Since opening 30 years ago, the Orleans in Las Vegas has earned a very Dickensian reputation.
General Manager Chris Joy calls it a “tale of two casinos,” and while it might not have the historical sweep of the Charles Dickens novel A Tale of Two Cities, it nevertheless appeals to dual constituencies.
“We certainly have a local component that’s been loyal to the company and the property for a long time, since we’ve opened in 1996,” Joy tells CDC Gaming. “We certainly cater to a locals’ component.
“And because of our proximity to the (Las Vegas) Strip and the size of the hotel, we certainly also have out-of-town customers that come here.”
The Orleans has a comfortable, lived-in quality hard to replicate. It may not be the most lavish of casinos, nor is it the most glamorous. But for those who visit the venue on Tropicana Avenue, it feels like home.
“I’m just very comfortable,” says Kim Watson, a regular visitor who started playing at the Orleans 20 years ago. “I know I lose, but it doesn’t affect me because I enjoy it. If I was uncomfortable, I wouldn’t be here.”
Watson plays at the Orleans because of its proximity to her home in the Chinatown section of Las Vegas. Because she’s only five miles away, she can get to the Orleans quickly and doesn’t have to worry about traffic on the Las Vegas Strip.
Joy lists other advantages for the property: no parking or resort fees, large and comfortable rooms, and proximity to other Vegas attractions.
“We’re very close to Allegiant Stadium,” Joy says. It’s just really convenient. It’s a great value for a lot of customers.”
Visitors can choose from an array of amenities including a first-run movie theater and a bowling alley. The Orleans Arena seats between 7,000-9,500 and host events as diverse as JAMZ, a youth cheer and dance competition, and the West Coast Conference basketball tournament.
The dining options include the high-end Alder & Birch, a traditional American steakhouse; Bailiwick, which features an eclectic menu of sandwiches and pizza; and the Copper Whisk Café, a breakfast-themed eatery with a selection of sandwiches.
There’s also a food court featuring recognizable and affordable outlets including Fuddruckers, Sbarro, Subway, and Baskin-Robbins.
In addition to table games, the Orleans boasts an increasing rare offering: a large, expansive poker room. Play starts early in morning and continues throughout the night. Joy acknowledges that poker rooms are “opening and closing all the time,” but the Orleans has carved a consistent niche among locals and visitors.
“I think that we figured out the secret recipe,” Joy says, noting that poker room personnel are professional and friendly. “We do treat people with respect. We accept all players, whether you are seasoned or a novice, and we’re very welcoming.”
The respect poker room staffers have for patrons is evident throughout the property, from front desk personnel to the cleaning staff. Joy says staffers don’t need to have the necessary skills when they join the Orleans, but they must have a certain comportment.
“The number one thing that we hire for is the personality, the ability to engage and the desire to want to solve problems, or solve little things,” Joy says. “That goes such a long way. I can train the skill – if somebody happens to have the skill, that’s awesome. But if somebody has a great attitude, a great personality versus only having a strong skill, I’ll take the personality.”
Watson notes that she brings cinnamon rolls weekly for her host at the Orleans, Melanie Kim, who goes out of her way to welcome players.
“They don’t judge you here,” Watson says of the Orleans. “Now on the Strip, they do judge you. Money talks. If I want to lose my money, I want to be comfortable.”
