Help for a Downtown Newbie

Hello,

First, I'm far from a Vegas newbie, but this is my first trip staying downtown. Been going to Vegas for 20+ years and while I've played and dined downtown multiple times...I've not stayed there. I'm historically a strip guy (mainly the more affordable Caesars and MGM properties) and am switching to downtown because I'm not a fan of what the strip has become in recent years. I'm not part of the "see and be seen" crowd, so it seems silly to pay the ridiculous strip prices and deal with all of that foolishness unless it is a special ocassion.

I give you that background because I am looking to build some relationships with downtown properties considering that I currently have none. While I may maintain some of my Caesars/MGM relationships, I see myself migrating toward downtown for future trips. I've heard advice from all over the place as to where to stay and where to play - it seems to be very contradictory depending on who you ask. I figure the LVA crowd will give it to me straight.

Here's what I'm looking for: This is a solo trip (3 nights) in mid-September simply to get away for a few days and enjoy some casino time. I am mainly a craps player, so finding a good game with solid comps is certainly a plus. I'm a night owl and it is unlikely the noise from Fremont will be a big issue..plus I can always sleep in or take a nap. Because I'm usually out so late, I'm inclined to stay somewhere that I don't have to walk outside of the direct Fremont corridor. I'm not particular about where I stay as long as it is clean and safe. I currently have refundable reservations for roughly the same price at Fremont, The D, and Four Queens to lock in rates before prices go up and because their location seems central to all that's downtown. I am open to staying other places as well if there is a better choice.

Any and all suggestions as to where I should stay/play as well as what you particularly like about the places you recommend are welcome. Thank you!

Those are all good places to play.  Especially the D or the Queens.  If you are a night owl, you won't be bothered by how loud it is at night around there.  For me, it is really only Fri and Sat night that are super crazy.  You'll soon get offers from The D and Queens for sure once you establish yourself there.  

Food is a bit expensive but Queens has a few places that are more reasonable.  I think the gambling is darn good downtown.  Better than Stations offstrip now and way better than the strip.  

I like staying at the 4 Queens. The rooms are nothing fancy, but they suffice and are inexpensive (NO rip off resort fee). El Cortez is an option to stay at, they have upgraded the whole property. Being downtown and wishing to play craps you have several choices, as I see it. You have Circa and Golden Nugget for the nicer properties. Then there is Main Street Station, California, and even the Fremont - you could add in the El Cortez. The "D", Golden Gate, Binion's, 4Queens all have craps, but the players are mostly party going types that can be rowdy. If you can afford the rooms, Circa is the best choice, then the Golden Nugget. Personaly, if I was going to play craps downtown, I would choose Main Street Station, then Circa and then the Golden Nugget. I hope this has been helpful - possibly someone else will chime in and express their choices. -- I have inadvertenly left out the Downtown Grand. I have never played craps there and they are off from the Fremont Street Experience canopy - but I have heard some nice things from Anthony and Andrew about the craps offered there.

Thank you, this is good information. Ironically, I reached out to hosts at several properties and 4 Queens is the only one that got back to me. Not only did they respond...a host replied to my request in under an hour. That is where I'm leaning towards at the moment simply because of the service I've received so far having never stayed there. I hear great things about the Boyd properties as well as the Circa affiliated properties. I will certainly be giving them some play to get in the system for offers. Interesting that you mention Main Street Station for craps since they seem to get lost in the shuffle.

This is exactly what I'm looking for. Better value and better gaming choices. I'm staying Sat-Sun-Mon nights, so I'm thinking noise will only be a thing on Sat. Plus, I like the idea of being there on slower days as I've found I tend to get rated higher when the casino isn't as chaotic.

  If you decide to stay @ the 4 Queens, request the South Tower room, much quieter and rooms have a refrigerator and a coffee maker. They will give you extra coffee free at the front desk. If you get a rental car, get a ticket when arriving, take the ticket to the front desk and they will give you a parking pass for the duration of your stay - just scan the pass when leaving or entering - parking is free with the pass. Don't forget to get a players card and show it when you eat there - for a discount. As I said before, the rooms are nothing special, but they do the job.

4Q is the best place to stay, best players club by far, comps easy to earn and some of the last decent video poker downtown. El Cortez, Plaza, 4Q best games overall and lowest limits.

Avoid ALL the Boyd properties. Everything that made them good for so long no longer applies. And the slot club pays you ZERO points!!!

Tmoney, 

You and I are almost a carbon copy as my wife and I did this about a month ago. Never had stayed downtown, but have played there at least 1 time each over my last number of trips to Vegas, so I have gotten some mailers and offers from places (Cortez, 4 Queens, The D, Downtown Grand). I am not a craps player so can't help you there, but VP is where I make my play.

We got the best offer from the Plaza so gave it a shot on Thurs-Sat. nights (went to the strip for 3 nights following). I was surprised by the Plaza, room was very comfortable (South Tower by the way, 8th floor) had just a little hearing of FSE on Fri. and Sat. nights but easily slept. Workout room was nice (if that's a thing for you), food selection had options, tried Aloha and pop-up pizza and was solid for price (had food credit and LVA coupon).

Pool was nice in the morning (temp was 115) and not overly busy at that time. Had some decent hits on machines on VP and even a few slots, wife lost money at other places on Fremont so came out basically even with Plaza help. 

Did go to other places and ate a few places (BBQ truck at Circa was good and Whiskey Licker Up also).

I would recommend Plaza for a stay, good people working, drinks were good and worth the trip. 

Probably just as good, by the time we got home a week after staying at Plaza (went to see daughter in Idaho at college), we already had offers in the mail for another trip. Nice offers too.

Good Luck and enjoy!

dfcavs23 - After reading your post, I am going to give the Plaza some play - thanks for posting the info.

You didn't mention restaurants, but don't hesitate to walk across Las  Vegas Blvd to Fremont Street Entertainment District.  There are a bunch of solid restaurants at reasonable prices.  I'm a fan of Carson Kitchen, but many are good.  If you want to splurge, Andiamo's in The D is a great steakhouse.  Far from cheap, yet far less expensive than top strip steak joints.  The only issue might be family style and sized sides....since you're going stag.

I arrive with a group on Oct 5, and we're staying at Golden Gate.  Have fun and good luck.