Solo male staying at GN

Hi there guys. I've been to vegas twice before. Once with younger nieces and nephew and once with my ex. I'm going solo this time. I was emailed a deal with GN so i booked it. But now i am wondering if i made the right choice. I'm going for 4 days. Im in my late 30's. What kind of crowd and vibe does the GN pool have? Looking for a lot of relaxing by the pool but also fun. Does it have a fun party atmosphere? Thanks

 

The Nuigget is the nicest place downtown and has the nicest pool. It's a solid choice. However, customer service there isn't so great. Surly dealers and bartenders. But you certainly don't have to drink and gamble there. Tons of good options all over downtown. If you like hanging by the pool then the GN is the only choice downtown IMO. The other downtown pools are pretty lousy.

 

I just stayed solo there last weekend. It's fine for a single guy. If you like to party, either The D, or FSE is right there. I'm an early riser, so the pool scene when I'm there, and later, might be two different things. My instinct is that the pool is mostly populated by a fairly tame crowd. I'm not convinced that downtown has a pool party scene. I've been to all of them except the Downtown Grand, and that's what I'm basing this on.

Back before I started staying downtown I stayed almost exclusively at Hard Rock. They are supposed to have an outrageous party pool scene, but I never thought that was either.

This said, when I go to the pool, and when the party scene starts at the pool are probably two entirely different times.

Gambling conditions at GN are fine for people that play low HE and advantage games. I have no idea about slots and vp. I don't play either, or any other game that has a HE over 2%.

I differ on the service and demeanor of the staff. I was treated exceptionally well. But my play is limited to the high limits area and craps tables, and my dining was limited to breakfast and their high end steak place. I called in prior to arrival, and they ordered Kobe beef for me. Their wait staff was on me like flies to stink.

Now my experience might be different. I routinely tip 30%, tipped the Chef separately, tip dealers well etc, don't play certain games, don't require cocktail service, and I don't get drunk. I'm probably in the minority. From what I've read here, the snottiness starts at video poker, and is even more localized about drink service and demeanor of staff in that area.

FWIW, last weekend I made it a point to scout out the VP area to see first hand the flashing lights, demeanor of bartenders in that area etc. I saw drinks being served for free without flashing lights. So I suspect there is probably more to the story on both sides.

 

the GN pool is nice, but it is sardine city. overall, the property is lovely, but as stated above, a lot of surly attitudes. the slots have a reputation for being the tightest downtown, but that is hard to verify.

 

Thanks guys for your input. I think i will just keep it as is. Yesss 23 more days

 

If you're a red blooded male downtown you will likely be interested in playing some blackjack at the Golden Gate at night, highly skilled dealers/dancers.

 

I think GN is a good choice. I never win there and prefer to play at Golden Gate (as the johnnytwofingers said, excellent dancers/dealers), Main Street Station, El Cortez and the Four Queens. If you don't feel the vibe, walk around the casinos and Fremont Street. Heck, if you want a real freak show, head down to the El Cortez late at night. The service is amazing and it is like The Walking Dead with the other players.

 

While I don't contest GN's pool being the best downtown, I wouldn't be so fast to classify all others as being lousy. I usually stay at Plaza and have to say I'm quite impressed with their new pool area. It's a little small, and kind of on the basic side, but there's very good drink service, good availability of chairs, solid towel service, good music playing - and best of all, terrific sun exposure. Even poolside gaming, too. GN may be better, but I only have good things to say about Plaza's pool. I realize OP has made up his mind, but for anyone who's reading this, I'd like to respectfully voice my dissenting opinion that Plaza's pool is far from lousy.

 

I've stayed solo at the GN multiple times over the last five years and really like the property. Rush Tower rooms are the best and reasonably priced, even by strip standards. The pool is great, but get there early or it will be very tough to get a chair. I don't gamble there much, very tight casino. I do the majority of my gaming, when I'm downtown, at Golden Gate, El Cortez, Plaza and The D. Lots of great restaurants at GN, if you're into seafood give the Chart House a try. Their steak house is also excellent. They also have a great chocolate shop, across from the check in counter that makes for good snacks.

Have a great trip!!!

 

I think Downtown Grands pool area is nice. Small but very well done in my opinion.

 

I wouldn't call it a party pool at all but it's a fun atmosphere to relax, depending on the number of kids out there. I like that there are both sunny and shady areas in the water.

I'm actually considering spending a day at their pool on my trip next month but I won't be staying at the GN. Don't mean to hijack but does anyone know if you can bypass an additional $35 or whatever charge for non-hotel guests if you say you're out there to gamble? If that's the case we will gamble but would like to use the pool as well.

 

The shark tank pool is ok, if you like to be around a bunch of screaming fucking children. I prefer the upstairs Hideaway pool. Better sun exposure, no kids unless they're over a certain age, and fantastic bartenders, a real rarity at the GN.. If Gino from Gainesville Florida is still up there, ask him to make you a mojito, best I've ever had.

The GN's gaming sucks, mainly because of the shitty attitudes of the dealers. The Video Poker sucks, as do their slot machines. Tight tight tight...

Not a better place to stay, or nicer rooms, or better restaurants in downtown - except the GN buffet, that place is a lesser Golden Corral with Golden Nugget labeling totally sucks ass. However, there are at least 10 different better gaming options within walking distance from the GN.

Have fun, also see about getting a room in the Rush Tower, newest on the property and really swanky.

 

$35 WTF!

 

OP you'll be fine flying solo at the Nugget. It's a great property with the best rooms, restaurants, pool, and spa downtown. The gambling isn't as loose as other downtown casinos but is still superior to the strip.

I'd bet that you'll greatly enjoy the Nugget as I do.

 

Yeah I know. This is from their website

POOL PRICES FOR NON-HOTEL GUESTS

• $25 Monday Thru Thursday
• $35 Friday Thru Sunday
• $50 Holiday Weekends
• Kids under 3 are free

http://www.goldennugget.com/las-vegas/amenities/h2o-pool/

 

I can verify. Stopped playing them years ago, stupid tight

 

I agree with this. I just stayed at Plaza and the new pool are is great. Tons of space, plenty of seating, nice bar, poolside gaming, hot tub. It's got everything. You could even say it has an edge on GN in that you aren't packed in. There is so much room that you can drag lounger to certain parts of the deck and be 30 feet from the nearest human.

They got minicraps and two blackjack tables which were open on Sunday even with high winds.

Golden Nugget pool is awesome but only on paper. Is it really that relaxing and enjoyable to be elbow to elbow at a pool area of any caliber?

DTG and Plaza beat the Nugget as far as pool areas go in my book on that fact alone.

 

I will be at the GN AUG 5 TO THE 10. I have been here many times.The pool does get very crowded ,soi try to hit it early.As far as the tables i only play poker. But i like the GN i stay in the new tower.I never had a bad stay there.

 

This...and if you play craps they have some great craps crews IMO.

As far as the pool, get there EARLY if you want one of the free lounges, and be aware the shadows move significantly depending on time of day. Should be a little easier finding one by yourself though. Feel free to check out the pool at Downtown Grand, from what I know you can walk right in.