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A few questions about downtown....

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by johnnytwofingers, Dec 18, 2014.

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  1. johnnytwofingers

    johnnytwofingers Low-Roller

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    Planning to do a Wednesday to Sunday trip in mid January and had a few questions, would appreciate any opinions.

    I usually stay on the strip at Flamingo, not a huge fan of the rooms or restaurants, but love the location and the atmosphere in the Flamingo Casino. Considering this, where might be a good place to stay downtown? From reading threads on here I'm currently leaning towards the Golden Nugget, possibly the Carson Tower for the quietness.

    Another place I like is Ellis Island, I always try to make it there at least once to eat at the restaurant, and I always have a fun time gambling there if there are some lively people. I used to always spend a lot of time in Bill's, gambling and eating prime rib in the restaurant.

    Suggestions on reasonably priced restaurants downtown with good food, steaks, burgers/fries/shakes, BBQ, southern food, etc? I'm Canadian so always particularly enjoy eating American food that you can't really find back home (chicken & biscuits, good BBQ, etc)

    Also, are there many activities outside of gambling downtown during the day? I'll probably spend some time at that video game place if it's still open, but that's the only "different" activity I'm aware of.
     
  2. NickPapageorgio

    NickPapageorgio OG of the Sal Sagev Hotel

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    Good choice for the hotel. Rush tower would be a significant upgrade over Flamingo, but Carson Tower will suit you based on what you've stated here.

    If you like the gambling atmosphere at Ellis and the old Bills, your best bet downtown is Binions. Many of the other properties have been renovated and have a different feel. Binions will give you the more classic feel while not being a dump. Binions also opened a rib joint that is a knockoff of the Ellis model. I haven't tried it yet, but the consensus is that it is good, but not quite as good as Ellis. Check out Binions website for details.

    Other value eats, Dupars at Golden Gate, the D Grill at the D and there is an intriguing new place opening (this week?) at El Cortez, called Siegel 1941.... If you are into the golden age of Vegas and Bugsy Sigel, this could be a winner. It's located at the old Roberta's/ The Flame Steakhouse location and will be open 24 hours. For other activities, check out the Mob Museum.

    Enjoy downtown. I was solely a strip guy and now I add in a few nights downtown every trip.

    Nick:beer:
     
  3. ruralhipster

    ruralhipster High-Roller

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    The advantage of downtown are the casinos are so close that location is a bit less of an issue.

    That said: my room ratings:
    1) The Golden Nugget (Rush or New renovated Golden Tower)
    2) The Downtown Grand
    3) The D
    4) El Cortez Cabana Suites
    5) Main Street Station

    Location center Fremont would be the Nugget, 4Queens, Binions, Fremont

    Other activities downtown include:
    1) Mob Museum
    2) Zipline
    3) Container Park
    4) North Premium Outlets (if you are into shopping)

    Best eats for Value downtown in my Opinion:

    1) Most casino cafes: I'm partial to El Cortez and Binions
    2) Binions BBQ is on my Must visit list (getting good reviews)
    3) Chicago Brewing at 4Queens and 777 at MSS are great Brewpubs with great food IMHO
    4) Pizza Rock is the best NY style pizza, Le Thai on Fremont east has great Thai food.
     
  4. La$Vega$

    La$Vega$ Fun until cops show up, then we play Hide n' Seek!

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    "Also, are there many activities outside of gambling downtown during the day? I'll probably spend some time at that video game place if it's still open, but that's the only "different" activity I'm aware of."

    This will keep you busy if you are into history or googie:

    The Neon Museum

    http://www.neonmuseum.org/
    - Moulin Rouge cultural landmark 900 Bonanza - It was the first integrated hotel casino in the United States
    - Main Street Station has a self guided antique tour, You can pee into a urinal on the Berlin Wall, Pullman cars, Buffalo Bill Cody’s, gorgeous wood work
    - Worlds largest functioning fire hydrant 820 Fremont Street
    - Golden Gate - the city's most historic hotel, have the classic shrimp cocktail, see a replica of Vegas' 1st telephone #1
    - The California - visit the golden hand case and rub the buddahs belly for luck
    - Outdoor mall on Fremon Street
    - Burlesque Hall of fame 520 E. Fremont Street
    - Atomic Liquor & Cocktails 917 E. Fremont Street
    - Neon self guided tour of googie & signs
    - The D has a piece of the Blarney Stone displayed on the second floor rub it or kiss it for luck!
    - Old West prospector panning for gold at 323 Fremont Street
    - Visit Vegas Vic & Vicki on Fremont Street - Las Vegas iconic symbols
     
  5. johnnytwofingers

    johnnytwofingers Low-Roller

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    Some great advice already thank you.

