Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel

Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel has been a fixture of downtown Las Vegas since 1951, and the historical feel of old Las Vegas permeates the place. It enjoys a reputation as the best downtown casino for the experienced and high-stakes gambler. Its founder, Benny Binion, was from Texas and one of the pioneers that brought the modern gambling era to Las Vegas. The hotel has 366 suites and rooms. For 53 years the property was held by the Binion family and operated as Binion's Horseshoe Casino, or more simply, "The Horse-shoe." In January of 2004 the Nevada Gaming Commission closed it down for various financial problems and license infractions. It was purchased by Harrah's and then by MTR Gaming Group, and then was sold again to TLC Enterprises, the company that operates Four Queens, across the street.

The casino offers 42 different table games, perhaps the most in town. This includes all kinds of blackjack (single-deck, double-deck, shoe), craps. Roulette, three-card poker, mini-Baccarat and Pai Gow poker. Throughout there are seemingly countless slot and video machines. The poker room offers limit and no-limit Texas Hold'em, Omaha and 7-card stud. Poker tournaments are planned daily.

Binion's Ranch Steakhouse may have the best view in Downtown on the 24th floor of the property. The setting includes a piano player (baby grand) and romantic surroundings. Famous for its lobster bisque, the Ranch Steakhouse serves also the full steakhouse menu of steak and seafood. The Original Coffee Shop provides round the clock breakfast and casual dining. There is also a snack bar for burgers and the like and a Deli that makes half pound deli sandwiches to order.

The Speakeasy is Binion's lounge, called "an after hours club," featuring a mechanical bull for the courageous and periodic shows from cowgirl-clad "billion dollar babes".

The MTR Group offers assistance with the planning of meetings and events and invites inquiries, but Binion's does not easily accommodate large, business groups.

The pool is on the roof, so the view of downtown is a good one. Otherwise, it is fairly Spar-tan and uncrowded, as most of the guests choose the hotel because of the gambling, not the pool amenities. The "spa crowd" should look elsewhere for a facility that serves their needs. There is no spa at Binion's.

A guest looking for shopping options will need to leave the hotel and browse through the many shops and stores in downtown Las Vegas along Fremont Street.