California Hotel And Casino

California Hotel and Casino Las Vegas: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Las Vegas, the California Hotel and Casino—known to many as “The Cal”—is a beloved landmark that uniquely melds classic Vegas spirit with authentic Hawaiian hospitality. Since opening its doors in 1975, The Cal has evolved from its original California Gold Rush theme into a “ninth island” for Hawaiians, offering not just gaming and accommodations but a true sense of community and culture. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about visiting The Cal, from its fascinating history and cultural significance to practical information on visiting hours, tickets, amenities, and insider travel tips for an unforgettable stay (vegaschanges.com, nbcnews.com, oyster.com).

Historical Overview
Essential Visitor Information
Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Lasting Legacy
Call to Action
Summary and Final Recommendations
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The California Hotel and Casino opened on January 1, 1975, at 12 E Ogden Ave, downtown Las Vegas, as Boyd Gaming Corporation’s first downtown project (vegaschanges.com, wikipedia). The initial $10 million investment produced an 11-story hotel with 325 rooms, two restaurants, and a lounge. Its original California Gold Rush theme featured classic Vegas décor and coin-operated slots—a rare feature preserved to this day (oyster.com).

The Hawaiian Connection: Birth of the “Ninth Island”

After a slow start with its target Southern California clientele, Sam Boyd pivoted marketing efforts towards Hawaiian visitors. The Cal began offering affordable vacation packages, direct charter flights, and introduced Hawaiian-inspired amenities and cuisine (nbcnews.com). Soon, about 70% of guests were from Hawaii, and Las Vegas earned its nickname “Hawaii’s ninth island” (vegaschanges.com).

Expansion and Renovations

The Cal’s Hawaiian popularity spurred rapid growth: a 14-story west tower added in 1984, expanding capacity to 781 rooms by the 1990s (wikipedia, oyster.com). A major renovation in 2017 modernized guest rooms and the casino floor while preserving heritage elements, including the iconic coin-operated slots.

The Cal’s deep ties to the Hawaiian community helped shape Las Vegas’s multicultural identity. Island-themed décor, cuisine, and omiyage traditions created a home-away-from-home for Hawaiian travelers. The Market Street Café and Aloha Specialties remain local favorites for authentic island dishes, while the Holo Holo bar continues to serve Hawaiian-inspired cocktails (vegasexperience.com).

Milestones and Legendary Moments

The Cal is famous for the “Golden Arm” craps marathon by Stanley Fujitake in 1989, a world record that inspired a club in his honor (vegasexperience.com). In 2025, The Cal celebrated 50 years with special events and commemorations (vegaschanges.com).

Essential Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Casino and Dining Venues: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Hotel Check-In: 4:00 PM; Check-Out: 12:00 PM.
Entry Fees: No admission ticket required for hotel or casino entry. Special events may require tickets—check the official events calendar for details.

Location and Accessibility

The Cal is located at 12 E Ogden Ave, one block from Fremont Street. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, rideshare, and public transit. The property features ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant rooms and facilities (oyster.com).

Accommodations and Amenities

Rooms & Suites: Over 700 modern guest rooms and suites, including ADA-compliant options.
Amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, 24/7 front desk and concierge, business center, and gift shop.
Casino: Table games, slots (including coin-operated), sportsbook, and the Stardust Social Casino platform.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary for guests; premium options available.
Parking: Self-parking (see rates below), with valet service available for a fee.

Dining and Entertainment

Market Street Café: 24-hour diner with island and American fare.
Aloha Specialties: Quick-service, authentic Hawaiian plate lunches.
Redwood Steakhouse: Fine dining with steak and seafood.
California Noodle House: Asian-inspired noodle and dim sum dishes.
Holo Holo Bar: Hawaiian-themed cocktails and social atmosphere.

Unique Features

No Resort Fee: Unlike many Las Vegas hotels, The Cal does not charge a resort fee. Guests pay only for Wi-Fi and parking where applicable (oyster.com).
Hawaiian Hospitality: Staff offer an “Aloha spirit” welcome.
Boyd Rewards Program: Membership offers discounts, tier credits, and parking benefits (boydgaming.com).

Parking Information

Monday – Thursday: $10 per 24 hours
Friday – Sunday: $25 per 24 hours
First 30 Minutes: Free
Monthly Pass: $60
Special Event Rates: Vary
Validation: Available for qualifying Boyd Rewards members and dining/gaming guests (California Hotel Parking Fees).

Proximity to Attractions

Walking Distance: Fremont Street Experience, Neon Museum, Mob Museum, Downtown Container Park.
Short Drive: Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead.

Travel Tips

Book Early: Reserve during Hawaiian holidays and weekends for best rates and availability.
Use Boyd Rewards: Sign up for perks and parking validation.
Explore on Foot: Many attractions are within walking distance.
Ask Concierge: For tour bookings and transportation assistance.
Accessibility: Notify hotel in advance for special room requests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the California Hotel and Casino visiting hours?
A: Casino and dining are open 24/7. Hotel check-in is 4:00 PM; check-out is 12:00 PM.

Q: Is there an admission ticket required?
A: No, entry is free for all guests.

Q: Does The Cal charge a resort fee?
A: No, but fees apply for Wi-Fi and parking.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Q: Is the hotel accessible?
A: Yes, it offers ADA-compliant rooms and public spaces.

Q: Is parking free?
A: Parking fees apply, with validation options available for qualifying guests.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Hawaiian holidays and weekends feature special events and cultural celebrations.

Lasting Legacy

The California Hotel and Casino’s transformation into Las Vegas’ “ninth island” stands as a testament to successful niche hospitality and community engagement. Its deep ties to Hawaii have enriched the city’s multicultural landscape and made The Cal a cornerstone of downtown’s identity (nbcnews.com).

Call to Action

Ready to experience the Aloha spirit in Las Vegas? Plan your visit to the California Hotel and Casino and immerse yourself in authentic Hawaiian culture, vibrant gaming, and memorable dining. For the latest updates, special offers, and personalized travel tips, download the Audiala app and explore our related articles on Las Vegas historical sites.

Summary and Final Recommendations

The California Hotel and Casino remains a vibrant symbol of cultural fusion and community in the heart of Las Vegas. Its unique Hawaiian heritage, warm hospitality, and array of modern amenities make it a must-visit for anyone exploring downtown Las Vegas. With 24/7 accessibility, no entry fees, and a commitment to inclusivity, The Cal invites visitors to embrace the “ohana” spirit and discover why it continues to be a beloved fixture in the city’s landscape. Stay informed with official resources and travel apps like Audiala for exclusive deals and the latest event updates (nbcnews.com, vegaschanges.com, boydgaming.com).