast compared to the Strip. You aren't going there for the manufactured perfection of the Wynn or the sprawling luxury of Caesars Palace. You're going there for the grit, the neon, and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, you’ve stepped back into a time when Vegas was a little more dangerous and a lot more fun.
But then there’s the Plaza all inclusive situation.
If you search for it, you might get confused. That's because the Plaza Hotel & Casino at the end of Fremont Street doesn't function like a Sandals resort in Jamaica. It's weird. It's unique. Honestly, it’s one of the few places in the city that tries to bridge the gap between "standard hotel stay" and "resort experience" without charging you $25 for a lukewarm burger at every turn.
The Identity Crisis of Downtown Luxury
People forget that the Plaza sits on the site of the old Union Pacific railroad station. It is literally the anchor of Main Street. When Jonathan Jossel took over as CEO, he started pushing for these "inclusive" style packages because he realized people were tired of being nickel-and-dimed.
The Plaza all inclusive concept isn't a permanent, year-round static rate for every guest. Instead, it’s a rotating series of "Core Packages" that they’ve experimented with to see if they can lure people away from the Strip’s convenience.
You’ve probably seen the "All-In" promotions. It usually bundles the room, a food and beverage credit, and sometimes even match-play for the casino. It’s not "all you can eat" in the sense that you can sit in Oscar’s Steakhouse and order ten lobsters. If you try that, security will have a very polite word with you. It’s more of a pre-paid lifestyle.
Oscar’s Steakhouse and the Food Logic
Most inclusive deals are notorious for mediocre buffets. The Plaza flips that. Their cornerstone is Oscar’s, named after former mayor and mob attorney Oscar Goodman.
It’s iconic.
The dining room is a glass dome that looks straight down the Fremont Street Experience. If you’re on an inclusive-style package, you’re usually getting a credit that covers a significant chunk of a meal here. The meatballs are legendary—literally his wife’s recipe. If you don't order them, you're doing it wrong.
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But here is where the nuance comes in.
Unlike a Caribbean resort, the alcohol isn't always "free-flowing" everywhere. If you’re at the Sand Dollar Downtown (their live music venue), you’re paying by the drink unless you’re actively gambling. This is the "Vegas Tax" that surprises people. Even with a Plaza all inclusive vibe, the house always wants you to be playing if you want the "free" perks.
The New Room Situation: Luxury vs. Vintage
You have to be careful which tower you book.
Seriously.
The North Tower has been renovated and feels like a modern boutique hotel. It's clean, the lines are sharp, and it feels like 2026. Then there are the older rooms. They aren't "bad," but they have that... let’s call it "character." If you’re paying for a bundled package, always verify you're in the Luxe or renovated suites.
I’ve seen people complain that their "all-inclusive" experience felt dated, only to realize they picked the cheapest room tier to save $15. Don't do that. You’re in Vegas. Spend the $15.
What Actually Comes in the Bundle?
When the Plaza runs these deals, they usually look like this:
- No resort fee (this is the big one, as those $35-$45 daily fees are a plague).
- A $50 or $100 food and beverage credit per stay.
- Early check-in and late check-out (which is worth its weight in gold if you’ve ever stood in a Vegas lobby at 3:00 PM on a Friday).
- Free parking. (The Strip has almost entirely murdered free parking, but the Plaza still fights the good fight here).
Is it a "true" all-inclusive? No. Is it the closest thing you’ll find in the 89101 zip code? Absolutely.
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The Pickleball Factor
This sounds like a joke. It isn't.
The Plaza has become the de facto capital of Las Vegas pickleball. They have 12 courts on the rooftop. Part of the Plaza all inclusive appeal for a specific demographic—mostly active travelers and West Coast weekenders—is that court time is often baked into these specialized packages.
There’s something surreal about playing a match while looking at the Circa across the street and hearing the faint scream of people on the SlotZilla zipline.
Why People Get It Wrong
The biggest misconception is the "all-you-can-drink" expectation. In Vegas, "all-inclusive" is almost always a marketing term for "bundled credits."
If you go in expecting a wristband that lets you grab beers from any bar, you’re going to be disappointed. The Plaza is a business. They want you in the casino. The credits are the cheese in the mousetrap. But if you were going to spend that money anyway, the package becomes a massive win.
The Noise Problem
We have to talk about it.
Downtown is loud. The Plaza is at the mouth of the Fremont Street Experience. Even with the Plaza all inclusive perks and the fancy steakhouse, you are going to hear the bass from the outdoor stages until 2:00 AM.
Some people love the energy. They want to feel the heartbeat of the city. Others—usually those used to the quiet hallways of the Bellagio—get a rude awakening. If you need silence, ask for a room facing away from the canopy. It won't be silent, but it'll be "Vegas quiet," which is about the level of a vacuum cleaner in the next room.
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How to Actually Book This Right
Don't just go to a third-party travel site and hope for the best. The real Plaza all inclusive style deals are almost exclusively on their "Offers" page on the official website.
They do a "Bingo" package. They do a "Pickleball" package. They do the "Work from Hotel" bundle.
Each one functions as a micro-all-inclusive. If you book through a discount site, you’re just getting a room. You’re missing the credits, the waived fees, and the perks that make the stay actually affordable.
The Final Verdict on Value
If you’re a high roller, this isn't for you. You already get everything comped.
But if you’re the person who hates the "hidden fees" of modern travel, the Plaza’s approach is refreshing. It’s honest. You know what you’re paying upfront. You get your food credits, you get your room, and you get to be in the middle of the most chaotic, vibrant square mile in Nevada.
It’s not luxury in the "white glove and gold leaf" sense. It’s luxury in the "I have everything I need and I didn't get scammed" sense.
Your Next Steps for a Plaza Stay
Before you pull the trigger and book, do these three things:
- Check the Event Calendar: If there’s a major Bingo tournament or Pickleball open, the "inclusive" packages might be blacked out or significantly upcharged.
- Join the Plaza Rewards Club First: Often, the "all-in" rates only appear or get discounted further once you’ve provided an email address to their loyalty program.
- Map Your Meals: If you get a $100 credit, plan to use it at Oscar’s or Pinkbox Doughnuts. Don't let it sit on your account. These credits are "use it or lose it" and don't carry over to your next trip.
Skip the standard room and go for the Luxe. Use the mobile check-in to bypass the line. Most importantly, keep your expectations calibrated: it’s a historic downtown icon, not a secluded island. Enjoy the neon.