Thoughts on The California Hotel? Would you stay here?

I worked at the Cal for almost 20 years. I started at the Market Street Cafe as a bus boy, now I'm a part-time dealer and floor supervisor at the Cal / Fremont! Nice to see you and Mr. Ruby doing downtown properties too!

Most of these downtown hotels seem so much nicer than they were just 5-7 years ago... It's like they all updated/refreshed their properties at the same time... Time for another Vegas visit!

You know it's a good day when you get a notification on KZfaq for a new uploaded video by Travel Ruby

Great video Ruby. Confession time. Went to LV for the first time in the 70's. Gambled at the California Hotel with my Mom and brother. I was only 16. The casino would play an 1800's gold rush song at the top of the hour. It was 3 minutes long. If you won a jackpot during that time they would double it. That's how I won $600 and bought my first car. I have no idea why I wasn't thrown out. 😁

My family & I stayed at the California Hotel years ago for my mother's 80th birthday ( we lost her in 2021...she loved Vegas )

I'm glad you stayed at the California Hotel and not the Hotel California. If so, you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave! 🎸🎸🎸

Good to get a good rating at a hotel where Hawaiian people vacation at. Quiet yet close to everything in downtown. Mahalo to you Ruby🤙🏼🌴🌺

Ruby, you do an excellent job of reviewing restaurants, and hotel stays....personally, i think you do a much better job doing this than so called "EXPERT" travel channels do....much appreciated, and thank you for doing this....

That's so amazing y'all had the pool to yourselves! The Cal is really popular with people from Hawaii, has been for decades!

Ruby, you do the BEST reviews of resorts and restaurants. We really appreciate the work you do. ❤️

Awesome video Ruby! The Cal is one of my favorite casinos to visit everytime I come to Vegas. Market Street Cafe is known for their oxtail soup at night, you should see the lines for it :) One of the nice things I like about Boyd is they're pretty generous with comp nights, and their comp room offers don't have resort fees, so truly comped!

Noooooo. Don't tell everyone about the Cal. I love it. Everyone just assumes that all the hotels downtown are dumps. This is always the first hotel I check when coming to Vegas. Great for video poker players, as are most Boyd properties.

It feels old school Vegas which is good. The food looked good. The pool was funny. So small. So lucky for you there wasn’t anyone else there.

Thank you Ruby, haven't been to the California since the 1990s, my late with stayed there on our honeymoon. 💕. You guys are so sweet for bringing back my memories. Much love to you ❤❤❤❤

Crab cakes, Escargot, and Braised Short Ribs in one meal and an Apple Dumpling and Salted Caramel Ice Cream. That sounds AMAZING!

Mahalo for sharing this great review of another of Boyd’s properties. Aloha from Volcano, Hawaii 🤙🏾🤙🏾

Thanks for another informative review! That property has been there for several decades, I'm glad that they're staying on top of it.I don't think I've ever seen an empty pool like you had there. The food looked delicious! Thanks again Ruby!

So I used to work in hotels and usually while renovating/cleaning they go room to room to save money…. Also sometimes a dept manager can slip and start depending on customers to tell them when things are dirty 😩 so when staying at older properties, always go to the room before settling in and check it out. If there are any issues, like a dirty floor, you can ask to be moved to another room and they’ll clean that carpet. I don’t do dirty carpet, my slippers cants get dirty. 😅 Btw I always love your fits!

Back in the 90s and 00s, the Redwood Grill had an off-menu Porterhouse steak special that could not be beat. It was $18 the last time I had it, included a salad, side, and cherries jubalee for dessert.

love to see the OG hotels hangin on..

When Ruby say ALOHA, she already knew where the Hawaii Locals stay when in Vegas

As a former craps dealer, I'm blown away that someone could roll for 3 hours!

Ruby! You always get me riled up to go to Vegas! Downtown is so fun & much more affordable. The California is now on my list. I appreciate you!!

Great! I’ve been waiting for someone to do a review on this property. Very little footage or reviews of the California! Thanks for doing this, super helpful!

For anybody who has never been. Go out of your way for Aloha specialties. Very casual great food. Going to vegas next month and always make it to the california

Ruby, that is a great review of the California casino hotel. I liked the info about the second floor where shops are located as well as the full description of your premium room. 👍

I'm beyond pale, and love the shaded pool. Always love your content and style... Edit: One of my old bosses dealt Craps for Harrah's Tahoe. He said a shooter started his pass as my boss took the stick. My boss cycled through the stick, both dealer spots, and break (all 20 minutes each), and when he got back from break, the guy was still on the dice, sevening out about 10 minutes later.

Good to know! It could be an option if we decide to try Fremont area for a stay! I truly appreciate quality sleep, and it seems rare to find in downtown. Thanks, very good work as always, Ruby! and Mr. Ruby!

