2nd best downtown hotel?

I believe we all agree that GN is the best downtown from a hotel standpoint
Which place would you consider to be next, and why?

I guess it would depend what your criteria for "best" is. I presume you mean highest quality rooms since that is the only metric I would give Golden Nugget the highest marks on in the Fremont Area.

I'd probably go with Downtown Grand only because it has the newest refresh - and they have a fun pool area which sets it apart from most of the downtown hotels (G Nugget gets the highest marks for pool too). You can frequently get a suite at many of the 2 star hotels downtown for under $100....The D, 4 Queens, Golden Gate, and El Cortez have nice, cheap suites if you want a little more space and a fridge.

I like the El Cortez.Rooms are clean and decent.Comps are good,and a couple of blocks from the FSE,but close enough to walk to to enjoy the FSE atmosphere.Don't know what the new restaurant will be like.

The plaza had such promise. They came so close. I was there for soft opening and it just looked as if the money to finish vanished. MSS has its charms, but the rooms are not great, so the not great DT Grand has to be second. I have yet to stay at the D. Good luck!

El Cortez Cabana Suites are pretty damn nice....

Plaza and DT Grand would be my pick for 2nd best. I like MSS but they are far from fancy. Not a fan of El Cortez Cabana Suites...

ive stayed in mss, fremont, el cortez, and golden gate. they are all just basic lodging. don't expect much and you wont be disappointed. the d and the golden gate now have a $20 resort fee which is effing ridiculous. so as for 2nd best, going with recently renovated / new would be your best bet and that is cabana suites and the grand. and the cabanas seem reasonable in price.

Golden Nugget adding $20.00 resort fee:

https://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2015/1/16/161344/957/vegas-travel/Golden+Nugget+Instituting+True+Resort+Fee+

Besides the $20 resort fee at the GN, you still have to pay to get a lounger at the Hideaway pool....even if you are a guest there. I think you also have to pay an admit fee....EVEN IF YOU ARE A GUEST AND PAYING $200 a night. I asked the gal at the GN what it cost to just go float. We both laughed at that. It seems like that they wll squeeze every drop from you that they can.