Four Queens Resort and Casino Las Vegas

The Four (4) Queens Resort and Casino, a historic hotel and casino, stands as an iconic landmark in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, nestled within the vibrant Fremont Street Experience¹. Established in 1966 and named as a tribute to the founder’s four daughters, it has become a beloved destination for those seeking a classic Vegas experience with a touch of old-world charm². With 690 well-appointed rooms and suites spread across two towers, the Four Queens offers a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of the city³.

History

Early Years and Expansion

Originally envisioned by Ben Goffstein, the Four Queens was named as a tribute to his four daughters². The casino first opened its doors on June 2, 1966, with a grand opening celebration that included a promotional giveaway with prizes totaling $250,000². Two months later, the eight-story hotel, initially featuring 115 rooms, was unveiled². The casino floor started with 406 slot machines, 6 crap tables, and 17 blackjack tables⁴. Designed with future expansion in mind, a 10-story addition was completed in 1969, increasing the room count to 325². In 1972, the Four Queens Arcade expanded the casino’s footprint, adding 105 slot machines and a bar in the space previously occupied by the 4 Kings Arcade gift shop². A $3.5 million expansion was completed in 1976, marking the property’s 10th anniversary².

Further Development and Milestones

A significant milestone occurred in 1977 when Jeanne Hood, following the death of her husband David Hood (the then-president of the Four Queens), took over as president and chief executive officer⁴. This made her one of the few women to hold such a position in a Las Vegas hotel-casino at that time. In 1981, a second 18-story tower was added, bringing the total number of rooms to 716².

The year 1984 saw a year-long strike by multiple unions representing Las Vegas resort workers, impacting the Four Queens as well². This event highlighted the complex labor relations history of the casino and its impact on the Las Vegas community. In the following year, employees at the Four Queens voted to decertify the Culinary Workers Union, making it the last resort picketed by the striking workers².

Unique Gaming Offerings and Renovations

Continuing its legacy of innovation, the Four Queens introduced the world’s largest slot machine in 1985². Dubbed the “Queen’s Machine,” this colossal slot machine stood 9 feet high, 18 feet long, and 8 feet wide, accommodating up to six players at once with a tempting $2 million jackpot². In 1995, a $5 million renovation coincided with the launch of the Fremont Street Experience, a dazzling pedestrian mall with a captivating light show that runs along the front of the resort². Furthering its unique offerings, the casino unveiled the world’s largest blackjack table in 1996².

The Four Queens played a key role in the creation of the Fremont Street Experience in the mid-1990s, contributing to the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas⁵. This initiative transformed the area into a vibrant entertainment hub, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere and attractions.

In December 2003, the Four Queens achieved another first in the Las Vegas gaming scene by introducing Blackjack Switch, a unique blackjack variant created by Geoff Hall². This innovative game later gained widespread popularity in casinos throughout the area.

Location

The Four Queens enjoys a prime location in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, specifically at 202 East Fremont Street⁶. This central location places it within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, including the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall with live entertainment and dazzling light shows⁷. Other nearby attractions include the Mob Museum, which delves into the history of organized crime in Las Vegas, and the Neon Museum, a captivating collection of vintage neon signs⁷. The hotel is also conveniently located near a variety of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants⁸.

For those arriving by air, the Four Queens is approximately 20 minutes from both McCarran Intl Airport (7 miles) and Harry Reid Intl Airport⁶.

Amenities

The Four Queens provides a range of amenities to enhance guests’ experience:

Casino: With a total gaming space of 27,269 sq ft, the casino offers a diverse selection of gaming options, including 838 slot machines, 30 table games, and a race and sports book².
Dining: Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences at the hotel’s restaurants. Hugo’s Cellar offers a romantic fine dining experience, while Magnolia’s Veranda provides casual American cuisine 24/7. The Chicago Brew Pub serves handcrafted microbrews and pub fare⁹.
Outdoor Pool: Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the seasonal outdoor pool, located across the street at the sister property, Binion’s¹⁰.
Business Center: For those who need to stay connected and productive, the hotel offers a business center with essential services⁶.
Fitness Center: Guests can maintain their fitness routine at the hotel’s fitness center¹³.

Value & Affordability

One of the most appealing aspects of the Four Queens is the absence of resort fees¹. This makes it a particularly attractive option for budget-conscious travelers who want to maximize their vacation dollars without compromising on location or amenities. Compared to many other Las Vegas hotels, especially those on the Strip, the Four Queens offers significant cost savings by eliminating these extra charges¹⁴.

Rooms

The Four Queens offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and needs:

South Tower Premium Rooms:
- Modern design with a choice of one king bed or two queen beds¹¹.
- Approximately 325 square feet¹¹.
- Upgraded linens, 32″ HD flat-screen TV, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, hair dryer, iron with ironing board, mini-fridge, in-room safe, and individualized heating and cooling system¹¹.
- Many rooms offer views of the Las Vegas city lights and scenic mountain ranges¹¹.
North Tower Standard Rooms:
- Available with one king bed or two double beds¹¹.
- Approximately 290 square feet¹¹.
- Upgraded linens, 32″ HD flat-screen TV, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, hair dryer, iron with ironing board, and in-room safe¹¹.
- Rooms on higher floors offer views of the city lights and mountains¹¹.
Royal Suites:
- Spacious suites with 620 square feet¹¹.
- One king bed with upgraded linens, living area with a pull-out queen-size sofa bed, love seat, separate sitting area, and 55″ HD flat-screen TV¹¹.
- Bathroom with granite countertops, tile flooring, and a walk-in shower with multiple shower heads¹¹.
Accessible Rooms:
- Designed for accessibility with two full-size beds¹⁵.
- Features include grab bars, roll-in or transfer showers, and height-adjustable shower heads¹⁵.

