California

Name: California
Address: 12 Ogden Ave., Las Vegas, NV, US
Price range: $27+

Reviewed by the Las Vegas Guide editorial team · Updated July 2026

The California — 'The Cal' to locals — brings a warm Hawaiian flair to downtown Las Vegas, with a strong island following, the beloved Aloha Specialties plate-lunch counter and the Redwood Steakhouse. Friendly, affordable and steps from Fremont Street, with free self-parking.

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Is the California Hotel Worth It? Honest Review, Rooms & Rates

Despite the name, the California is famous for its Hawaiian soul. 'The Cal' has been a home-away-from-home for visitors from the Hawaiian islands for decades — a legacy of Boyd Gaming's long-running Hawaii travel packages — and that aloha spirit runs through its friendly service and atmosphere in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Rooms are comfortable and cheap, the Redwood Steakhouse is a long-running favorite, and the upstairs Aloha Specialties serves Hawaiian plate-lunch comfort food you won't easily find elsewhere downtown. It's connected to sister-properties the Fremont and Main Street Station, so three downtown casinos' worth of dining and bars are a covered walk away, and a seasonal rooftop pool is shared among them. Steps from the Fremont Street Experience with free self-parking, it's a warm, great-value base.

Insider tipWatch the resort fee: at $37.28 a night it can top the room rate itself, but it bundles self-parking, Wi-Fi for three devices, the in-room fridge, the fitness area and the shared rooftop pool — so fold it into your nightly math before comparing The Cal to a resort-fee-free rate elsewhere.

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Rooms

Premium King Non-Smoking

This 364-square-foot room — one of the larger options — comes with one king bed, an in-room refrigerator, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer and a flat-screen TV with in-room movies. The island-themed décor uses plantation shutters; the bathroom has a single sink and a combined tub/shower.

Deluxe 2 Queens Non-Smoking

This 264-square-foot room fits two queen beds plus either a table and two chairs or a desk area, with a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV with in-room movies. The bathroom has a single sink and a combined tub/shower.

Deluxe King Non-Smoking

This 264-square-foot room is a compact king with either a small table and two chairs or a desk area, a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV with in-room movies. The bathroom has a single sink and a combined tub/shower.

Premium 2 Queens Non-Smoking

This 364-square-foot room is the two-queen version of the Premium category, with an in-room refrigerator, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer and a flat-screen TV with in-room movies. The bathroom has a single sink and a combined tub/shower.

Location

12 Ogden Ave.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is the California known for Hawaii?

For decades 'The Cal' has been the downtown-Vegas home-away-from-home for visitors from the Hawaiian islands — a legacy of Boyd Gaming's long-running Hawaii travel packages. That aloha spirit shows up in the staff, the island food and a crowd you won't find at other downtown casinos.

Where should I eat at the California?

Aloha Specialties on the mezzanine is the draw — Hawaiian plate-lunch comfort food (teriyaki, curry, saimin) you won't easily find elsewhere downtown. The Redwood Steakhouse handles a proper steak-and-seafood dinner, the 24-hour Market Street Cafe covers everything in between, and Lappert's scoops Hawaiian ice cream.

How far is the California from the Strip?

About 4.3 miles — a 10-to-15-minute drive or rideshare. There's no hotel shuttle to the Strip, so plan to drive or ride; the upside is you're a block off the Fremont Street Experience and self-parking is free.

How big are the rooms at the California?

They run from a compact 264 square feet up to 364 in the Premium category, with island-themed décor and plantation shutters, an in-room refrigerator, a flat-screen with in-room movies and a combined tub/shower rather than a separate tub.

How many guests can share a room at the California?

Three total, adults and children combined, so a larger family will need a second room. There's no child care on site, but kids have a supervised arcade, and you must be at least 21 with a photo ID and credit card to reserve.

Rating

3.6

Number of rooms781.

CasinoYes, 36,000 square feet. Casino games include blackjack, Caribbean Stud poker, craps, keno, Let It Ride, pai gow, poker, roulette, slots and Megabucks.

Race & Sports BookYes. Cal's Sports Book has 14 big screens and plenty of comfortable seating.

RestaurantsAloha Specialties - Hawaiian plate lunch Redwood Steakhouse - Steak & seafood Market Street Cafe - 24-hour American with island flair Lappert's Ice Cream - Hawaiian ice cream

EntertainmentNo, but guests are a short walk from the live music and free light shows at the Fremont Street Experience.

NightlifeThree casino bars: the Main Street Bar, the San Francisco Pub and Dave's Bar.

AttractionsThere is an arcade (children must be supervised in the arcade area).

PoolA seasonal rooftop pool, shared with sister-properties the Fremont and Main Street Station, all connected downtown.

Health club or fitness equipmentYes, a fitness area is included with the resort fee.

SpaNo.

ShopsCal Gift Shop, Cal Logo Shop, Ethel M Chocolates, Lappert's Ice Cream and Vegas 808.

Wedding servicesNo.

Business centerNo.

Convention roomsYes, 4,342 square feet total.

Child-care facilitiesNo.

Room serviceYes, limited hours.

Pets allowedNo.

In-room Internet accessYes, in-room Wi-Fi (up to three devices) is included in the resort fee.

Hotel amenitiesCurrency exchange, laundry and luggage service, housekeeping, safety deposit box, valet parking and wake-up calls.

Parking garageYes, a five-story parking garage; self-parking is free.

RV parkNo.

Shuttle service to the airportNo.

Shuttle service to the stripNo.

Wheelchair accessible roomsYes.

Check-in time4 p.m.

Check-out time11 a.m.

Minimum age to reserve a room21 years. A valid photo ID and credit card are required at check-in.

PoliciesThe maximum total number of guests (adults and children) in a room is three.

Incidental chargesA card deposit is taken at check-in for incidental charges. Special requests and bedding types can't be guaranteed and are subject to availability.

Prices From$27

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