Palace Station Hotel and Casino opened on July 1, 1976, as a 5,000‑square‑foot gambling hall called The Casino, the first property of what would become Station Casinos (Wikipedia). Today, after a $192 million renovation completed in 2018, it offers 575 guest rooms, 18,000 square feet of meeting space, and a locals‑focused casino experience. This guide covers the property’s history, current amenities, and what sets it apart from Strip resorts.
Last checked: 2026-07-09
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Overview: 575 rooms, 84,000 sq ft casino, 6 restaurants, 5 bars · Amenities: Pool, spa, buffet, free valet parking, free WiFi · History: Opened 1976 as The Casino, renovated 2018 · Location: 2411 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, 5 minutes from the Strip
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-09.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Wikipedia, Cvent, Travel Weekly, Allegiant Travel website, Las Vegas Review‑Journal, Station Casinos Blog, and a YouTube historical documentary.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify current room prices.
Palace Station at a Glance
- 575 guest rooms and 18,000 sq ft of meeting space, accommodating over 2,000 people (Cvent)
- Opened July 1, 1976 as a 5,000 sq ft gambling hall called The Casino
- $192 million renovation, fall 2016 to fall 2018, introduced modernized casino and dining (Station Casinos Blog)
- 2411 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, off I-15, about 5 minutes from the Strip (Cvent)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | 575 rooms, 18,000 sq ft meeting space, 5 minutes from the Strip |
| Amenities | Free self‑parking and valet (Las Vegas Review‑Journal), multiple on‑site restaurants and bars |
| History | Opened 1976 as The Casino, renamed Bingo Palace (1977), then Palace Station (1984) |
| Location | 2411 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas; near I-15 |
Does Palace Station Casino Have a Buffet?
Palace Station once featured the Feast Buffet, which in September 2018 introduced an overnight buffet service, marketed as the only one in Las Vegas (Station Casinos Blog). However, according to a watchdog site that tracks Station Casinos properties, all buffets at Station casinos closed in March 2020 and have not reopened (My Stations Watch). As of early 2026, no buffet is operating at Palace Station.
What other restaurants are available?
The property houses several dining outlets, including Grand Café, Oyster Bar, Pasta Cucina, Cabo Mexican Restaurant, and quick‑service eateries (Allegiant Travel). A 2024 TripAdvisor reviewer noted “plenty of places to eat and free parking.”
Is There a Pool at Palace Station?
Palace Station does have a pool, according to commonly asked questions about the property. We could not locate official documentation of its size or seasonal hours, but guest feedback frequently mentions it. The property also offers a spa, noted by third‑party travel references such as Smartervegas.
What Was Palace Station Called Before?
Palace Station opened as The Casino on July 1, 1976. It was expanded and renamed Bingo Palace with a grand opening on June 30, 1977. The railroad theme and “Palace Station” name came through a 1983 naming contest, officially taking effect on January 1, 1984. A formal grand opening under the new name was held on April 6, 1984, featuring Nevada Governor Richard Bryan and the historic locomotive Inyo.
How old is the Palace Station hotel?
The property first opened in 1976, which means it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. The current hotel tower was added later, with construction starting on July 9, 1990.
Is Palace Station under renovation?
No. The most recent major renovation ran from fall 2016 to fall 2018, costing $192 million. A grand re‑opening with fireworks was held on September 1, 2018. Since then, no further renovation has been announced.
How Old Is the Palace Station Hotel?
As noted, it opened in 1976, making it almost 50 years old. The original structure was a modest 5,000 sq ft hall; the 21‑story hotel tower opened in 1990. The 2016–2018 renovation demolished the original roadside motel structures and thoroughly modernized the property.
What room types are available?
Palace Station offers Premier rooms and Parlor Suites, as well as standard guest rooms. Industry listings commonly cite 575 rooms. A 2024 TripAdvisor reviewer mentioned “clean and quiet rooms with two queen beds.”
“The rooms were clean and quiet, the staff hospitable, and there were plenty of places to eat and free parking.”
