1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Place to stay downtown

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by FullBoat, Dec 1, 2013.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2013
    Messages:
    2,337
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    16
    I'm planning a trip out to Vegas in April. I'm trying to decide on where to stay. I'm taking a lady that hasn't ever been to Vegas before. I've pretty much narrowed down to either the Golden Gate, 4Queens, or El Cortez. I know they all have good and bad about them.

    About the biggest down side to the El Cortez I've seen is that the walk from the main part of Freemont to there might be a bit "worrisome".

    Any ideas would be nice.

    Thanks
     
  2. Dtyst1

    Dtyst1 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    Messages:
    110
    Location:
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    13
    I've stayed at all three properties, and enjoyed them all.

    Don't let the walk to/from the El Cortez bother you. It's only as bad as your mind makes it bad. I never had a single issue walking around there, even at 3am.

    I probably enjoyed the new Golden Gate rooms the most, even though they are the smallest.

    I'm heading back to Vegas later this week and I've booked again at the Four Queens. So, let that stand as the biggest recommendation I can give. When I took into account room quality, price, location, and service, I chose Four Queens.

    I probably like the casinos at the other two places more, but when they are so close together, I'm not letting that dictate where I stay.
     
  3. merlin

    merlin MIA

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2009
    Messages:
    3,755
    Location:
    mn
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    El cortez tower rooms are very nice, 4 Queens south tower rooms are nice as well(less noise), GG rooms are very small and likely alot of noise from the freemont experience if you turn in early.

    If your friend has never been to vegas before she would likely not be impressed with the EC or GG, but their gambling conditions are better than at the 4Q.
     
  4. OnTheHorizon

    OnTheHorizon Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2007
    Messages:
    358
    Location:
    Northern Ohio
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    I stayed at the 4Queens - both North and South tower...both were fine. Normally stay at the Golden Nugget, but found the 4Q's rooms good.
     
  5. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2009
    Messages:
    4,299
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    6
    I liked the 4Queens. Magnolia's is awesome as an old school coffee shop. I believe they gave us coupons when we checked in and there are other coupons to be had for the property. All the staff were friendly. The rooms are small even by today's motel standards though, clean and well kept but small.
     
  6. thebig747

    thebig747 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
    Messages:
    18
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    13
    Why downtown? If taking a first-timer, especially a woman, I'd do the Strip for sure.
     
  7. hillwood24

    hillwood24 High-Roller

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2012
    Messages:
    773
    Location:
    Fort Worth, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    13
    I'd stay at 4Queens just to be close to Magnolia's. I stayed on the Strip last time, but ended up at Magnolia's twice in the wee hours of the morning. As mentioned above, it's a great old school coffee shop.
     
  8. Oxygenator

    Oxygenator Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2012
    Messages:
    340
    Location:
    Toronto area, Ontario
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    18
    No way I would consider DT over the strip, when taking a woman fr the first time. 90 percent chance she willhate you for it.
     
  9. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2009
    Messages:
    4,299
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    6
    I dunno man, depends on the chick. She might like it. If you're looking for prospective brides and you'd like a more down to earth wife, it would make a good relationship test. See if she turns up her nose at downtown. That's one way to look at it. The other thing is everybody likes variety. If you decide to treat her like a queen this time and then bring her downtown next time, that's understandable too.
     
  10. crapsguy5000

    crapsguy5000 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2011
    Messages:
    265
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    8
    Four Queens

    I would take Four Queens. No resort fee, (GG has a resort fee now), friendly staff, right on Fremont St., (take the quieter south tower though), and they seem to be more liberal with comps and offers, (at least thats been my experience).
     
  11. Trennie

    Trennie Tourist

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2013
    Messages:
    11
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    I agree with 747 and Oxygenator. Stay on the Strip with a first time visitor! I love downtown for gambling, but the glitz, glitter, and excitement is on the strip.
     
  12. mwig

    mwig VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2009
    Messages:
    1,343
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    4Q gets my vote based on location. Main Street is my favorite but it is further from everything. Not mentioned yet, the remodeled rooms at the D are really nice. I actually thought they were nicer than my last stay at the Golden Nugget which will probably raise some eyebrows on this board.
     
  13. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    Messages:
    9,889
    Location:
    Northern Nevada
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    248
    Good to hear... now if they'd just spend some $$$ on those elevators. I love the casino "vibe" at the D.
     
