Built in 1971 on land that formerly held the Union Pacific Railroad Station, the Plaza once stood out for being the only hotel in history with an in-house railroad ticket office. But we’ll always remember the Plaza best for the movies its starred in — “Diamonds Are Forever,” “The Stand,” “Casino” and even ” Back to the Future Part II” (Biff’s hotel is a digitally manipulated Plaza). The hotel’s design, entrance with it’s cavalcade of lights and glass-domed restaurant ooze ’70s cool. The vibe: Located at the west end of the Fremont Street Experience, downtown Las Vegas’ iconic Plaza Hotel & Casino has been a Sin City staple for more than 40 years. The Plaza Hotel & Casino’s “Fireworks Friday” every Friday at 9:15 p.m. light up the sky above downtown Las Vegas, making it the perfect festive summer block party atmosphere. What we love: Before guests even step foot into the hotel’s lobby, their gaze is lured upward by the canopy of lights that illuminate the Plaza’s main entrance. But better than the allure of the sparkling lights is the mouth-watering food that is served directly above. Located in the circular over-hang that overlooks the heart of downtown, Oscar’s Steakhouse – opened by former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman under the Plaza’s iconic glass dome – is the hotel’s fine dining option. Located adjacent to Oscar’s famous bar, the old Vegas ambiance of the restaurant features all of the expected offerings of a traditional steakhouse… plus the company of some of Oscar’s beautiful “broads.” But if you’re not exactly in the mood for steak and signature cocktails, the Plaza is prepared to please with additional and more casual dining options within the hotel. The farm-style Hash House A Go Go serves filling breakfasts as well as hearty all-day fare. Also avail is Pop Up Pizza because we all know that homemade, hand-tossed Italian pies are simply delicious after a few drinks, and for the grab-and-go type, the Plaza’s food court offers Zaba’s Mexican Grill, Cafelatte, McDonald’s and Subway. Insider tips: And when you’re ready to play, the Plaza’s 80,000-square-foot casino is smaller than the nega-casinos of the Las Vegas Strip but it still boasts more than 500 slot and video poker machines along with table games like craps and blackjack. Additionally, the Plaza is home to the William Hill Race & Sports Book, a poker room with automated PokerPro tables and downtown’s only bingo room…. more fun than downtown’s only train-ticket office, right? And while the Plaza Hotel & Casinohas certainly evolved with the times, the iconic property has remained in sync with its history as it has become known for its classic Vegas-style entertainment. Having hosted many acts over the years, today you can catch a variety of performances from stand-up comedy to game shows. Or, if you’d rather tie the knot Vegas style to get your kicks, the Plaza Hotel & Casino has an on-site wedding chapel. Good to know: But as far as downtime goes – that is, downtime from playing all day – guests can take advantage of the resort’s rooftop pool and 24-hour fitness center. Other (albeit less fun) amenities at the Plaza include a self-serve business internet kiosk, 22,000-plus square feet of flexible meeting and convention space, complimentary valet service and a self-parking garage. For those looking to immerse themselves in the excitement of downtown Las Vegas while staying and playing in a legendary Las Vegas property, the Plaza Hotel & Casino has everything you will need for a memorable and exciting Las Vegas vacation.