Talk Me Into Staying Downtown!

My second Vegas trip is March 2014 (from The UK) and will be for 4 nights.

Last time I stayed at NYNY and enjoyed visiting the other Strip casinos. For 2014 I'm going Sat-Weds and will have some nights comped at NYNY. I have considered trying Monte Carlo rather than NYNY. Last time I was in a 'Players Suite' which was nice and there will be myself and my buddy staying again so need 2 queens ideally and would like something a little better than a standard room.
My experience of Freemont Street was at about 6am one morning for a couple of hours play (with no players cards). So I am sure I didn't see the 'real' downtown. However after reading trip reports I'm curious....

So sell staying Downtown to me.

After experiencing and enjoying NYNY and the South Strip should I even try and stray away from that area?

I'm happy to split my trip so how good is a Saturday night Downtown?

Is the Golden Nuggett my best option if I'd like a nice room?

I look forward to hearing your opinions.

(we're both 30 somethings, like to drink, will play slots and Craps/Roulette)

 

Personally downtown i enjoyed the Cabana Suites at El Cortez.

some people dont like the color ... its whatever, didn't bother me one bit.

 

Do a split trip, thats what we do. THen you will know if you like it or not.

 

If you have minimum room requirements, I'm not sure downtown is going to work. Nugget may be able to accomodate, but otherwise downtowners tend to be "room is not important" types. Personally I'd suggest just going DT for dinner and an evening. If you hvae fun, then think about a split stay.

 

I don't agree with this statement. The OP is already considering the idea, and probably knows the difference from the strip just by reading other posts here. Therefore, I doubt that they are expecting to duplicate the strip experience.

Why not experience a different flavor? There are plenty of nice rooms downtown, especially at Nugget and the newer renovations, especially the suites. I've had two very nice suites at Plaza as well.

 

I typically move every 3-4 days on longer trips (10-14 days) to take advantage of comps and change things up. On a four day trip, I'd book a single hotel (especially if you are flying in from the UK directly to Vegas).

El Cortez Cabana Suites (not sure if they offer two queens) and Golden Nugget standard rooms (two queens available) are comparable to or better than NYNY standard rooms. Upgraded GN rooms are better than NYNY standard (Rush Tower, non Carson Tower). Plaza and The D and GG (New Tower Suites only) also offer nice remodeled rooms and out of the three Boyd properties, I like rooms at The California. You'll likely be disappointed in rooms at the remaining casinos.

Downtown advantages include live band entertainment all night, many casinos accessible within walking distance, generally lower costs and better gambling conditions, especially Video Poker. Downtown properties are generally much more generous with comps.

Fremont East offers several different types of bars where you can relax and drink at reasonable prices. There are more casual dining options downtown (and a few nicer places if you so choose). Blackjack party pits are available (The D, Golden Gate and Golden Nugget).

Disadvantages include less eye candy and no club scene. If you are looking to club, I'd stay on the strip through the weekend and maybe stay downtown for a night or two (or on a future trip). Also, if you opt to stay on the Strip, you may also want to consider Center / North Strip (between PHo & Cosmo to the South and Wynn/Encore TI to the North). TI and Mirage offer better rooms at similar rates.

I think you'll enjoy downtown if you opt to stay there and I look forward to a trip report upon your return.

Cheers!

 

Fellow Brit here, I've been a strip man for most of my Vegas life and only recently discovered just how great downtown is!

I'm just about to eat dinner now, but will write up a proper post later on this evening.

For now I'll say to book the Nugget Rush Tower, it's the only place I will stay now and I previously stayed at the Palazzo every year.

 

Cabana Suites does not offer two beds in a room.

 

Rates are decent enough to each get a room.

 

Downtown is a totally different vibe. Freemont Street Experience has live bands, street performers, all sorts of things going on. Its very easy to casino hop which is huge for me. And the people watching is great. You definitely need to split the trip between the strip and downtown.

 

Cant agree more. ESP. if his is your 2nd trip.

 

Saturday will be the best night to spend downtown. There's the most going on in terms of entertainment, people and places staying open late. It is also the most expensive night to spend on the strip (and harder to get comped), so you'll generally save by spending Sat off the strip. If you don't love DT, you still have three nights to look forward to on the strip. If a nice room means something to you, I'd either do Golden Nugget (Rush Tower is newer and especially nice) or each get your own room at the Cabana Suites (go for at least a Jr Suite). My gf has done writeups of both places here: http://LasVegasOffStrip.com/golden-nugget-rush-tower-downtown-luxury/ http://LasVegasOffStrip.com/el-cortez-cabana-suites/

 

I have only been to Vegas once, so take this with a grain of salt...

Golden Nugget was my best experience, besting Caesar's, Flamingo, Bellagio, and Cosmo. I liked the casino, the dealers, the food, LOVED the pool, and had the most generous host I think any man could wish for. The pit bosses were very fair and very generous when determining my average bet on Craps. Most importantly, GN has great Craps odds, while much of the Strip properties do not.

Fremont itself, on the other hand, was not for me. I prefer the Strip any day. More eye candy on the Strip and a higher class of people it seemed. But for future trips I will still be staying at the Golden Nugget, because all I do is play Craps.

 

I don't know if you are ready for downtown yet. One trip to LV for less than a week leaves lots of things unseen and not experienced. Enjoy the strip at different hotels but do spend an evening ( or one night if you are really curious)downtown to get a taste. I love downtown and prefer to stay there and bus my butt around but I did all but 1 of my first 10 years on the strip or just off strip. However, I did visit downtown each trip and loved the shops, the many restaurants, shows, street shows, people watching, and activities. It is safe, interesting and offers an alternative. Not for everyone I suppose, but fits my needs quite well.

jimbo338

 

I would plan a 2-night downtown stay at the start or the end of your trip. Go with the Nugget (if you're looking for the most strip-like hotel)... the location is dead-center of FSE, with easy access to everything from there... but be sure to check out all of the properties along Fremont & Ogden/Main.

Others are right - it's nothing at all like the strip; do this to gamble, drink and absorb the 'vibe' - not to meet girls, (although, it's not completely unheard of!)

It is most definitely a more "casual" atmosphere, but some of us find that to be an asset. Good luck & have fun!

 

It took us one trip to possibly become converts. I would probably spend a night there to see if the scene is to your liking before booking a room.

My biggest turn off on the strip is having to walk 1/2 a mile if you want to hop to the next casino all while being asked to buy cds, weed, 3$ waters and what I bang because Im a 49er faithful.

 

This is a tough one for me. For 4+ night trips, we typically split our stay between downtown and the strip, spending weekend nights downtown. I love things about both but, since you've only stayed south strip, I'm inclined to recommend trying a mid strip hotel stay with a visit or two to Fremont Street. There are definitely some great experiences to be had downtown but you don't necessarily have to stay there to make it work into your trip.

Having said all of that, if you decide to split your trip, I highly recommend the suites at The D Hotel. They only come equipped with one king bed but there is also a pullout sofa. Not the cheapest room downtown but a value for the room quality in my not so humble opinion.

The good news is, whichever way you decide to go, you will be in Vegas.

Good D Suite video:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5YPu0NK1w

 

That's why I love VMB. Thank you all for your constructive comments so far. You've really got me thinking now!

 

UncleBen, what its about about the room that you want/need that rules out a standard room? Is it space or newer/more luxurious furnishings or both?

 

I absolutely know that the bedroom in Vegas is used for such a small space of time but to answer your question I do enjoy both the space and luxurious furnishings and amenities. One a vacation I like the feeling of the room being a little bit 'special'.