  14. Crambone

    Crambone Gnaeus Pompey Magnus

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2011
    Messages:
    995
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    66
    I've never stayed at the ElCo but it gets good reviews except for the loud rooms over the night club on the south side IIRC. Do not be afraid of the walk east of the canopy. With all the Fremont East bars now open it's feels as safe as being under the canopy.

    The 4Q sent me BOGO offers after little play and the food is good and reasonably priced. Get a south tower room on the south side.

    The GG rooms are way too small for two people. Unless you are very affectionate be prepared to be in each others space.
     
  15. SalSagev

    SalSagev Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2012
    Messages:
    59
    Location:
    Central Illinois
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    I like all three of your choices. But I was really impressed with Downtown Grand after playing there several days last week. It's all polished up with that new car smell (not smokey at all) and is close to all the other joints downtown. Just throwing it out there. :beer:
     
  16. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2013
    Messages:
    2,337
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    16
    Yeah, she's more of an "old school" Vegas girl. I know we'll hit he main strip at least once while we're there, but I think she'd like the downtown more. I thought about the "D", but from what everyone says you almost have to take ear plugs in to play. And, if I want to just go down for a little bit to kill time at 3am, I don't want to worry about not hearing anything for the rest of the day. Wow, I sound like an old foggie. lol

    So, I'm leaning more to the 4Queens(south tower). Now, weird question, what kind of coffee pots do they have in the rooms? Are they the Kurieg kind?

    Thanks for all the responses y'all. I'm looking forward to my first trip back in almost 10 years.
     
  17. mnotc

    mnotc Tourist

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Messages:
    17
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    9
    Another vote for the 4 queens. Last time I was there, early 2013, they were standard hotel coffee makers, not keurig. There was no additional fee.
     
  18. Jimbo338

    Jimbo338 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2000
    Messages:
    5,543
    Location:
    Laconia, NH
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    23
    I really enjoy the El cortez. I have stayed at both the vintage rooms and in the Tower and both are fine, very well maintained and clean. Vintage would be fine for me but cramped for 2 people. I like to pay the little extra and enjoy double the space in the Towers with a safe, love seat to relax and read, a desk for my laptop etc. You have close proximity to all the FSE activities without that mononotous beat at the GG and D. The myth about a scary walk is ridiculous. You have a greater chance of being crushed between 2 Elvis' than being harassed! The EC is clean, easy parking, a Subway in the lobby, a great steakhouse and 24 restaurant with a fabulous breakfast, friendly staff and a free shuttle to the airport in their Lincoln Town Car. Security in and around the hotel is excellent and visible. I have stayed there 4 times but have yet heard the bands, and don't even notice the doors slamming that others have mentioned.

    I have stayed at the D back when it was Fitzgeralds and found the rooms smaller than EC but comfortable but hate walking through now ....just hate blarring music. I love downtown and welcome most of the changes. It offers convenience of great restaurants within just minutes of walking and you can easily get to the Strip for activities like shows or shopping.

    Jimbo338
     
  19. imwired

    imwired High-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2011
    Messages:
    564
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    80
    In respect to taking a woman to downtown Vegas, I'm a woman and I'd recommend Golden Nugget - most upscale.
    If she likes to gamble, she may like downtown. If she is more of a tourist who's interested in shows and shopping, she'd prefer the strip.
    I personally prefer downtown as I like to play and it's much more walkable.

    If you're a downtown guy and want to see how she likes your element but want to make her happy, you may want to plan on driving her over to the strip for other activities.
     
  20. duffer1991

    duffer1991 Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2013
    Messages:
    558
    Location:
    Cleveland, Ohio
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    36
    I love the El Cortez

    For a first visit, if you are set on downtown, closer to Fremont Street will be fun for you. I have stayed all over downtown and now stay at the El Cortez. There reasons are numerous and include:

    1. No resort fee.
    2. Excellent steakhouse (with 1/2 off coupons in ACG and LVA) and cafe.
    3. The cabana suites are across the street and very nice and non-smoking.
    4. The walk from Las Vegas Boulevard is not bad anymore. The businesses have turned over and are nicer. I have never been bothered by anyone at any time.
    5. Security is very helpful and very visible.
    6. They are not trying to mess with pay tables in video poker and blackjack.
    7. They treat you well and really make you feel like a valued guest. I have stayed in the Golden Nugget and other "nicer" places, and they barely were civil to me.
    8. It is a slice of old Vegas and less than a 5 minute walk to Fremont Street and all of its noise.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.