Bobby Vegas: The Downtown Grand Really Is Grand

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.