A friend is staying there in January and asked if the pool is heated? Since I refuse to give GN one dime of my money, I couldn't answer. Any help?
It is, in fact it is really warm. I would guess it is about 82 degrees. I agree with you, and dont give them a penny either, but I use the pool area free of charge
How do you use the pool area free of charge? I've been asked to show a room key every single time I stepped outside in the pool area. I was even contemplating the day bed rental just so I could get a spot as a non guest at their extremely busy pool
OK, I'll be the one who asks... Why do you refuse to give The Golden Nugget even one dime of your money? I'm curious. Personally, it's not my favorite property downtown, and their VP paytables leave a lot to be desired overall... But maybe you have a different answer...?
Tatter, how do you avoid the folks checking room keys at entry for the pool. Odd, I don't spend money at Golden Nugget but I have stayed there four times. Just don't like the higher minimums for downtown, I am a cheapo when it comes to craps.
I just walk out there like I belong. I have never once been asked for a room key in the dozens of times I have used the pool area. I have never swam (swum?) when I wasnt a guest, I just use the lounges to relax, read a book, and listen to the music. If you do get asked, tell them you are going to the bar. As for not giving them any money, my reason is that I do not like their rooms, gambling, or food. I shouldnt say I wont give them a penny, because on rare occasions I will buy a drink at their bar, but that is about it.
Terrible VP paytables; high craps minimums and terrible service. I once waited an hour for a hand pay. I choose not to even walk in there and haven't since ~2005. However when I'm asked what is the best hotel downtown, I mention GN, w/o mentioning my personal complaints.
I love GN and won't stay anywhere else. Everytime I have stayed there has been someone at the entrance to the pool checking keys. Last fall I was told the pool is heated and always open unless the weather is really bad. I also like Gambling there but I have mostly a BJ player and won money both times i stayed. If I do play craps I will search a different casino out cause anything more than $5 is too High Roller for me. I've only had one bad experience with a BJ dealer and that has been it. Totally understand the bad feelings because I feel similar about Plaza no way am I stepping foot in that place.
I swim in the pool there year round. It stays warmer when the winds are light, I find. I find I can only tolerate getting into the main pool once, the second time isn't as pleasant. I love staying at the GN, wouldn't stay anywhere else DT now. I used to also consider the GG, but the gross bathroom with mold in Sept has taken them off my list. I have also warmed up to the BJ at the GN too, they have some excellent rules at some tables, and the best penetration in all of DT.
I love the Golden Nugget and usually stay there when in town. But I rarely play there. As for using the GN pool if not a guest, you could do as someone suggested and say you're going to the bar. Or just head to the BJ tables (if they're open) and play for a few, then slip on over to the pool. They won't notice and they can't deny you entry to the tables, just the pool. Nevada Revised Statute 463.0129 requires any gaming area to be accessible to the public. You can't be refused admission if you just want to enter the pool area specifically for the purpose of gambling. On those occasions I was staying at the El Cortez and wanted to hang out in the GN pool area, I just pointed to the BJ tables when the guard asked for my key. He always just nods and lets me pass. You'll get in.
I agree with this. Obviously it's not going to compare to the low-roller spots DT but if you are a 25-50 dollar BJ player, I really think it's worth taking the trip to GN from a place like Caesar's Palace. That "high roller" room they have has great DD pitch at 25-50 that blows away places on the strip.
Trunksfull, do you remember what the rules are for the DD game in the HL area? I played there last June and liked it, just don't remember all the rules. I know you could double any 2 cards, don't remember if you can double after a split or not. I am trying to decide if I want to stay there for my entire trip in Dec or move to Golden Gate for a couple nights.
I tendnot to stay at the golden nugget...but i have in the past. I tend not to gamble at the golden nugget because there are better places to play but I have in the past. I also tend to tell people who ask whats the best place to stay downtown that the nugget is probably the nicest of all the properties. I am a low roller. I get off on cheap eats, cheap sleep, and cheap gaming. If i'm paying 10 dollar minimums...I'm not happy. If i'm paying strip prices for a downtown experience I'm not happy....and Golden Nugget is as close to the strip as you're going to get downtown. To me the nugget is what it is. A nice place to stay for the normal strip stayer wantign to try out downtown. I'll stick to El Cortez, and Plaza and Vegas club (tho the plaza will not get a penny from me until the retract their "resort" fee) and golden gate. The D is not a bad place to stay either and I LOVE their old school room upstairs.