It’s been a long time since I’ve made it to Vegas (pre-COVID). I’m going during a particularly expensive time and my normal Caeser’s properties are out of my range. I’d like help in deciding what IS in my range. Eating options (basically Subway or sushi) that I can do are important. An in room frig for my meds is also important. Options in my range are (in order of price) Main Street Station. 777 had sushi rolls last time I was there and the rooms were a comfortable size. How is the buffet since it reopened? I used to enjoy going down and getting some fruit. Fremont. I’ve never stayed here. I hear they have a new food court (maybe I could find something there). The pictures of the room’s bathrooms and the rooms themselves look very small. El Cortez. Only considering a tower room. Stayed here once. Had a Subway on site at the time, and I see a sushi place in easy walking distance. Was comfy in a tower room before, any recent changes? The STRAT . Stayed here 20 years ago. Not super impressed then. Any new updates. I hear this end of the strip is picking up a bit with Fontainebleau and Resorts World. Downtown Grand. Never stayed here. Know nothing about it. My go to 4 Queens is quite expensive this stay. Looking forward to any unbiased and especially biased information.
I'm biased in that I like to casino hop, so for that reason Strat is one I would never consider. I've been there to visit and its ok, and with some of the additions up near there I suppose its easier to hop around and might be worth considering. The rest are all super accessible as you know. For me of the ones you name, DTG has the best rooms (if you can get in Gallery tower) - but they often jack up those rates during peak times while keeping their older towers cheap, so look closely what is within your budget. ($20 trick reportedly works well there, but if its a prime time to be there inventory may not permit this). Fremont is renovated. I can't speak to the rooms,but the casino is a huge step up from what it was, and I very much like the food court there. Plus the location is great. But as you observe, the rooms from what I know of them, are quite small. MSS and El Co are places I rarely visit. I had no idea MSS had reopened their buffet, but its nice to hear there's a buffet once more downtown. Best thing about all those DT locations is so long as its a decent place to do all the "S's" you are close enough to any of the casinos you want to play in
I joined the rio rewards club on line and get some really attractive offers. 4 weeknights free pay resort fee. The Rio places you across from Gold Coast and catty corner to the Palms. Bus stop in front of the palms gets you to the strip or Ellis Island/Tuscany. Great bang for the buck.
You didn't mention what games you played......based on what you did mention, Fremont seems like a good choice. Not sure about the refrigerators with their remodel but explain your situation when checking in.
Oh I know! That is one of my favorite parts about the 4 Queens, They are over $100/night more this stay though.
if you scroll down on his reply, hes absolutely correct. Though, depending on whats important to you, it could vary. Personally i'm a Circa fan but thats gunna be the priciest of the bunch.
I've eaten there - it's right across the street to the west. Good food, and more importantly, you can use El-Co food credits & comps there!
As far as hotel rooms go, it's Downtown Grand by a mile. You are in the middle of everything there -- Speakeasy and Mob Museum, all downtown properties. For food, I like the steakhouse at the D, and the steakhouse at the California (Redwood Grill). And there is always Triple George and Pizza place at your property.
Have to talk in favour of the Strat here, it is nothing like it has been 20 years ago. Yes, the only walkable other Casino is Sahara (RW/FB/Westgate/Circus) if you are adventourus. But, easy comps, super nice sportsbar, good gaming (3:2 $10 Black Jack etc.). Also they compensate for their location in a pretty clever way nowadays, sending you a lot of discounts for Uber/Lyft if it is to/from the Strat...
I can’t speak of any sushi restaurants or locations as I don’t eat it, however the Cal does have free refrigerators in all rooms. Never stayed at MSS. I do enjoy their casino floor. It’s quiet and I like the slot selection. The only issue I’ve heard of from others is freeway noise from some of the rooms. I have never stayed at or even walked on the casino floor of DTG in all of my trips to Vegas. El Cortez had a strange atmosphere the one time I attempted to stay (long, long story). I like the casino, but that hotel had some weird vibes. I really can’t explain it, but it didn’t feel like a Vegas hotel. I would be concerned with the noise at Fremont. When I’m ready for bed, I’m ready for bed. I don’t want to hear partying until 2:00 AM. Never stayed here so I’m not sure if it would be an issue.
I've stayed at the California, Golden Nugget, Strat. I like staying at Golden Nugget. They comp me very well for not much play, and I like the restaurants they have inside, vibe is fun. I didn't find the rooms to be noisy but I sleep pretty soundly generally speaking California was OK. The room was VERY noisy that even I noticed it. I think it's not well insulated and the windows have these shutter things and it really just doesn't block out the sound very well. I stayed at the Strat a few weeks ago. Room was fine. Elevators are VERY small, VERY old, VERY slow. It's VERY far out, but it is convenient to downtown by Uber, Duece, or the Downtown Loop (although I have never taken the loop, it seems very limited in seating) I hate the vibe in El Cortez so I would never stay there. I would be worried a bit about the noise in Fremont hotel but I have seen one of their rooms (Friend was staying there) and it was small but updated and clean. Downtown Grand, I would stay there if given a free opportunity because they have cheap tables, cheap eats, and it's usually not too smokey in there.
Would recommend Downtown Grand. I have heard their comps are not good, but is it right you haven't been to Vegas in a long time and have no comps? It's the nicest of all options listed. IMO a cut above most of downtown. And there's a short, well-defined path between Downtown Grand and the rest of Fremont. Once you're at the Grand, you could seed play anywhere you want downtown so that you're comped for your next trip.
A recent review stated the El Cortez Subway is no more having been replaced by a Starbucks. Can anyone confirm?
I keep hearing that Downtown Grand comps aren't good also but I've only ever played .25 vp and get offers for 2 free weekday nights. This seems pretty good to me. The location, dining options, and cheap gambling make it appealing to me.