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First time Downtown

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by wanker751, Oct 8, 2014.

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  1. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    In Jan I am going to be spending my first two nights Downtown, two on strip, either by myself or with a friend. I usually do one 5 to 6 hr trip downtown, but I want to spend more time there and experience it in all its glory. I will be doing Thursday/Friday downtown and Saturday/Sunday strip, most likely Cosmo, unless I get better offers elsewhere.

    I know at Fremont I can get 2 nights free, I had similar play at 4 Queens so I am sure the offer would be the same. I have not played much a GN. The D I had some play but I am not sure if it would be anything.

    MSS/CA Boyd is giving me reduced rates, but I think I will not consider those because I like the idea of being on Fremont Street (actually I kinda want an low room looking out onto Fremont Steet, below the light show) but if those hotels are a lot better I may consider.

    So my question is, should I just go where I can get free? Are any of the hotels I mentioned not even worth free? I just do not want a grimy roach motel experience, but I know the luxury will not be like the strip. I am just looking for a clean comfortable place to sleep from 7 am to 3 or 4 pm.

    I have read the rooms at Fremont/Queens are small, if with my buddy would it just be best to get 2 rooms?

    Any other tips for someone popping his downtown cherry would be appreciated.
     
  2. Dtyst1

    Dtyst1 Low-Roller

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    Enjoy downtown in all its late night/morning greatness.

    I would caution that Four Queens has seemingly gotten tighter on their comps. I wouldn't bank on getting the normal 2 or 3 free nights. Most likely you would be looking at a BOGO offer.

    Have fun.
     
  3. Robertintx

    Robertintx Low-Roller

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    I stay at the Fremont and will be there in Jan..
    The rooms are very nice, it's the bathrooms that are small.
    Big enough for me but if there are a lot of things to sit out etc. it would be small.
    I always go alone so it's no problem for me.
    Good Luck and Have Fun !
     
  4. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Actually looking at my offer for Fremont it was only for Dec, so if I had to pay for a room what would be recommended? Cheapest option so I have more $ for gambling? I know GN is class of downtown, but is twice as much as Fremont. I need to call 4Q still.

    Or is MSS that much better than Fremont that is worth giving up being right on the experience for? I casino hop a lot during the night and then 3 or so hrs before bed hit my home casino really hard. I know it is close, but I dunno I like the idea of walking out of my "home" and being 100 feet from a ton of casinos.
     
  5. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    LOL wanker, you will not get a grimy roach motel experience downtown. That's an old stereotype that some people like to hold on to. I've stayed everywhere except California, Fremont and DT Grand but all the hotels are just fine. Not fancy but certainly fine.

    I've never considered the 4Q rooms small. They'd be just fine for 2 people. If it was me, I'd go for the free room and stay there.

    If you would actually like a low room under the canopy, I think the Golden Gate sounds perfect for you. The hotel is only 3 or 4 floors so if you get a room out front, you will be in the thick of the action. They have windows that open too so you will get all the noise and people watching you could ever want. It can be a fun place to stay if you are in the right mood. The rooms aren't large but have 2 double beds. The washrooms are small but functional. If your sleeping from 7 am to 3 pm, it would be perfect.

    When you go downtown, you might want to try spending some time at the Golden Gate to set up an offer for your next trip. They are pretty good in giving offers for comped rooms. Steve is the name of a host there and I often see him hanging around the bar in the evening. He chats with people and usually offers to show them a room or suite for next time. If you ask the bartender, he will be happy to let Steve (or whatever host is on duty) know you are interested. You don't have to be a High Roller to talk to the host there. It's that type of place.
     
  6. Darreningreenwood

    Darreningreenwood Low-Roller

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    I would second the Golden Gate for under the canopy. I've stayed there 3 times, and was able to look out under the canopy twice. I'm sure they'd give you on up front if you asked. As far as I recall, the GG is the only one you can get a room that's under the canopy, though others can correct me if I'm wrong.

    It sounds like you prefer a nicer room, but don't want to pay Golden Nugget prices. Understandable. And you sound like you understand the whole downtown thing, with being able to casino hop without problem. Would you consider the Plaza? The rooms were re-done 3 or 4 years ago, and are actually pretty nice. While the casino is usually dead, I think it's one of the cleaner/sharper gaming floors downtown. And Freemont St. is right there, not a block away like MSS/Cal/DTG.
     
  7. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Lol gambler I know, but I also heard quality of service and accommodations can widely vary. Tripadvisor is not a great spot for downtown (other than some pictures) because I think people expect the moon. Are there places I should not go to?

    Darren, thank you for the tip, I never even once considered the Golden Gate! So I will add that to my list if I cannot get it free (on the front end) elsewhere!
     
  8. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    I can't think of any casinos that you need to stay away from. No place downtown is recycling sheets so any place you pick may not be the most modern but they will all be clean. Well, maybe stay away from the Pavilion tower at the El Cortez but not because of anything to do with cleanliness but just that I've heard they have thin walls and it may be hard for you to get sleep during the day with people coming and going.

    Ya, trip advisor is not the place to get reviews for downtown. Those guys spend $34 for a room and expect Bellagio or something. Try using the search bar at the top of this page and you'll get some real reviews, both the good and the bad.

    From the sounds of your lifestyle (party all night and sleep during the day) I think both the 4Q and The D would be choices to look at. You can't beat either location for casino hopping. 4Q's has an older clientele whereas The D is younger. The D will no doubt be hopping into the wee hours whereas 4Q's probably gets a bit sleepy after midnight. The rooms are a bit worn at 4Q but still clean. I've stayed there many times and had good and bad rooms but none so bad that I've asked to be moved. The D has nice updated rooms but the air conditioners are noisy. Fremont Street noise can be an issue no matter where you stay downtown but it doesn't sound like that's something you'd be concerned about if you stay up late.

    Depending on your game that may make a difference too. If you play video poker, 4Q would be better. If you play BJ then The D would be best. Fremont Casino is also pretty central too and quite lively every time I've been there. The Nugget is fancy but if you go for a cheaper room there, you'll spend most of your time hiking the hallways rather than the casino hopping you hope to do. I stayed there once and while it was nice, it just takes too long to get to your room and back.

    Cocktail service at The D and Golden Gate are both very good if you are playing table games. I'm not a slot player so can't comment on the drink service there.

    I would suggest staying right on Fremont for your first time. So 4Q, The D, GGate or Fremont would all be good. The Plaza has larger rooms and would also work for you but I'm not sure it has the late night vibe you are looking for.

    MSS, The California and El Cortez are all nice places but a little far for late night casino hopping.

    Of course any place can have an off night or an off room or a grumpy employee or two. It sounds like you have reasonable expectations though so I'm sure you'll have fun no matter where you stay.
     
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2014
  9. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    If by staying up all night partying you mean gambling then yes! My game is anything I can put money down on.

    I appreciate the list on where to gamble at for specific games. I have been playing a lot of VP recently and I did tell my buddy not to expect me to hang around him too much. I said "If I wanna play 8hrs of VP I am gonna do it" I play low level BJ when I can find it. I can play Pai Gow all night long.

    So I think I will go with the cheapest place I can do, which honestly will be probably be Fremont due to my play at the local Boyd property.

    I know the slot director at a BYD property near me so maybe I can tap him for help at Fremont if worst comes to worst.

    I truly appreciate the time you took to help me out!
     
  10. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Well I believe the decision was just made for me, I just got a mailer from Fremont for two free unrestricted nights and $10 dining credit! I will call other places I have play at (D and 4Q) and check them out. Thanks again guys for helping me out with everything!
     
  11. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    Great decision wanker!

    The nice thing about 4Q and The D is if you do have any offers of free play or free food, neither of those places require you to book a room to get the free offers. (Boyd properties require you to stay though so booking the Fremont was smart.) So be sure to check at the club booth, especially at 4Q because you have probably earned something there. They may have tightened up a bit lately with free rooms but they are still generous with their comp dollars and you would have earned something for your previous play.

    And ya, when I was referring to partying all night downtown, I definitely meant gambling. Funny...if we were talking about partying all night on the strip, it would mean something completely different. :wink2:
     
  12. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Lol, well for me partying all night on the strip.... is still gambling.

    Quick story, I had to do an identity map for myself at a teacher's workshop. Put your name in middle and draw lines off yourself with words that describe who you are. I started with father and the rest of the family words. After that the very next word was.... gambler.

    I was thinking of calling other places in case I have an offer for a room there, maybe I can put my buddy up in it and then I can check out two properties. But either way, free mean more money for gambling... well and strippers too! :drunk:


    Funny thing about the mailer I got from Fremont today is this is the first ever, ever mailer I got from a downtown Casino. (I think 4Q has my old address now that I think of it) I was able to check BYD offers online but nothing to my house. Three days after I book the flight, manna from heaven falls on my doorstep. So strange.

    I do appreciate the assistance gambler, thank you so much for taking your time to help me, your advice was really helpful.

    Good luck to you.
     
  13. DrGPadgett

    DrGPadgett Tourist

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    A Free Room offer usually does make the decision easy. Way to go!

    Just for the record: The Four Queens has nice rooms that are under the FSE canopy. They are decent rooms that you can see from the pedestrian mall, just above the yellow lights. I usually use e $20 bill trick to get a "North Tower room, even-numbered, 4th or 5th floor". I love being under the canopy, as you can watch the FSE light shows and do the people-watching from your own room. The rooms even come equipped with earplugs!

    My full July TR is on the site here, with the title "13 Days...". I would post a link, but I am traveling now and only able to use the phone to post.

    Downtown Rocks!

    Regards, Gene!
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2014
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