Dining

The Four Queens offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy various tastes:

Hugo’s Cellar: This award-winning restaurant provides an elegant and romantic dining experience⁹. Specializing in fine meats and seafood, Hugo’s Cellar is known for its tableside preparation of appetizers and salads, extensive wine list, and attentive service¹¹. Ladies are greeted with a complimentary rose upon arrival, adding a touch of old-world charm⁹. Hugo’s Cellar has been consistently recognized for its excellence, including being voted “Best Gourmet Room” in Las Vegas by Review Journal readers for five consecutive years and receiving the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” since 1993¹¹.
Magnolia’s Veranda: Open 24 hours a day, Magnolia’s Veranda offers a casual dining experience with a wide-ranging menu to suit all tastes⁸. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a quick bite or a satisfying meal at any time of day or night. The restaurant is also known for its prime rib dinner, served starting at 4 p.m¹¹.
Chicago Brewing Company: For a more casual and lively atmosphere, guests can head to the Chicago Brewing Company¹¹. This brewpub offers a selection of handcrafted microbrews alongside a menu of pizzas, appetizers, and classic pub fare¹¹. It also features a cigar selection for those who enjoy a post-meal smoke¹¹.
Additional Dining Options: Guests can also find other dining options nearby, including Oscar’s (0.25 miles northwest) and Viva Arepas (1.25 miles southwest)⁶.

Promotions and Deals

The Four Queens offers various promotions and deals to provide guests with added value:

Discounts: Military personnel, first responders, and guests aged 55 and over can enjoy a 10% discount on regular room rates¹⁶.
Online Rates: Special discounted rates are often available for online bookings¹⁷.

For the most up-to-date information on promotions and deals, it’s recommended to visit the hotel’s website or contact them directly¹⁶.

Reviews

The Four Queens generally receives positive feedback from guests, with many highlighting its prime location, affordability, and friendly staff¹⁸. However, some reviews mention areas for improvement, such as cleanliness and noise levels.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a summary of the main pros and cons based on guest reviews:

Pros:

Prime Location: The hotel’s central location on Fremont Street provides easy access to the Fremont Street Experience, casinos, restaurants, and other attractions¹⁸.
Affordability: The Four Queens offers competitive rates and the added benefit of no resort fees, making it a budget-friendly option¹⁸.
Friendly Staff: Many guests commend the helpful and accommodating nature of the hotel staff¹⁴.
Dining Options: The hotel offers a variety of dining choices, catering to different preferences and budgets⁹.

Cons:

Cleanliness: Some reviewers have pointed out inconsistencies in cleanliness, particularly in the bathrooms¹⁸.
Noise Levels: Due to its location on Fremont Street, noise from the surrounding entertainment and activities can be a concern, especially for light sleepers¹⁴.
Dated Rooms: Some guests have described the rooms as feeling dated or in need of updates¹⁹.

It’s important to note that the Four Queens’ location on Fremont Street presents a trade-off¹⁸. While it offers unparalleled access to the vibrant atmosphere and attractions of downtown Las Vegas, it also comes with the potential for noise, especially during peak hours and events.

Website Reviews

Interestingly, the Four Queens website itself doesn’t seem to have a dedicated section for user reviews or expert reviews¹. The reason for this is not explicitly stated on the website, but contact information is provided for any inquiries¹.

Tips for Your Stay

To enhance your stay at the Four Queens, consider these tips:

South Tower for Quiet: If you prefer a quieter stay, request a room in the South Tower, which is located further away from the bustling Fremont Street¹⁸.
Players Club Perks: Sign up for the All Access Players Club to earn rewards and potentially receive perks like free meals or discounts¹⁸.
Noise Considerations: If you’re sensitive to noise, bring earplugs or request a room away from the Fremont Street side¹⁸.
Premium Room Amenities: For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a Premium Room with a walk-in shower featuring multiple shower heads¹⁸.
Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the hotel’s central location to explore nearby attractions like the Fremont Street Experience, the Mob Museum, and the Neon Museum¹⁸.

Conclusion

The Four Queens Resort and Casino offers a unique blend of classic Las Vegas charm and modern amenities. Its prime location on Fremont Street provides an immersive experience in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, with easy access to entertainment, dining, and attractions. While some aspects, such as noise levels and room conditions, may vary based on individual preferences, the hotel’s affordability, particularly the absence of resort fees, makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious travelers.

From its grand opening in 1966 to its present-day status as a downtown landmark, the Four Queens has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of Las Vegas. It has maintained its classic Vegas appeal while adapting to the changing landscape of the city. The hotel’s commitment to providing value and a memorable experience is evident in its diverse dining options, comfortable accommodations, and focus on guest satisfaction. By considering the insights from guest reviews and following the tips provided, visitors can make the most of their stay at the Four Queens and enjoy a true taste of Las Vegas history and entertainment.