Opened in 1946 at a then astounding $1,000,000 price tag, the Golden Nugget has weathered every possible storm Vegas can muster, yet, like a fine wine only gets better with age. From Steve Wynn's bajillion dollar renovation in the late 80's to the recent 'Rat-Pack Style' re-branding of the property by dot com bajillionaires Tim Breitling and Tom Poster (including the hi-larous reality TV Show 'The Casino' and their luvable goofball host Tommy Sundstrum). Tim and Tom sold the Golden Nugget to Landry's Restaurants about a year after they bought it.
From its agressive odds, to its delicious Wheel of Fortune slots over towards the North West entrance by the mini change desk (we hit some big numbers there) to the gorgeous new additions to the casino, to its plush yet affordable rooms, to the delicious Turkey burger at the Carson Street Cafe, the Nug delivers. Some of the blackjack dealers can be a bit cranky, but the gaming experience overall kicks ass.
Who needs the Strip anyways... We love the Nug.
One of the oldest, and still classiest joints in Vegas... we love The Nug.
Home of the not so reality TV show "The Casino"
Starbucks OK
Read our April 2008 review of the Golden Nugget
2005 Trippies Winner
Right in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget epitomizes old-school class. Where the neighboring Binions has a rustic saloon sawdust feel, the Nug is plush. Great rooms, all reasonably priced, great food, great service and great action. You simply cannot go wrong at the Golden Nugget.
All the usual suspects... lotsa slots too. They've got a brand new and mega bitchin' sports book back where the keno area was before it was replaced by a poker room.
The Nug offers a bunch of different rooms, depending on your bankroll and desires. The standard rooms are very competitively priced, considering what you get in Nugginess. They have some Spa Suites, but you have to give them a grip of action before they unlock those doors for you on a weekend night.
Read our April 2008 review of the Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget has completely upgraded all of their food offerings since the property was bought by Landry's restaurants.
One late night after a long blackjack/rum coke sesh at the Plaza, we headed over to the Nug for some eats. Over a tremendously delicious Turkey Burger (our compliments to the Chef) at the Carson Street Cafe that VegasTripping.com was born. Good food inspires good ideas... nuff said. The Nug rocks no matter where you eat or what you order... its gonna be good.
krhsnow posted on 15th June 2016 :One of the best hotels downtown.
Bajablastgod posted on 23rd August 2015 :The House that Steve Wynn Added to. Still the nicest joint in downtown. Sucks that Landry's has neglected the Carson Tower. Used to be my fave joint in DTLV but those standard rooms are circa 1999
Ten6redhead posted on 28th July 2015 :Horrible. Absolutely horrible. Staff was lousy, room was a huge disappointment even with the new upgraded remodel. Worst time I ever spent in Vegas and will never stay there again.
MeltYrselfDown posted on 8th July 2015 :got lucky at the slots, poker room, and tables. buffet is edible. rush tower gold club rooms are super comfortable. best pool downtown. best location downtown. there really is nothing bad to say here.
jwwalsh2 posted on 20th July 2014 :The jewel of downtown! Don't bother with any other property in the Fremont Street vicinity, if you want to stay downtown, choose the best hotel downtown, by far.
chairmanofthebar posted on 29th April 2014 :My favorite place in Vegas!
Jaredjensen posted on 6th February 2014 :Great place to stay if you are staying on Fremont St. Nice pool (small) but surrounds a shark tank and has a sweet slide that goes through the tank.
jonikat posted on 9th December 2013 :This hotel is nex on my list but do you offer military discounts.
radgambler posted on 5th February 2013 :A waterslide through a shark tank- what's not to love??
sivled posted on 12th December 2012 :
The best of the best in Downtown Negas on Fremont street. We stayed in a gold card room and it was really nice and the employees made us feel like friends. Five star honest.
