Main Street Station

Hotel Review

Featuring a setting straight from the Victorian era, Main Street Station is an elegant resort that's just steps from the heart of downtown Las Vegas. Housing a large casino, more than 400 hotel rooms and a microbrewery on the premises, it has everything a visitor could want -- and more.

For example, railroad enthusiasts will delight in examining several fully restored train cars placed along the sidewalk outside the resort. View the dining compartment, kitchen and sleepers from the opulent Cascade, which was built for a railroad executive in 1897. The Pullman cars of the Blackhawk, used to carry Buffalo Bill Cody and the other stars of the "Wild West Show" across America, are also there.  

What's more, antique lovers will be captivated by numerous items inside the property. The lobby, which resembles a train depot with its long wooden benches, is replete with turn-of-the-century artifacts including vintage coin-operated slot machines, apothecary cabinets and a pair of pipe organs. In one of the men's restrooms, a portion of the Berlin wall can be found. In addition, there's a striking statue of a wild boar in the center of the resort's main bar that once stood in a fountain in Nice, France. Request a map at the front desk to pinpoint even more treasures.

Everywhere you look, you will spy something beautiful. Be sure to take in the hotel décor: the high ceilings, columns, ornate bronze doors and intricately carved woodwork. There are stained glass windows and chandeliers (including one from the Figaro Opera House in Paris) that will leave you breathless.

Main Street Station is as popular with locals as it is with visitors, thanks to a buffet and microbrewery that mix modern flavors and fun. The Garden Court Buffet has a backdrop as enchanting as its name suggests. Devour breakfast, lunch, dinner or a weekend champagne brunch amid a spread fit for royalty here. And the Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery is always packed. You'll find eight to nine handcrafted beers on tap (several of which have won awards), and you can look at the giant copper vats used to create them. The menu includes fresh baked pizzas and pub favorites ranging from burgers to fish and chips. Plus, there's a special corner where sushi and oysters are served.

The 28,000-square-foot casino at Main Street Station is spacious. Sporting plenty of table games, slots and video poker machines, it also boasts lots of ceiling fans that keep the air circulating so it never feels smoky.

Visitors can stay in guest rooms that combine vintage charm with modern sophistication (i.e., there are flat-screen TVs), and there is meeting space (the Pullman Grille and Social Club) that's guaranteed to inspire creativity and memorable times.

In addition to being charming, Main Street Station is convenient. It's connected via the Bridge Avenue walkway to the California Hotel & Casino and only a block from the famous Fremont Street Experience. Visitors can also enjoy other activities, like shopping at the nearby Las Vegas Premium Outlets - North or going to a show at The Smith Center, a new world-class performing arts venue.

With its delightful décor, Main Street Station is perfect for anyone who wants to experience a bit of affordable elegance accompanied by gracious service near the center of downtown.

-- By Renée LiButti