Las Vegas Comps - How to get them!
67Las Vegas Comps!
You know that saying "birds of a feather flock together"? Well, as soon as you set foot in the California Hotel and Casino you'll swear you're on the "9th island of Hawaii".
Personally, I am not from Hawaii. In fact, I was born in one of the furthest possible states from Hawaii. However, my wife is a Hawaii transplant with most of her immediate family still living in Hawaii. Of course when her family ventures to the mainland, they go to Vegas and obviously they stay at the Cal. When her family flies in to Vegas, we usually come out to visit them and end up staying Cal. So yeah, that's how a white girl from Pennsylvania ends up staying at the California Hotel and Casino.
Casino - I gotta tell you I love playing the tables here. It's a great place for beginners. Everybody including the players and dealers are so laid back compared to The Strip. If you're playing blackjack and hit on 16 when the dealer is showing a 6, the player next to you won't give you the evil eye. In fact, most dealers and players are more then willing to help you out with your hand. To top it off, the "locals" (locals in this case = Hawaiian locals) are extremely friendly, fun to play with and love to talk "story".
The casino itself is on the small side and a little outdated. If you're looking to play the newest slot machines then you better off going to The Strip. In fact some of the slot machines at the California still pay out in coins (instead of ticket voucher). If you're looking for an upscale casino experience, save yourself the trouble and visit The Strip.
Hotel Rooms - Keep in mind this isn't The Strip, so don't expect the rooms to look like the Bellagio's (or even close to it). The rooms are kind of like staying at a Best Western. Not the nicest rooms in town, but hey this is Vegas who wants to spend their entire time in the room. Plus the rates are extremely cheap, which means more money for gambling!
Restaurants - Please do not expect 5 (or even 4) star dining here. The food is average but cheap. They also cater to the Hawaiian crowd so expect to find local cuisine. Check out the Main Street Caf after midnight for $4 prime rib, Aloha Specialties for killer local cuisine (my husband swears by their saimin and tripe stew) and Pasta Pirate for a cheap but decent pasta/seafood dinner.
TIP: Be sure to get a players card. The card works at the California, Main Street and Fremont and the comps really do pay off in the end. My in laws usually get room and meal comps every time they visit.
Summary: If you're from Hawaii and want to stick by your "flock", stay at the Cal. If you're from Hawaii and really want to get away from Hawaii, then go to The Strip. If you're a mainlander (like me) and want a low key Vegas experience without all the fluff, stay at the Cal.