The California Hotel & Casino is the main place where most Hawaii people stay when visiting Las Vegas(then Main Street Hotel , then Fremont Hotel). Did you notice how many people were wearing slippahs(flip-flops) & had dark tans?. I would guess that at least 75% of the hotel has Hawaii people staying in it at any given time, this is why you have Hawaii Style food on the menu & a Hawaii plate lunch place upstairs(Aloha Specialties). Most Hawaii people know about the pool upstairs, but won't use it because why go to a pool when you have some of the best beaches in the world back home?. Also, Hawaii people mostly tend to not be loud party animals & try to respect everyone's peace & quiet when in the rooms(the only downside to the rooms, depends on what side of the tower you're on=sometimes the train can get loud). The "chill vibe" you got is how you would feel if you went to Hawaii........Aloha Ruby!

Ruby have you ever considered a short hair style? When you were at the pool on the chair speaking, your hair was up and that length, from the front, looked perfect! Loved it! Thanks for the great videos!

Thanks for this video. This looks like a solid property to stay in for a night or two. Boyd casinos have excellent V-P options. Excellent location; steps from Circa, and the walkway to Main Street Station is a definite plus.

Ruby - Watched a couple of your videos this evening. You and Mr. Ruby do a very nice, straightforward job with these videos. Kudos!

Great Review! Thanks for being detailed about everything. I enjoy the glitz, glitter, and fast pace of Vegas but when I'm ready to call it a night I enjoy peace and quiet. I'm so glad you told us the room was comfortable and quiet. I'll definitely consider the California my next Vegas Trip.

I love that place, stayed there 4 times, great comps ( Before Covid) Cozy/Quiet/Perfect.

This is for real Ruby’s world and I am living in it

Thanks for the review Ruby. The California is my main hotel casino in Vegas although I haven't been back to Vegas for a while and I wanted to see the changes before my next trip in November. Thank you for trying out Redwood. I was wondering about it. Looks good. Unfortunately during the time we're going they will be closed on weekdays. You should have gotten a scoop at Lappert's. It is the BEST ice cream! Macadamia nut is awesome! Thanks again. BTW: I was waiting for the shot of you rubbing the Buddha statue.

Impressively put together, well thought out review. Honestly looks like a nice place.

new subscriber here. also, i'm from hawaii. it's pretty neat to see the california hotel being reviewed. i never thought it would be. lol. that's the place to be if you want to be in vegas but still see all the hawaii people...haha

Your musical choices are ALWAYS on point. Very well done!

Great video Ruby. Downtown is the old classic Vegas. Love that they have pretty of old school 3 reel slots

Great review as always! Team Ruby keeping it real!

I have so many memories of this property. My BFF was a waiter there for almost 25 years.

Really loved your review, thanks!🎉😊

I stayed in the same style room as you guys in the West Tower. Love the huge TV . The Market Street Cafe has a great nightly prime rib dinner special which even comes with Cherries Jubilee for desert .

Looks Great ! Thanks for this , would never know this stuff without you !!

I stayed at the Golden nugget for years when I was there on business. Love staying downtown, so easy to get on the freeways.😊

I'm sure 😃 glad you showed us this thanks 👍 for sharing

Another awesome video Ruby, thanks for sharing

Ruby, you’re killing me with the food. I’m in Florida and most high end restaurants, if they even have escargot, they don’t serve any dipping bread with it. I’d go just for that, until I saw the desert. Awesome Review thanks so much!

Travel Ruby Thank You! California looks like a nice place .

Dinner was $180 and prices are reasonable...excuse me! Go to the Fremont for $8.95 Prime Rib between 4:30-6:30...It's delicious. Later in the evening you can get steak and lobster for $9.99. Four Queens...no resort fee but it can be a little noisy until 1 AM.

Thanks for posting

Ruby thanks for showing us this Hotel. It looks good, more later!

I have so much fun downtown, walking and listening to live music...the laid back atmosphere is great. The mega resorts are great too but feels like non stop walking. The noise can be tough so this is a good option, thx.

Wow! Stunning... I stayed at the oyo hotel and casino last may.. I'll add California hotel for my 58th bday this September...

Love your videos Ruby !

Again Thank You Ruby for your review of this casino

Ruby..tks for updated video. I am from Hawaii. Tks again!❤

Another fine review and something to seriously consider. Generally I’ve stayed at el Cortez but the nearby clubs are out of control noisy .

I love the California Hotel & Casino. We usually stay at that property because it is off the Freemont Street but close enough where you can enjoy the activities of Freemont. You mentioned California had the only buffet downtown. Golden Nugget has a wonderful buffet upstairs also. They also have the shark tank pool; however, it does close down during the winter months.

I love these video!

Another great video, thx.

