So my wife and I are going in Nov....it's been awhile since we've been out to LV, but would like to stay downtown. I narrowed down to MSS or DT Grand. As of right now decent size difference in price when adding resort fees etc... like the idea of being away from the noise but close to action. We are 40 somethings and would also like to catch a band or two that play 70s-90s music...free or charge...any suggestions on choice and possible bands?
In terms of hotel rooms, the DT Grand has nicer, newer rooms. That being said, I'm staying at MSS in September as I like their casino and 777 restaurant better. Other folks on here will chime in about MSS rooms being exposed to train noise late at night. I've found DT Grand rooms can be loud when they have pool parties going. In terms of Fremont Street bands, I like Spandex Nation (80s rock). And folks often rave about Yellow Brick Road. The Fremont Street bands are always free. You can find the band line up here. Click on the "Live Entertainment" link within the corresponding calendar date(s).
I agree, MSS is most convenient IMHO over DTG since I like to play at the Cal and MSS. DTG rooms recently renovated so probably a nicer stay. DTG also has a pool, something that MSS doesn't have (although you can use the pool at the Cal). There is a band at the Plaza which plays "oldies" music. Sounded good when I passed through the casino.
Stayed at Downtown Grand in June and absolutely loved it. Stayed 7 days and heard noise once for maybe 5 minutes. I also won 985.00 on their slot game! The pool here was great as was the service and the avocado and chips we ordered.
Stayed at MSS last week for 2 days out of seven. We loved it!! Check out my trip in the trip reports. Might get a better idea of the place.
All, thanks for the feedback and links. O-town...awesome trip report...Gold Coast looks intriguing too.
Other than the silly half door for the shower the rooms at DTG are good. I enjoy both casinos honestly. But the DTG will probably be nicer since they're on newer/remodeled side of things.
I stayed at both MSS and DG, on 2 different trips, about 2 years ago. My review in a nutshell: Rooms: DG >> MSSS Everything else, i.e. gambling, vibe, beer: MSS >>> DG DG is closer to center Fremont St. though. I would stay at DG but hang out at MSS.
I personally prefer the DTG to the MSS. I find the newer rooms a bonus and higher rooms are better to avoid the street noise from Hogs and Heffers below. I always swing over to the MSS for the 777 Brewery and some gambling but it's a close walk.
We recently spent Saturday and Sunday nights at Downtown Grand and loved it! We were in the Grand Tower above the Commissary and heard no street noise. I was concerned about "water all over the floor" from the shower, but it wasn't an issue. Just stand directly under the spray and the water will run DOWN YOU. If stand back next to the opening, the water will bounce OFF YOU onto the floor. The room was spotlessly clean and there was plenty of space to lay your belongings. The pool was nice. A two minute walk and you're at the Fremont. We would definitely stay there again.
What was your experience in the casino? Busy, vibe, table games open, slots selection? Thanks for any info. TomTWI
We mostly played nickel video blackjack during the morning hours, say 6:00-10:00 AM. I can't speak to the drink service because I was sipping on my large free coffee from the Commissary (part of the DTG). The casino wasn't packed even in the evening (but not dead either) and seemed less smoky than others. I remember them playing a lot of oldies and classic rock I liked.
I really love the classic rock music at the DTG.....I have stayed there a few days a couple time in the past year and heard a lot of music that you just don't hear on radio anymore and I mean not just the huge hits. MSS has always been my regular place since 1998 and their music was always to my liking but in the last few years they have switched to current modern music.....not for me.
I have stayed at both in recent years and the difference is hotel experience vs. casino experience. Rooms, room noise and pool experience go to DTG. Their casino is smaller with fewer game choices and their coffee shop and Commissary are not as nice as 777. Triple George is very nice, but a little higher end and not open for breakfast. MSS has older, smaller hotel rooms with wooden slat blinds that will not keep the light out. Room noise that bothers me the most is late night bands. MSS doesn't have that, but you have to choose between train yard or expressway. You will get sporadic noise throughout the night. Earplugs and a white noise generator works for me. Given that you can walk anywhere downtown, eat and play anywhere downtown, I choose a hotel based on when do I want to be close to my room. I like to do my big gambling between dinner and bedtime, so video poker and craps at DTG then off to bed works good for me. If you are a morning player you'll find more coffee and breakfast options at MSS, and more game options and services on the casino floor. Either property is a good choice for avoiding the nonsense of Fremont. One trip I stayed at MSS and I would walk Ogden from the Cal to DTG to El Cor and never encountered a single street performer.
I have read or heard that DTG provides earplugs in rooms. Is this for some of the rooms, all of the rooms, or just a rumor?
I have found a package of orange foam earplugs in each room I have stayed in, both towers. Even at the higher floors their room windows seem to leak a lot of outside noise. However, I was never subjected to late night concerts at DTG like I have become accustomed to at Four Queens. I would think any sustained noise would come from the bars between the two towers, so they should have plenty of rooms that are unaffected.
We never needed ear plugs. Didn't hear anything at night. I stayed at Barbary Coast (now Cromwell's) years back. Now that's a noisy room!!
For anyone that needs earplugs as I do, the best over the counter plug I have found is called Mack's. They come 6 pair in a plastic container found in a blue box. Made of soft wax. I never had much luck using the foam ones. I always carry a pair of Mack's in my shaving kit. Sometimes you get a room with a loud tv in the next room. My personal gripe is someone who leaves a loud tv on in their room when they go out so people will think someone is in that room. Never could figure that one out.