LAS VEGAS - Employees of the Plaza are admittedly biased about the hotel's reopening.
"It's amazing. It looks great," said Plaza employee Amy Schrage. "I didn't even think it could look this good in it. It looks good. Everybody that comes in says it's amazing and great. Everyone loves it, and they're all super excited."
Downtown Las Vegas visitors, on the other hand, can say whatever they want about the property. So far, the reviews are positive.
"Everything's changed quite a bit, a lot since I've seen it last," said downtown visitor Tony Winn.
"I like it," added downtown visitor Nate Robinson. "It's more spacious, and you've got a lot of new games. It's more up to date - up to date, and it smells brand new."
"You don't want to go into some place that's all old and looks bad, you know? I like new and remodeled," downtown visitor Becky Winn said.
Since last November, a dark cloud has loomed over the 40-year-old landmark. That's when property owners announced they were shutting down the hotel and laying off 400 workers to give it a makeover. On Thursday, the dark cloud will be lifted as the first guests check into the newly renovated rooms.
With new dining and clubs, the new Plaza Hotel has a fresh look and feel that other nearby restaurants and casinos hope to capitalize on. The reopening is one piece of a master plan to rejuvenate and revitalize downtown.
Former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who once wanted to see the Plaza imploded, is opening a new restaurant there. The Plaza's reopening also opens the door for more jobs.
"As we expand the business, we want to grow like any company would," said Plaza Director of Casino Marketing Nejim Kutireh. "As we grow, we're going to need more talented people."
With one thousand new rooms and suites and a brand new casino floor, the Plaza is - as its marquee says - a modern classic once again.
"It's not the same old Plaza," Kutireh said. "I think a lot of people have different perceptions of what it might be. You just gotta' come down and check it out. It's all brand new. We dumped a lot of money in it, a lot of time. We're pretty excited about it."
The Plaza's reopening amounts to 800 jobs. Three hundred of those belong to workers who were originally laid off in November.
