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South Point or Downtown Grand

Discussion in 'Off-Strip Hotels' started by Four O’ Sixer, Mar 9, 2023.

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  1. Four O’ Sixer

    Four O’ Sixer Newbie

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    My wife and I (early 40’s) are flying down in the beginning of April. Booked at South Point but am intrigued by Downtown Grand. Pro’s? Con’s? Either property have better deals?

    Staying 3 nights so I’m afraid we may feel a little pinned down at south point where downtown grand is right next to Fremont.
     
  2. Langdon

    Langdon Low-Roller

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    South Point is a great hotel with very big and nice and a great casino.
    if you want to be Downtown or be able to walk from place to place, then the Grand is a fine option but South Point is quieter and doesn't lack anything.
     
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  3. puttputtfc

    puttputtfc High-Roller

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    South Point has better gaming, dealers, bartenders, restaurants, hotel rooms, spa, a great poker room and ample parking. Grand is fine if you are looking to explore downtown but on its own, South Point is much better. I have stayed at South Point for more than three days and didn't have the urge to leave.

    Enjoy your trip and welcome to VMB!
     
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  4. Mr Bulldops

    Mr Bulldops VIP Whale

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    Depends on what you're looking for.

    South Point has a great selection of good video poker many of them are at bar tops... that's a massive plus for me. They also have entertainment on site - a movie theater and bowling alley, neither of which you will find in the FSE corridor. It's more "one stop shopping" than Downtown Grand.

    If you're looking more to explore and sight see, Downtown Grand will likely be a better option. Downtown still has better gaming conditions than the strip, you can find 3:2 BJ at the Stevens properties and there's some decent VP at QQQQ and Plaza. You can see more properties, the FSE canopy and it's more centrally located.
     
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  5. joespoolhall

    joespoolhall VIP Whale

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    Aplles and oranges.
    The Grand is DT with numerous casinos in walking distance. Food is limited to one good one in my opinion, but all of DT is only a few minutes away. Never stayed there, but rooms seem ok with decent rates. Casino is quiet.
    South Point is a stand alone far away from the strip with no casinos in walking distance.
    To go elsewhere, you'll need to taxi/rideshare or have a car. There's a good choice of restaurants along with cafe, buffet and casual options. It's large enough to have all the gaming choices and a good sportsbook. They also have theatres and a bowling center. I've stayed there numerous times and love it. I always have a car, but could enjoy staying there without one.
    Like I said, it's apples and oranges.
     
  6. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    Pretty much repeating a lot of what others have already said. We've stayed at the Downtown Grand several times, and across the street from South Point (at the Grandview condos) many times. The last few times we've spent the entire week there without ever going to the strip or downtown. But we've been to Vegas probably 100 times. We know why we're going and what's where.

    You don't specify what your interests are. South Point has tons of good entertainment, food and gambling options, but it is far from the strip and farther from downtown. If you will have a car or are willing to use cabs/Lyft/Uber, that might not be significant, but otherwise you might feel isolated.

    We got tired of downtown's downbeat vibe. I used to enjoy the "postapocalyptic" feel during the day, but there got to be too many druggies, homeless, beggars. Very little of that around South Point. We used to enjoy some of the bars/clubs on East Fremont, but not so much after they changed their musical orientation. Also, gambling downtown isn't what it used to be. Table limits are up and good VP options down. You can still find $5 tables at South Point (not craps, that's $10), including the almost extinct $5 3/2 blackjack, plus tons of "full pay" VP at the quarter level. Great employees (very loyal to the place) who are generally happy and helpful, much better than average beverage selection and service while playing.

    But it really comes down to why you are going to Vegas. The Downtown Grand has decent rooms, though a lot of them can be noisy. We like the relative calm and quiet of the casino, though you'll likely find homeless wondering through and coming in to use the bathrooms. There has always seemed to be a disconnect between hotel and casino management. Your play typically doesn't get you much hotel-wise. The pool is better than average for downtown, though shade is sparse. The DTG is our first choice downtown, it's just that downtown isn't our first choice anymore.
     
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  7. Four O’ Sixer

    Four O’ Sixer Newbie

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    Thank you all for the responses. We chatted about it and decided to stay at SP. looking forward to the trip. Winter is dragging on far too long up here in the north. Let me know if anyone has any tips or tricks for SP!
     
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  8. vegasvp

    vegasvp VIP Whale

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    This sums up how I feel too.

    I haven't stayed downtown in over five years and haven't stayed on the Strip in at least 20 years. I only play/stay at the locals casinos now and South Point is at the top of the list.
     
