While the Strip gets most of the attention, Las Vegas’ off-strip venues offer a unique and often more intimate experience. Among these, The Orleans Hotel & Casino has distinguished itself as a favorite for both locals and tourists who seek top-notch gaming, diverse dining options, exciting entertainment, and the charm of a New Orleans-inspired setting. This article delves into every aspect of what makes The Orleans a standout destination, covering everything from its expansive gaming floor to its wide array of amenities and entertainment offerings.
The Orleans Hotel & Casino Overview
Just a mile west of the Las Vegas Strip, The Orleans Hotel & Casino offers a different vibe—less crowded, more laid-back, yet packed with action and excitement. The hotel draws inspiration from New Orleans, Louisiana’s vibrant culture and architecture, with Mardi Gras-themed decor, live jazz, and Cajun-inspired food to set the tone.
Guests at The Orleans can expect an experience that combines the best of both worlds: the lively energy of Las Vegas and the colorful, festive atmosphere of New Orleans. With over 1,800 rooms and suites, a large casino floor, multiple entertainment venues, and extensive dining options, The Orleans is a world of its own.
Key Features of The Orleans Hotel & Casino
- Location: 4500 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103, only a mile away from the Strip but offering a quieter, more relaxed experience. Shuttle service is available to and from major Strip locations, making access convenient.
- Theme: True to its name, The Orleans Hotel & Casino embraces the cultural essence of New Orleans. Expect Mardi Gras-themed decorations, lively music, and Southern hospitality, which makes the hotel feel like a vibrant escape.
- Rooms: Spacious and comfortable, the rooms feature modern amenities while embracing a subtle, New Orleans-inspired design. Guests can choose from standard rooms or upgrade to suites that offer more luxurious furnishings and stunning views of the Strip or the surrounding mountains.
Gaming at The Orleans Hotel & Casino
For gaming enthusiasts, The Orleans Hotel & Casino boasts a truly expansive gaming floor covering 135,000 square feet. Whether you prefer table games, slots, poker, or sports betting, there’s something for everyone. The casino floor hums with excitement, but it maintains a more relaxed and welcoming environment compared to many Strip casinos, making it particularly appealing to tourists and locals who want a more comfortable experience.
Table Games at The Orleans
The Orleans is a haven for table game enthusiasts, offering a broad range of classic and more modern table games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice trying your luck, you’ll find plenty of action to suit your style and budget.
- Blackjack: Blackjack remains one of the most popular games at The Orleans, thanks to its low minimum bets and favorable rules, including games where dealers stand on soft 17. The atmosphere is more relaxed compared to some of the high-pressure Strip venues, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced players.
- Craps: Known for being one of the most exciting games on the casino floor, the craps tables at The Orleans are always buzzing with energy. The casino offers both standard and high-stakes games, and the friendly dealers are happy to guide beginners through the process.
- Roulette: Roulette at The Orleans follows the traditional American style, with both single-zero and double-zero wheels available. Players can bet low or high, depending on their comfort level, and the vibrant setting adds to the overall experience.
- Baccarat: Baccarat is a classic that draws high rollers from all over the world. The Orleans provides a luxurious, relaxed setting for baccarat players, with several tables featuring varying limits.
- Pai Gow Poker and Pai Gow Tiles: The Orleans offers Pai Gow Poker and the more traditional Pai Gow Tiles for a unique twist. These games have become increasingly popular thanks to their slower pace and blend of skill and luck.
Slot Machines and Video Poker
One of the largest collections of slot machines in Las Vegas can be found at The Orleans. With more than 2,600 machines on the floor, ranging from penny slots to high-limit games, it’s easy to find a machine that suits your style and budget.
- Slot Machine Variety: Players can enjoy everything from old-school, three-reel slots to the latest video slots featuring interactive bonus rounds and progressive jackpots. Popular titles include Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, Wheel of Fortune, and Dragon Link.
- High-Limit Slots: For those looking to up the ante, The Orleans features a high-limit slot area where denominations start at $5 and go all the way up to $100 per spin. The high-limit area offers a more private, luxurious gaming experience.
