Change of plans....

[Billy from TX.]

I was trying to round up the Ole Army buddies for a weekend in Vegas, but just can't seem to get it rolling. My buddy that has recently divorced decided that he couldn't afford it due to his wife gouging him in the divorce. My other buddy is just getting his buisness off the ground so he will not have the time or the money as well. I think that Vegas is a pretty cheap vacation besides the gambling.

So anyway, after talking to Brandy last night we decided to wait until May and return for our 5 year anniversary. We also decided that since it was just for one weekend that we want to stay downtown. We could stay downtown all weekend and it wouldn't bother us and thats probally what we'll do.

This will be our fourth trip and first time to stay downtown. I have been reading about all the cool stuff that the board has adviced for JulieJ and am wandering what everyone's thoughts were on where to stay. I know this is a very vaque question. I also understand that the Golden Nugget is probally going to be the best place downtown to stay. We are considering Golden Nugget but want other suggestions as well. If Golden Nugget is your choice, why?

I appreciate your help. By the way the dates are May 9,10,11. Also whats the pool situation like downtown?
Thanks!!

[HurricaneMikey]

Hey Billy,

Golden Nugget is head and shoulders better than the other properties, as far as hotels go, but the casino is too much like a strip casino. No reason to gamble there...

I've stayed at the Nugget, Binions, and LV Club, and buddies of mine have stayed at the California and Golden Gate. The only two we wouldn't stay at again are the Golden Gate and Binions. Main Street Station is nice, but it's a little bit of a walk from everything else, but really not too bad.

If you're taking Brandy, you should probably go with the Nugget, although the MVP rooms in the North Tower at the LV Club are pretty nice--standard, but nicer than some rooms I've had on the strip (Harrahs, Shitosphere, Sahara...)

The only property with a decent pool is the Golden Nugget, also.

I think that you'll really enjoy staying downtown. We decided to give it a try, and stayed down there 4 times last year. I think that next time we'll go back to the Strip, but downtown is always a great time.

Mikey

[jack_retired]

I have 3 answers for you:

The Golden Nugget because it is class and they have never treated me bad the many times I have stayed there. http://www.cheapovegas.com/goldennugget.html

The North Tower of the Las Vegas Club because it is cheap and a very good value for the money. Make sure you read about it at http://www.cheapovegas.com/lvclub.html I was impressed with it the only time I stayed there.

The Main Street Station because a lot of people rave about it, and I have never tried it. Did week day breakfast buffet there one time. It is not Paris or B., just good value. Omelets and eggs to order, and other NORMAL breakfast stuff. http://www.cheapovegas.com/mainstreet.html

I do not think any of these would be a mistake if you knew what to expect.

Good Luck
:D

[Andsen]

The above are all good advice but the pool (spa?) requirement is the kicker. I would say Fitzgeralds but it doesn't have either. The GN has the nicest pool although not as nice as some on the Strip. The Lady Luck has the 2nd best and the Tower rooms are the equal of most Downtown places but I don't like the casino or food. The California, Plaza and Binions all have dinky little roof top jobs that are about the equal of your back-yard pool. Some people (Cheapo Vegas)suggest staying at one and using the pool at another. I doubt that would work at the GN and wouldn't do it myself anyway as I can't see walking around Downtown (or on the Strip for that matter)in my swimwear. An alternate sggestion would be Off-Strip. Both the Orleans and the GC have acceptable pools and reasonable prices and I'm sure some of the others do too. :D

[Sonya]

You've already got good info in this thread. The pool situation downtown is pretty bad. The best pool is at Golden Nugget and it's just a regular rectangular 3' deep pool. :rolleyes:

I agree that there are a lot of off strip properties that would meet your budget needs and have a better pool. Orleans would be a good choice.

[pezarino]

I have stayed at the Golden Nugget several times and love it. We stayed there last May and I went to the pool everyday (while my husband played craps at Binions.) If you don't like gambling there it's only a few steps away to other casinos. I have stayed on the strip and would never go back! You MUST go to Le Bayou for a frozen drink. Yummmmm

[PrincePaul]

I went through a downtown phase and I am now back on the strip, but I still try and make it downtown at least one night out of my trip. The Four Queens isn't too bad and I have actually upgraded to a decent "suite" there for a very minimal charge. The GN is the nicest but I think the casino has a stuffy feeling with low ceilings. I love playing at the Four Queens. It bright and fun.