On the craps Wall of Fame lots of folks from Hawaii rolling monster rolls!!! Rooms look great! Love the Cal! Um, that meal looked better then Oscars and all that for $180!!!!! OMG

Us Hawai'i folx all love the California Hotel to eat or gamble.... even if we aren't staying in their hotel rooms, it's still the comfortable and familiar vibe that we like when visit from Hawai'i 🌺

Great info, thx u🏆

Fremont is right there! Great location and has the old Vegas vibe!

Another great video! Thanks, I never thought about their hotel! I’d stay there.

The ice cream shop on the second floor is the best. But I didn't see the friendliest face in Vegas when I was there this week. I hope Nikki is doing good

I loved staying at The Cal! It was also nice that if I wanted to take the former SDX bus from the strip to downtown, they had a bus stop at the casino.

possibly planning a trip to vegas and I love this channel!

Great review! I like downtown but not enough to stay in the thick of it. The Cal appears to be a terrific option. Thanks for this.

I loved the Reuben sandwich from the restaurant. I visited the Cal many times in the 80's and 90's

Stayed there during my wedding. They have the BEST Asian food at that casino resort! Especially appreciated it after having lived in Hawaii.

great video, except the SPAM! I thought it was a joke at first but you actually ate it! LOL

My wife and I have stayed at the CAL on numerous occasions. I assume that parking is still free. I would always get the reuben sandwich at the Market Street Cafe with cheesecake for dessert. I also enjoyed a couple of 20 oz craft brews and chicken wings at the Brew House in the Main Street Casino which is connected to the CAL. No need for a designated driver. Finally, I would play craps and double deck blackjack at the CAL and my wife enjoyed the old school slots. Take care.

Time to do an updated review of the Main Street Station. We stayed there this weekend great renovated big rooms and loose slots.

Peace and quiet is so important to get sleep. At Paris and old Ballys ask for rooms facing the desert. At Flamingo, the pool facing rooms.

Hey Ruby ! So when I was on Freemont in May I meant to check out the California as it’s one of the few places I haven’t been to . Unfortunately after several cocktails at the mob museum speakeasy and Whiskey 🥃 Licker Up I was a tad too tipsy to make it in there lol . Cool review as always . Hope you and Mr Ruby are liking your first summer as Vegas residents 😎😎😎

Bravo Ruby .... excellence review once again .....thank you

Great Review. . Thank you

thank you It was a good feeling ✌

The dinners looked great ASF!!!

Happy Saturday Travel Ruby 😊

Ruby, your videos always have the coolest music.

I stayed at the Cal once. A long time ago. I don't recall the room so I'm pretty sure it was 'just a room', unremarkable, but I do remember we got off the elevator and the hallway to our last down the hallway room reminded me of "The Shining". Very loooonnnnngggg hallway.

Looking Good, Thank You for Your reviews.

I stayed at the Fremont. I'd definitly stay at the California. I won alot i mean alot one quiet morning at California playing Craps.

The Cal looks like a fun little gem downtown! I would stay there for sure! Redwood steakhouse looks delicious 🤤

Wow you actially ate escargot . That is fantastic , they are so deliciosa when done and credenced right . Enjoyed this tour . Ty Much love from Germany ❤

Great information thank you very much.

I go to Redwood every time I go to Vegas. One of my favorite places to eat, worth leaving the strip for! That Apple dumpling dessert is amazing, always get one, always. That thing still haunts me!

Aloha Ruby! Another great review. Was looking for a more quiet option than 4 Queens and this may fit the bill.

Ruby's review of the California packed a great Hawaiian punch as always.

We spent an afternoon/evening between the Station and California last year ... Really enjoyed a lunch at the Marketplace ( nice folks working there ) . Thanks for keeping us Canucks current💖

Good review! I like the Cal too because it has a lot of Hawaiian clients and that makes the Cal one of the friendliest casino hotels in downtown and in Las Vegas. The customers and staff are laid back Hawaiian style which makes it a fun place to stay and play. 👍

Yes at the California a few times between 2005 and 2010 and loved it. There was a giant Buddha in the lobby and we'd rub his belly for luck. That steak house was smaller and closed eventually for renovations. We had amazing service there and the food was great. I live here now and I'm going to have to check it out again. We stopped staying there because of the kinda scary people outside on the street. I'm glad they cleaned that up. I usually only love you and Mr gambling but this one was really nice. Great job❤️

First to comment Old Downtown is one of my favorite gambling stops, Ruby. I love the reviews you do for the Vegas casinos (and your gambling on your slots channel) 🤗 2:56-4:13 love your swimsuit, Ruby 🤩 Pink definitely suits you 🩷

Thanks for the review! Always liked The California (mostly for Aloha). Only complaint was the heavy smoke, but always my Downtown go to place

Love your reviews, i may stay here when i go, looks like my kind of place