    Last edited: Mar 11, 2023
  9. Bobby B

    Bobby B High-Roller

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    I think you made a good choice. Take a look at their website and check out their restaurants/menus. I'm coming up on my 30th(?) stay there shortly so I can answer most questions you may have. If you're a blackjack player, you should have no problem finding $10 double deck tables. Many of the dealers are very friendly and 3-4 hours of play should be able to get you some comp money for dinner. I highly recommend the steakhouse and the prime rib restaurant. If you want to go to Don Vitos (Italian), make sure to get the ACG coupon for a free appetizer (print one out for each of you). Let me know if there's anything I can help you with.
     
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  10. jrinct1

    jrinct1 VIP Whale

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    Again as I send the previous post if being close to other casinos downtown is your main priority... The Grand Point wins otherwise Southpoint wins Valley and slide if nothing else matters
     
  11. spinette

    spinette True Aficionado

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    If even that. The buffets were notoriously easy (minutes at a $5 table) to get and I was always asked "how many"?
     
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  12. DegenasaurusRex

    DegenasaurusRex Short arms , hot dice

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    I need to try South Point always see good things about it.
     
  13. Burnsie

    Burnsie VP Low-Roller

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    SP is a great choice for a "Gotta Get Away From Winter" break. You can kick back and relax and never have to leave the property. It has a nice pool, too—I hope the weather is warm enough for you to enjoy it!
     
  14. Rookies11

    Rookies11 High-Roller

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    Even with the slightest BJ play (between $10- $50 per hand, for an hour or so, easy to get a comp for the Breaky at the Coronado Cafe or Garden Buffet.

    Del Mar Deli is fabulous for a Soup n Sandwich meal and the Hit Dog cart is the best value in Vegas!

    Like others, I have found virtually all staff, from Check In to Pit Boss to waiters/ waitresses to be incredibly friendly. You can tell, because they’ve been there for awhile.

    The place is so gargantuan, I’ve never been to the Rodeos, the Bowling Alley or the Movies. Want to bring in snacks? Just off the property or multiple food chains (Albertsons, Smiths )are minutes away.
     
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  15. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    Four O' Sixer,

    You've not commented on gambling or drinking, but if you do either, and if VP is one of your games, I'd recommend playing at a bar if possible. VP at the bars is either full-pay (same pay tables as on the floor) at the quarter level or slightly downgraded (gives up one on the full house) with a progressive royal that often builds quickly. My wife hit one for $2130 (playing max bet, 5 quarters) last year. At the bars the bartenders will serve you pretty much whatever booze you request, and you can see them make it so you know what you're getting. The beer selection (also all available on the floor) is excellent. If you want any alcohol for your room, the prices in the gift shop are highly competitive with anything you'll find elsewhere, often better.

    There is typically at least one $5 3/2 blackjack table during the day, and sometimes in the evenings. Six-deck, not continuous shuffle. Can be tough to get a seat because locals love it, but if you do it's usually a relaxed, conversational setting. I look for it if I'm getting massacred at VP and need a break to push chips back and forth for a while.

    The movie theater has at least twelve screens and cheap seats. Another good way to take a break from the casino. Bowling is also an inexpensive option. They've got two alleys, each with something like 70 lanes, but only one is open to the public. The other is just for tournaments. There is usually some sort of horse event going on in the arena, generally free. My wife enjoys watching the cowboys, and I'm fine with that since it saves me money vs her hitting the machines harder!

    They've also got a good-sized sports book, race book, and huge poker room that is generally quite active with tournaments centered on different versions of hold'em.
     
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  16. tfcoach72

    tfcoach72 High-Roller

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    I agree with everything that is said in this post. This is a really an all in one venue for me.

    I’ve gone several times to the arena for free equestrian events. Great way to break up the gaming. Just be sure and wipe the dust off your seat, it tends to settle after they groom the dirt floor.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2023
    Just a getaway! On the Gulf Coast—
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  17. vegasvp

    vegasvp VIP Whale

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    Including cash back, the NSUD machines at the bars are positive.

    Getting free drinks while playing with an advantage, earning multiple free buffets and hitting a royal flush (like I did last summer) is as good as it gets.
     
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  18. CaptCampion

    CaptCampion VIP Whale

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    Grand

    Southpoint is mine
     
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  19. Running late

    Running late High-Roller

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    A year ago Southpoint wasn't really even on my radar. Now it's one of my favorites! I still love staying on the strip or downtown for much of my stay to be close to entertainment and a variety of bars, but I also really enjoy a night at Southpoint.
     
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  20. vegasvp

    vegasvp VIP Whale

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    Nor was it on mine.

    The anti-player decisions of Boyd and Stations drove me to South Point.
     
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