- Video Poker: A favorite among locals, video poker machines are scattered throughout the casino, with single- and multi-hand options. Pay tables are generally favorable, making them popular for those looking to win big. You’ll find variations such as Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and Double Double Bonus Poker.
Poker Room
Poker aficionados will feel right at home in The Orleans’ world-class poker room, one of the largest and most active in Las Vegas. Known for its welcoming environment and wide range of games, the room attracts a diverse crowd from across the globe.
- 24/7 Poker Action: Open around the clock, the 35-table poker room is always buzzing. Whether you’re looking for cash games or tournaments, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
- Daily Tournaments: The Orleans offers a variety of daily poker tournaments, including No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Limit Hold’em. Buy-ins range from as low as $40 to higher-stakes events, making them accessible to players of all levels.
- Low and Mid-Stakes Games: The poker room is ideal for players who want to enjoy low to mid-stakes games without the pressure of higher-limit tables found on the Strip. You’ll find plenty of friendly competition without feeling overwhelmed by professionals.
Race & Sports Book
The Race & Sports Book at The Orleans is the place to be for sports fans. Featuring a spacious layout with plenty of comfortable seating, it’s one of the best off-strip sports books in the city.
- Massive Viewing Screens: The Race & Sports Book is equipped with giant HD screens, ensuring that you won’t miss any of the action, whether you’re watching football, basketball, baseball, or even horse racing.
- In-Game Wagering: Besides standard pre-game bets, The Orleans offers live in-game wagering, allowing you to place bets while the action unfolds. This adds a dynamic element to the sports betting experience.
- Horse Racing: A dedicated area for horse racing enthusiasts is available, with individual monitors and daily simulcasts from top tracks around the world. The staff is friendly and eager to help both novice and experienced bettors.
Dining at The Orleans Hotel & Casino
Dining is one of The Orleans’ standout features, satisfying every palate and occasion. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual eateries, or quick bites on the go, the casino provides a variety of options.
Alder & Birch
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, Alder & Birch is one of the best steakhouses off the Strip. Its warm, intimate setting makes it perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
- Prime Steaks: The menu features USDA Prime steaks, expertly cooked and served with house-made sauces. Popular choices include the Bone-In Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and the decadent Wagyu New York Strip.
- Seafood: Alder & Birch also offers a selection of fresh seafood, including Alaskan King Crab, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, and the ever-popular Surf & Turf combinations.
- Classic Cocktails: The bar offers an impressive array of cocktails, including expertly crafted Old Fashioneds, martinis, and their signature Bourbon Smash.
Big Al’s Oyster Bar
A visit to The Orleans wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Big Al’s Oyster Bar, a staple for seafood lovers. This New Orleans-inspired spot offers a casual dining experience focusing on fresh, high-quality seafood.
- Fresh Oysters: Big Al’s prides itself on its fresh-shucked oysters, which are served either raw or cooked, depending on your preference. Their Oyster Shooters are a local favorite.
- Seafood Boils: The Seafood Boil, featuring clams, shrimp, mussels, and crab, is a standout dish. Served with garlic butter and Cajun seasoning, it offers a flavorful nod to its Louisiana roots.
- Gumbo & Jambalaya: For those looking to enjoy the flavors of New Orleans, Big Al’s serves authentic Seafood Gumbo and Shrimp Jambalaya, packed with bold Cajun flavors.
Copper Whisk Café
Copper Whisk Café is the perfect spot for a casual, all-day dining experience. Open 24 hours, this café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed, diner-style setting.
- All-Day Breakfast: One of the café’s main draws is its all-day breakfast menu, offering everything from Eggs Benedict and Pancakes to hearty omelets and Belgian Waffles.
- Comfort Food: The lunch and dinner menus feature classic American comfort food, including Club Sandwiches, Grilled Burgers, and home-style entrees like Chicken Fried Steak and Meatloaf.
Courtyard Café
For another casual option, Courtyard Café provides a variety of affordable meals and is open around the clock.
- Casual Dining: The menu offers a broad range of dishes from Fish and Chips to Chicken Alfredo, making it an ideal place for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly: The family-friendly atmosphere and extensive kid’s menu make it a great choice for those traveling with children.
