Plaza Hotel Nyc

Updated hotel continues downtown Vegas revival

If you haven't been to downtown Vegas recently, where hotel rooms are cheaper on average than the Strip and tables have lower limits, you'll be surprised. In addition to the Fremont Street Experience, free shows with music and laser lighting on a pedestrian mall, there's a row of new cocktail bars serving hand-crafted concoctions using fresh ingredients that would be at home in trendy neighborhoods in New York and San Francisco. (The Downtown Cocktail Room is just one).

While legendary Binion's, which poker players love, has shut down its hotel section, other lodgings -- including the El Cortez Hotel & Casino -- have been updating rooms. The El Cortez is running a Sunday-Thursday special in which food and free gaming credits cover the cost of a room. Clever incentive to get everyday gamblers in the house.

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Now the Plaza Las Vegas , a casino hotel that dates way back four decades is morphing into a splashy modern venue after a big renovation project. A spokeswoman says furnishings were purchased from the Vegas Fontainebleau hotel, which suspended construction in the economic slump.

"The renovations will transform this iconic property into a more modern, comfortable and sophisticated hotel and casino," Tony Santo, president and CEO of Play LV which operates the Plaza Hotel and Casino, said in a statement. Furnishings include marble bathrooms, leather desk chairs, Wi-Fi and 32-inch LCD TVs.

The resort is taking reservations starting Sept. 1 for the updated rooms. Rooms during the week will be going for as little as $44 nightly. (Citywide, the average nightly rate year to date is $105.91, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. ) A splashy nightclub is planned at the Plaza, and a spokeswoman says the property should be in full-rollout mode by late fall.

Readers, what do you think? Would you/do you stay downtown vs. the Strip? Do you think Vegas needs more lodging options or has too many?

Plaza Hotel New York (Edwardian Suite)

Central Park, Fifth Avenue, endless shopping, unbelievable dining and lively nightlife - this is New York City. Amid the whirl of excitement you will find The Plaza, a timeless landmarked hotel capturing memories since 1907. Where luxury living and world-class service are the standard for those of discerning taste. Striking the balance between its storied past and limitless future, The Plaza in New York City has emerged from a recent transformation to reflect a new and contemporary spirit. While traditions remain, such as the opulent grandeur of the Beaux Arts décor, and the superb ambience of the legendary Oak Room and Oak Bar, exciting new offerings include the elegant Champagne Bar and stylish Rose Club, as well as an interior Tranquility Garden with reflecting pools, elaborate lighting and exotic foliage. The Plaza offers 282 distinctive guestrooms, including 102 suites, which boast the largest square footage of any luxury property in New York. From the sumptuous décor to the impeccable white glove service, The Plaza is an extraordinary hotel that offers every indulgence from the moment a guest checks in, including an elite group of white gloved butlers on every floor.

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