    Did a price check on Golden Nugget, cheapest price was Carson Tower for $364 for the 3 nights. Not a huge deal, but was kinda hoping to pay a bit less than that, wonder if there's a "best bang for your buck" option I should be considering.

    I'll also be meeting a friend for several multi-hour beer drinking sessions, so for I've read about the $2 Heinekens at Fremont, any other places for cheap drinks?
     
  6. NickPapageorgio

    NickPapageorgio OG of the Sal Sagev Hotel

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    Nicely done. I had no idea that the phone was a replica. That has to be the ultimate in Vegas cheese.

    Nick:beer:
     
  7. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    The casino bar at Main Street Station has their tasty home brews for $1.50. 6 varieties on tap. $1 margaritas also.
    Plus 9/6 JOB if you're into video poker. Then the drinks only cost a tip.
     
  8. benbrownjr

    benbrownjr Low-Roller

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    A few things worth mentioning.
    The neon museum
    Hugos cellar at 4 queens-great food and atmosphere
    Heart attack cafe-food the NOT good for you and the dress code requires you to wear a hospital gown (provided when your seated)
    You can even go to the dennys downtown and get married in their wedding chapel
    The shark pool and the largest gild nugget is on display at the golden nugget (next to the nugget display is an "ATM" that allows you to purchase actual gold (what the prices change on the machine as it is updated every few minutes based on the price of gold)
     
  9. VegasLover8

    VegasLover8 High-Roller

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    6 on tap now? Good to hear!

    Last time I went they only had 4 beers available. The red, High Roller gold, porter and something else.

    I wanted one of the special ones they were serving at the restaurant, but they don't have VP machines in the restaurant bar.
     
  10. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Yes, they added two more lines. A BIPA and the Brewmaster's special were on tap, in addition to the 4 normal regulars, when we were there last month. BUT...for our entire stay there, they were out of BIPA, Brewmaster Special & Black Chip. I did file a complaint and got a response back from the GM that he wasn't aware of it and it would be corrected.

    They have another new brewmaster (less than a year) and I haven't heard too many favorable comments about his capabilities. Nobody is complaining about the quality of the beer, just the frequency they seem to run out of the different brews.
     
  11. LoveDowntownVegas

    LoveDowntownVegas High-Roller

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    I'd shop around on the hotel price just to see what else is available (keep in mind the resort fees as you search).
    Downtown Grand is nice - just a little more out of the way than the ones under the FSE. However, when you want to switch casinos, it's not like walking from Bellagio to Ceasars when you're downtown ;)
     
  12. JR Swift

    JR Swift VIP Whale

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    Have come to love downtown. I think you've made a good choice as far as a place to stay. Most all of the casinos are a good time. Am a big fan of the Golden Gate at night. Just fun hanging out at the bar, gambling and enjoying the dancing girls. Have stayed at the Fremont several times and it is a great location. Absolutely loved the Mob Museum but it depends on how interested you are in that history. I spent several hours there but you could easily browse through it in less than an hour.
     
  13. Iu25

    Iu25 High-Roller

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    I definitely recommend the 777 Brewpub in Main Street Station. Their food is just amazing and the brew pub beer is really good too. You wont go wrong!
     
  14. DonnyC

    DonnyC VIP Whale

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    Sounds like us.

    Golden Nugget Rush tower rooms are great - not the cheapest room - you get a lot for your $

    We don't play too much at the Nugget, but play at Golden Gate, Binions (craps), The D (upstairs quarter horse machiene aka Sigma Derby), and bounce around to the other places.

    We generally only stay 1 day and 1 night Downtown at the beginning of our trip and then the remaining 4 nights at Flamingo.
     
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