There are plenty of Las Vegas hotels that are better known than Main Street Station, but it is a genuinely beloved one.
The property originally opened in 1978 as the Holiday International and it changed again, to Park Hotel and Casino in the 1990s, before a $45million renovation created the Main Street Station we know and love today.
It is part of Downtown Las Vegas and has its own brewery attached, as well as unique styling and eclectic paraphernalia.
It all combines to create something unlike anything else Las Vegas has to offer, and that is obviously some achievement.
Main Street Station overview
Location: Downtown
Opened: November 1996 (as Main Street Station)
Last renovated: 2006
Number of rooms: 452
Gaming space: 28,500 sq. ft
Operator: Boyd Gaming
Permanent shows: None
Nearby attractions: Fremont Street Experience, Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery
Price guide: $$
Location
Main Street Station is in the Downtown area of Las Vegas, just north of the Fremont Street Experience.
It is directly opposite The California and very close to Plaza and Circa, which are two of the most iconic properties Downtown for different reasons.
It’s a good location that keeps you close to the action without the craziness happening outside your front door.
Getting around
Main Street Station is directly connected to the California by a bridge that makes moving between the two very easy. Both are run and owned by Boyd Gaming so the close relationship is no surprise but often beneficial to guests.
The Fremont Street Experience, Plaza and Circa are just a two-minute walk away, and other local attractions, such as the Mob Museum and its speakeasy bar are close by too.
Getting to the Strip is much tougher, so expect to have to pay for a taxi or a ride-share, or take the ever-reliable Deuce bus instead.
Main Street Station Rooms and Amenities
There is not a huge choice of room types at Main Street Station, certainly not compared to other Las Vegas Hotels anyway, but the rooms are a good standard.
A deluxe King or Two Queen will get you 400 sq. ft of space, which makes them bigger than the entry-level room at many Strip mega-resorts.
There is a Deluxe Suite option available too which is a very pleasant 642 sq. ft and comes with some additional luxuries.
Main Street Station itself doesn’t have a wealth of amenities, but this is where the partnership with the California comes in handy. Guests can use the sister-property’s fitness centre and roof-top pool.
The casino is small yet sufficient and the upper level provides one of the best gaming floor views in Las Vegas.
RELATED: Main Street Station casino guide
Food and Drink
Dining at Main Street Station is all about the Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery. The food there is good, as you can expect just about everywhere in Las Vegas, but it’s the drinks that are the real attraction.
Diners can try six varieties of fresh hand-crafted beers – some of which are available on the casino floor too. They have live sport on in there too for some added atmosphere.
Main Street Station also has an old-style Las Vegas buffet in the form of Garden Court, and there are a few bars dotted around too.
Shows and Attractions
As previously mentioned, the Lucky 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery is the main attraction at Main Street Station. In many ways, though, the place is so unique it is an attraction itself.
The décor is very classical and don’t be afraid to explore the gaming floor and level above it. Not only will you get great views, but you will find some really quirky little gems too.
A snooker table once owned by Winston Churchill is one such. There is also a piece of the actual Berlin wall in the men’s bathroom – with urinals attached to it. I won’t rob you of the fun of exploring by revealing any others.
Main Street Station Pool
Main Street Station does not technically have its own pool, but guests do have access to one.
Just cross the bridge to California and show your room card and you can use their rooftop pool. Going to a whole other hotel just for a swim may sound like a faff, but most pools on the Strip are further away from the rooms, so it’s not.
Opening times can vary and it is prone to the occasional closure. That is particularly the case since the closures forced by Covid-19 and subsequent staff shortages. However, pools are a lot rarer downtown than they are on the Strip, so it’s a nice amenity to have.
Conclusion
Main Street Station is probably, all things considered, one of the best kept secrets in Las Vegas. It has a great atmosphere and location. Definitely not one to miss.
Pros: Great classic Las Vegas feel, affordable, and brilliant location.
Cons: The casino floor is smaller than most, but I am just nit-picking there. There are also not many food options, but the ones there are very good.
Considerations: Main Street Station is a little on the quirky side and most will find that part of its charm. The styling may not be to everyone’s taste, though.