— TripAdvisor review, January 2024
“Cheap quality rooms, a decent casino, strong bartender service, and an awesome buffet – very good value for money.”
— TripAdvisor bar and lounge feature
Pros and Cons of Palace Station
Pros
- Free parking (valet and self‑parking) – a rarity near the Strip
- Locals‑focused, less crowded than Strip casinos
- Multiple dining options, including 24/7 Grand Café
- Affordable room rates compared to Strip properties
- Convenient off‑Strip location with easy highway access
Cons
- No buffet currently operating
- Older rooms may not have been renovated
- Not walkable to the Strip; requires a car or rideshare
- Limited nightlife and entertainment compared to larger resorts
- Spa and pool details are not well‑publicized
Best for Segments
- Las Vegas locals: Designed specifically for locals, with a relaxed atmosphere and loyalty programs.
- Budget travelers: Lower room rates, free parking, and affordable dining make it a budget‑friendly option.
- Casino enthusiasts: An 84,000 sq ft casino floor (per industry estimates) with slots, table games, and a sports book.
Pricing Band
Palace Station positions itself as a mid‑scale, value‑focused property. Room rates are generally lower than those on the Las Vegas Strip, especially on weekdays. While we did not independently verify current prices, Travel Weekly describes the property as “mid‑scale” and “value‑focused.” Free parking and multiple affordable dining outlets help keep total trip costs down.
Location and Getting There
Palace Station is located at 2411 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, just off Interstate 15 and about a 5‑minute drive from the Strip. It is not within walking distance of most Strip attractions, so a car, taxi, or rideshare is recommended. The address is easily accessible from McCarran International Airport via I-15 north. Wikipedia confirms its position at Sahara Avenue and I-15.
Alternatives to Palace Station
If Palace Station doesn’t fit your needs, consider these nearby locals‑oriented properties by the same operator:
- The Orleans Hotel & Casino: Larger property with a movie theater and bowling alley, also off-Strip.
- Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa: Upscale locals’ resort with a pool complex and higher dining options.
- Rio All‑Suite Hotel & Casino: Mid‑scale all‑suite property off the Strip with a popular pool area.
For Strip convenience, consider our Rio All‑Suite Hotel & Casino review or Flight and Hotel Packages to Las Vegas.
Our Pick Recommendation
For first‑time Las Vegas visitors or budget‑conscious travelers, Palace Station offers a solid entry point: free parking, multiple restaurants, and a relaxed locals atmosphere. We recommend it especially for those who plan to drive and want to avoid Strip crowds. However, if you prioritize walkable Strip access or a buzzy nightlife scene, this won’t be your best fit. Book a Premier room or Parlor Suite for a more updated experience.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 1, 1976: Opens as The Casino (5,000 sq ft gambling hall).
- June 30, 1977: Expanded and renamed Bingo Palace.
- 1983–84: Naming contest; official name change to Palace Station on Jan 1, 1984; grand opening on Apr 6, 1984.
- July 9, 1990: Construction begins on the 21‑story hotel tower.
- Fall 2016 – Fall 2018: $192 million renovation, including demolition of original motel wing.
- Sept 1, 2018: Grand re‑opening with fireworks.
- March 2020: Buffet closes due to pandemic; not reopened.
- 2026: Property marks 50th anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special offers for locals?
Yes, a dedicated “Locals” page exists on the Station Casinos website with promotions and perks.
Does Palace Station have free parking?
Yes, free self‑parking and valet are available, as confirmed by the Las Vegas Review‑Journal.
How large is the casino floor?
Industry estimates place the casino floor at approximately 84,000 square feet, with slots, table games, and a sports book.
What is the capacity of the meeting space?
There are 18,000 square feet of meeting space, accommodating over 2,000 people (Cvent).
When did the hotel tower open?
The 21‑story hotel tower opened in 1990, with construction starting on July 9, 1990.
Is there a sports book at Palace Station?
Yes, the casino includes a sports book alongside slots and table games.