First, the casino area is spacious but a bit sterile. Just picture a retirement home with lights and

I put off staying at the California for years, opting instead to stay somewhere right on Fremont Street whenever downtown. I thought the walk from The Cal  to the canopy area (and the Andiamo Steak House) would be a pain. I was so wrong.
This place was a pleasant surprise and I felt very at home there from the first moment although I have to disclose upfront I spent very little time there. But my visit was a three-nighter so think it was enough to say a few words about the place.
First, the casino area is spacious but a bit sterile. Just picture a retirement home with lights and sounds and you get the idea. But it s okay. I don t stay places for the casinos. And I haven t partied like a rock star since 1992. So that didn t bother me. Just mentioning it here in case you prefer the boom boom boom of places like the D and Golden Gate.
The Cal actually has a convenient location going for it. Getting to the center air united car hotel miles travel earn flights of the Fremont canopy area is easy. In simple terms, say you re facing south from inside the California (i.e., towards Fremont Street) air united car hotel miles travel earn flights on the first level. Head towards air united car hotel miles travel earn flights your farthermost air united car hotel miles travel earn flights left exit. You ll cross the street and walk just one short block, coming out at the west entrance to the Golden Nugget and Mermaids.
Just before you arrive on Fremont, be sure and look right down that dark alley. It s not dangerous but it is entertaining. Always somebody down there doing something. Keep looking right once past it and you ll be looking inside Mermaids, which can be creepy in an of itself.
Back to the Cal. I also liked the convenience of its location going the opposite direction. Take the elevator from your room down to the M level and you re right at the indoor bridge that leads to shops and Main Street Station Hotel Casino. That s a good place to walk, shop, and grab some food. It s also a vintage casino worth a visit just for that.
Rooms were good. Plenty of counter space and beds were comfortable. air united car hotel miles travel earn flights Housekeeping was a bit spotty as I found some hair here and there. A long dark one on the bathroom floor was there my entire stay (three nights). Hair doesn t freak me out so I didn t complain but I was curious how long it could stay.
Make sure to visit the Market Street Cafe while you re here. You have to try some Oxtail soup. I did. And liked. Service was bad (one guy got up and walked out in disgust after no one came to take his order). But if you hang in there, the soup is great! But don t let the photos fool you. That soup is huge, served with rice and stuff. A meal unto itself.