For me, the Downtown Grand is the exception to my rule, “Stay where you want to stay, play where you want to play.” Though I don’t play for comps — I scout for the best games and take all comps offered, but don’t want to be obligated to play four hours a day for a $100 room — I find so much value at DG that I play there because I want to stay there.
What’s so grand about the Grand ?
First, location, with walking access to nine Fremont Street casinos. (Except Golden Nugget. Friends don’t let friends play triple-zero roulette.) And since I roam casinos all over, the freeway being two blocks away is awesome.
Second, the hotel. The Gallery Tower elevators are a few steps from the casino; the Grand Tower is across the street, accessible by a second-floor walkway. The Grand Tower rooms are $25 less expensive and quieter. Gallery rooms are Hilton quality with free wifi, alarms, safes, radio, and in-room coffee. The free parking garage is across the street. Using your LVA coupon gets you five nights of resort fees ($35 per) waived.
Third, food. Triple George is great and has an excellent lunch special, but I’m a simple guy. Enter Freedom Beat (and say hello to Alyssa for me). The Gamblers Special deal is earn 25 points at $1 or $2 per and print out a coupon at the Promo Booth. It’s good for half-off an excellent breakfast ($6.50) or $15 off the equally excellent prime rib dinner, chicken dinner, or burger. The whole menu’s a winner. Ask Alyssa about the off-menu dessert. I also love Pizza Rock across the street or drink with the local characters at Hogs and Heifers Saloon.
Fourth, coupons. When you check in, you get $100 in offers, including matchplays for $5-to-$50 bets. Go for $50. Note that the limit is one matchplay per “visit” (24 hours), so don’t try using more than one at a time. There’s also one in LVA’s Member Rewards Book and another at American Casino Guide’s site.
Fifth, video Poker. Use www.VPfree2.com to scout the best VP machines anywhere. It even tells where those machines are. Jean Scott’s Frugal VP Scouting Guide is the same size as your MRB, so they’re easy to carry in a jacket, pants pocket, or purse. I’ve discovered, played, and won so much thanks to this little booklet, including at DG. Thanks, Jean. You’ll find a good Double Double Bonus progressive at the center Furnace Bar that goes positive at $1,944 at quarters and the reset is $1,250.
You can also play craps ($5 and $10 minimums) and $1 blackjack. Table games are open 24/7 weekends and 11-3 a.m. Monday-Thursday.
Remember, in looking for the best deals, sign up everywhere for everything, get educated on your games of choice, scout, be friendly, tip everyone, and you’ll do fine. And if you want to read a more in-depth review of Downtown Grand, you can find it at my website, BobbyVegas.com.
After reading your post I will have to give the DTGrand more notice.
I don’t know if anyone is going back to check this blog but though I would provide some updates. The Furnace Bar RF, 4 OAK and 4 OAKS w a kicker progressives are still hot and these hit EVERY WEEK. often before B/E. Lots a daily free play ez peasey.
The 25 points ez accumulation still gives you an excellent $15 prime rib with homemade garlic mashed and grilled baby carrots and broccolini. Still served with Au just and horseradish but that deal also gives you their Excellent breakfast or their awesome burger..Those two end being $7 or $8. awesome.
I talked to Joe the Casino GM why they stopped giving points on E Craps and E roulette. Apparently some advantage players were playing both Red/ Black, Odd Even or hi low on Roulette and Pass Don’t Pass on E Craps and were earning lotsa comps. hunh.. why didn’t I think of that !
Still they have an active LIVE $5 or $10 craps and LIVE $5 or $!0 Roulette most key times.
Also want to make a shout out to the Fat Cat Lounge. niiice ! Russel Gardner who also co owns the Tiki Lounge co run by his better half Jennifer. The Fat Cat is a lovely 100 seat max jazz lounge with excellent live acts with walls papered with old handbills like Etta James, BB King etc its a lovely room. check it out.
Back to DG the pool here is great, the rooms are great, the location is great. Free parking with your room or if you play like 15 minutes. Use the MRB for no resort fee. Use the MRB for up to a $50 match play. Use your coupons people !!! I luv the parking across the street to launch off on my adventures all over the valley. Oh and there’s so much more next door, Pizza Rock, Triple George The Mob Museum even Hogs n Heifers for those of tough exterior low slung bikes and well cajones. Fremont Casino opened there food court try the Stake n Shake $5? $6 single burger fries n a drink and then go wander up and down Fremont or amble over to 4 Queens… The adventure continues. Bobby