Bars and Lounges
No visit to The Orleans is complete without sampling the bars and lounges on the property, each offering a unique atmosphere and great drink options.
Bourbon Street Lounge
Located in the heart of the casino, the Bourbon Street Lounge is known for its live music and lively atmosphere.
- Live Entertainment: Every night, the lounge features live performances ranging from jazz to classic rock, creating a festive environment perfect for kicking back with a cocktail.
- Craft Cocktails and Drinks: The bar offers a full range of cocktails, including their signature Hurricane and classic Mint Julep, both of which pay homage to The Orleans New Orleans theme.
The Alligator Bar
A true nod to New Orleans, The Alligator Bar offers a party-like atmosphere with frozen drinks and a more laid-back vibe.
- Frozen Cocktails: Guests can enjoy various frozen drinks, such as Daiquiris and Margaritas, served in fun, colorful cups. The frozen Piña Colada is particularly popular.
- Mardi Gras Feel: Decorated with beads, masks, and Mardi Gras memorabilia, The Alligator Bar brings a little bit of Bourbon Street to Las Vegas.
Nightlife and Entertainment
The Orleans takes entertainment seriously, offering a wide variety of shows, concerts, and events for guests to enjoy. Whether you’re into live music, comedy, or major sporting events, you’ll find something exciting happening every night.
Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena is one of the hotel’s premier attractions, hosting everything from concerts to sporting events and family-friendly shows.
- Concerts: Major music artists regularly perform at the arena, making it a key venue for live music off the Strip. Acts like Aerosmith, Stevie Nicks, and Bruno Mars have graced the stage here.
- Sporting Events: The arena also hosts a variety of sporting events, including boxing matches, MMA fights, and college basketball tournaments. It’s also the home of the Las Vegas Wranglers, the city’s professional hockey team.
- Family-Friendly Shows: The arena also caters to families, with events such as ice skating shows, Disney on Ice, and other kid-friendly performances.
Orleans Showroom
For a more intimate entertainment experience, the Orleans Showroom is a great spot to catch live performances, comedy acts, and tribute shows.
- Comedy Shows: Top comedians regularly perform here, including stand-up acts like George Lopez, Jerry Seinfeld, and Amy Schumer. The setting is perfect for a night of laughter.
- Tribute Bands: Music lovers will enjoy the lineup of tribute bands, covering iconic acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Fleetwood Mac.
Attractions and Amenities
The Orleans isn’t just about gaming and entertainment—it offers a range of other amenities and attractions designed to keep guests entertained and comfortable during their stay.
Bowling Center
The Orleans Bowling Center is one of the largest in Las Vegas, featuring 70 lanes and plenty of fun for all ages.
- Cosmic Bowling: On weekends, the center transforms with Cosmic Bowling, where neon lights, lasers, and upbeat music turn a regular game into a lively, party-like experience.
- Tournaments and Leagues: The center hosts regular bowling leagues and tournaments, catering to both serious bowlers and those just looking to have fun.
Movie Theater
The Century Orleans 18 Movie Theater allows guests to take a break from the casino floor and enjoy the latest Hollywood releases.
- Luxury Seating: The theater features plush reclining chairs and various snack and drink options, making for a comfortable movie-going experience.
- New Releases: The theater regularly screens all the newest releases, offering a great activity for families or anyone looking for a quieter way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Spa & Fitness Center
The Spa & Fitness Center offers a variety of services and amenities for guests seeking a more relaxing experience.
- Spa Treatments: The spa offers treatments designed to pamper and rejuvenate from deep tissue massages to facials.
- Fitness Center: The fitness center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment, perfect for those looking to stay active during their trip.
Why The Orleans Hotel & Casino is a Must-Visit
In the world of Las Vegas’ off-strip destinations, The Orleans Hotel & Casino stands tall. Offering everything from a world-class gaming experience to diverse dining options, exciting entertainment, and family-friendly attractions, The Orleans provides a comprehensive vacation experience. With its welcoming atmosphere and a unique blend of New Orleans charm and Las Vegas flair, it’s a destination that caters to everyone—whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip.