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Downtown: The Hotel/Casino Compromise

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by thecarve, Dec 26, 2014.

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  1. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    I'm in the very early stages of planning a spring trip. This will be my first downtown trip after 40-odd times staying on the strip and I'd like a little advice on where to stay.

    My priorities (in no particular order) are:

    A Nice Room. I've been spoiled by staying almost exclusively at Wynncore the past few years so I'm used to a very nice room. I certainly don't need, nor do I expect (nor do I want to pay for), a room of that caliber. But I do want something nice. A comfy bed, decent-size bathroom and a nice TV are musts. In addition, good black out shades and some peace and quiet between ~3 am and 10 am are also important. Stylish and modern decor and good room service would be nice, but are not necessities.

    Good Gambling. Blackjack and video poker (DDB and Boner Deluxe) are my drugs of choice. My bets will probably be all over the map. But I'd imagine the lion's share of my action will be $1 VP and ~$25 BJ. I also enjoy craps. But I doubt I will play enough to affect my comps, so I'm willing to play at other casinos if I need to. (Though, obviously having good craps rules in my home casino would be a bonus.)

    Good Restaurants and Bars. (I know I said these were in no particular order, but this one is a bit less important.) I'd like to have the chance to have as many meals and drinks (while not gambling) comped as possible. So having good restaurants and bars in my home casino would be a plus. I like craft beers and well made cocktails - so any good casino bar recommendations would be appreciated. As far as food, I'll eat about any type of cuisine. And I usually eat a meal or two at about every price point during a trip.

    I haven't decided my budget yet. For the sake of this question, let's say I'm willing to pay for an upgraded room (like a Rush Tower room at GN, for example) or a small/junior suite, but not some $1000/night penthouse or anything like that.

    So, what do you guys think? I realize I can't have everything I want. But which property do you think would represent the best compromise for me?

    Many thanks! :beer:
     
  2. billduhcat

    billduhcat Low-Roller

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    Golden Gate suite. Ask for one facing their parking lot for a quite stay.
     
  3. harley777

    harley777 Low-Roller

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  4. harley777

    harley777 Low-Roller

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    I like to stay at Downtown Grand because it is nice and new. Make sure to eat at Pizza Rock and Andiamos at the D. It is a short walk to all the great casinos The D, Golden Gate and Main Street Station. Also a lot of great bars near by. I have never liked playing/vibe at the Golden Nugget so have never stayed their...
     
  5. Hawaiianmark

    Hawaiianmark Low-Roller

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    IMHO the most under served suite is the GN 1 bdrm suite. You have -

    Jacuzzi tub

    Steam shower

    Wet bar

    comfy room/bed

    Turn down gives super classy notes.

    Room service pretty good.

    (As to the rest; you go and you will find)
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2014
  6. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    The nugget is where you will be the most comfortable. MSS is where you want to drink beer and play craps. El-Co is where you want to play blackjack for best rules. Golden Gate for best "environment".
    4 queens is best for VP, but i don't play it, so I could be wrong.
    food comps at the nugget will fit with your expectations.
     
    Annual Spring Trip!
  7. tominiowa

    tominiowa High-Roller

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    Grand has room service 24/7 now. Good BJ rules and nice pit bosses and dealers.
    Comps are decent at $25/hand. $25/hand at nugget won't get you much. Triple George across from grand is a nice steakhouse.
    Coffee house at Grand is average at best. Nugget would be nicer dining options. Grand definately quieter and VP is not as good as others downtown.

    Enjoy the change. Both strip and DT have benefits. Hope it is what you want.
     
  8. Needmeavegasgettaway

    Needmeavegasgettaway Tourist

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    I myself am trying to decide between the GN and Downtown Grand. The main thing leaning mr towards the GN is location.
     
  9. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    Thanks for the info, Hawaiianmark. I'll check that out. I'm not 100% sure when I'm going - might be March Madness - so I don't know that I'll be willing to pay the fare. But if I end up going on an off week, that definitely sounds like it's right up my alley.

    Thanks, tominiowa. Good stuff.

    While I've never set foot in the place, DG definitely sounds as if it ought to be one of the front runners. I also like the idea that it isn't on Fremont.



    I'm a bit surprised I haven't had any recommendations for The D. It seems to get quite a bit of love here on VMB.
     
  10. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    I dunno about the gambling but otherwise you're looking at the Golden Nugget. I freaking love Golden Nugget.
     
  11. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    Carve... this--> "I've been spoiled by staying almost exclusively at Wynncore the past few years so I'm used to a very nice room."
    Nothing wrong with 'theD' or the Plaza for that matter. Those two properties have decent, and larger-than-usual rooms (for downtown).

    But the Nugget (and, presumably, the Grand) are the only rooms that come close to the quality of any Wynn property.
     
    Annual Spring Trip!
  12. LoveDowntownVegas

    LoveDowntownVegas High-Roller

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    Agree.

    A nice room.
    I always stay at the D but it isn't because I've been spoiled with luxury. It's comped, and I like comped. The bed is comfy, but the bathroom and TV probably wouldn't meet your expectations. DTG probably would (I have stayed there as well). However, I have heard the suites at the D are very nice. If you're paying, maybe you price check a suite.

    Good Gambling - The D has plenty of options at BJ - the high limit pit is usually $15-$25 min bet and you're assured comps with decent play. DTG only has 3 or 4 BJ tables. I really like the $25 DD DAS table.

    Good Restaurants and Bars - DTG probably has the widest selection (maybe Plaza) but the D only has a few options. I like all of the options they offer, but I'm not real picky when it comes to food while in vegas.

    knee-jerk reaction to your question - "which property do you think would represent the best compromise for me?" I think DTG. food selection is nice, rooms are nice and modern, and they have good BJ. I don't know about VP, I don't play..
     
  13. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    Thanks guys. I don't want to make it sound like I have to stay at THE best place. (After Wynncore, IP is probably the place I've stayed most often, so I can certainly handle a crappy room when I need to.)

    But it's starting to sound like Downtown Grand is probably going to be the best compromise for me. Especially since The D Suite is probably more than I could get comped and GN doesn't seem to have any playable VP.

    Does anyone have an opinion on whether or not the upgraded rooms/suites are worth the price of admission? They don't seem to be all that expensive compared to the standard rooms. But there isn't a lot of info on the site regarding what the differences are between each of the rooms. How high up the ladder do I have to go to not have to deal with that weird ass shower half-door? :rolleyes2:

    Again, thanks everyone! Your input has been a great help. :beer:
     
  14. tominiowa

    tominiowa High-Roller

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    I cannot understand the problem with the half door shower. It is just like a walk in shower that in the midwest people install now. Why
    would a dirty door be better? The water doesn't run out on the bathroom floor and they give you a mat to put right at the opening.
    I like the no door shower. Rather have that than a shower curtain full of mold and other people's crap.

    But that is me.

    If you reserve a room at the Grand , ask for a host and introduce yourself prior to your trip. They are generous with comps
    and having a host lined up ahead of time would help, I think.
     
  15. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    Lol. It's not a deal breaker or anything...it just seems annoying to have to climb all the way into the shower just to turn on the water. But I'll certainly agree that it beats the hell out of a nasty shower curtain.

    Thanks again for all the info, Tom. I'll get in touch with a host before I book. :thumbsup:
     
  16. Iamrice

    Iamrice High-Roller

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    I'd call the Golden Gate and see about staying in one of the suites.

    I'm pretty sure they would treat you like a king.
     
  17. Jane42

    Jane42 Low-Roller

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    I did enjoy the Golden Gate suite...but do not book the regular room!

    Love the people at the Golden Gate - very accommodating and friendly!
     
  18. LoveDowntownVegas

    LoveDowntownVegas High-Roller

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    A friend of mine just posted some pics (on facebook) from the DT Grand Suite they're staying in this week. I'll try to share them when I get a chance.
     
  19. LoveDowntownVegas

    LoveDowntownVegas High-Roller

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    Downtown Grand Suite --

    dt.jpg
    dt1.jpg
    dt2.jpg
    dt3.jpg
     
  20. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    Cool. Thanks for the pics, LoveDowntown. :thumbsup:
     
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