JIMMYJDTRUCK posted on 4th October 2012 :NOT VERY IMPRESSED, THOUGHT THE DELUXE ROOMS WOULD BE BETTER. NICE CASINO
chrisrobbins1980 posted on 13th September 2012 :Great vibe here, Fremont casinos are so superior when it comes to the gambling crowds.
nmccarty82 posted on 25th July 2012 :Fun and entertaining. Sharks and large fish tank surround a waterslide that dumps you out into a pool right in front of their large patio and seating areas. Casino is very cool inside. Definitely can tell that your in the rich history of downtown.
joekollar posted on 29th May 2012 :The Nugget is my favorite place in Vegas. All of the comfort and ammenities of the strip but with downtown's much more relaxed vibe/better odds. We recently splurged and stayed in the Spa Tower Suites at GN. These 2 level suites are an amazing deal for what they cost and everybody should give them a try at least once. They are decorated tastefully in red/brown/golds similar to the newer Rush Tower. The lower level has a huge living room, half bath and bar while the upstairs is the master bedroom and completely insane master bath.
The living room had a big flatscreen on the wall as well as a DVD player and full stereo system with surprising large speakers. You could really bug the neighbors with this setup if you were so inclined. The bar had a nice mini-fridge, a small sink, lots of glasses and a Keurig coffee maker. We have a Keurig at home so we just brought some of our own K-cups instead of paying the GN $12 for 4. Everything worked well, the TV even got some real HD channels. The spiral staircase to the bedroom looks great and underneath it is a small dining table/work area. There are also giant 2 level windows overlooking the pool area in the living room providing so-so views of the city.
The master bath shower is enormous and could easily hold 4-6 people if you're lucky enough to have parties like that. It also doubles as a steam room with a Steamist timer on the wall. That steam was great to relax in before going to sleep. Down the hall from that is a makeup table, closet and then the water closet which featured a whisper flush low rider and a bidet for those of you who enjoy a nice spritz on your nether regions. The 2nd half of the master bath had a dual sink setup with a TV in the middle. It also had a large(big enough for 2) Jacuzzi tub. The TV was perfectly situated for relaxing in the tub and watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" which always seemed to be on when I was in there. The GN provided lots of good quality towels, decent shampoos, conditioners, soaps, shower caps and cool dental kits as well. We brought toothbrushes but took the kits for our next stay.
The bedroom has another big TV on the wall, a dresser and a daybed/lounge thing that was really comfortable. The bed is a king and was very comfortable but like every hotel the pillows are mushy pieces of crap. There was plenty of room to set up the luggage stand fromt he closet in the bedroom to make packing/unpacking easier.
Miscellanious cool stuff about these rooms:
1. You can enter from the living room or go up a floor in the elevator and enter the bedroom. This is much more convenient than it sounds. If you stay there, you'll see.
2. There are buttons by the bed for controlling the lights and the giant window drapes as well as the Do Not Disturb light.
3. The turn down service leaves tasty little chocolates and complimentary bottles of water.
4. The pens all over the room are good quality. My wife is a free pen fiend so she got like 6 of them from the room :)
5. Good size safe, slippers, robes and a real size hair dryer in the closet.
6. Besides the shampoos and usual stuff the GN provided a shower cleaning poof and Q-tips
The Spa Tower Suite was a great deal for the money. We paid about $350 a night and it's definitely an experience many Vegas vistors will never have. While I'm sure the offerings at Encore or Aria for something similar in size are nicer, I bet they cost 5 times as much per night too. The fact is we've stayed in the basic rooms in the Nugget and been very happy, it's just a great hotel and a great Vegas experience.
Anne1948 posted on 24th April 2012 :My husband and I have stayed there every year 1987, and I think it gets better every year, since 1987, and we are staying there again on the 28 th of April, beautiful hotel and casino, and wonderful staff.
SalSagev posted on 6th January 2012 :Has become home base for our Vegas excursions. An absolute value for the quality and without resort fees. Clean and stylish with many gaming, dining and entertainment options. Rush Tower upgrade gets you a coupon book for free drinks, BOGO buffets, matchplay, reduced show tix, etc... Best pool on Fremont. Chart House Restaurant runs awesome Happy Hour specials. The buffet is a decent option for breakfast or lunch. Large enough casino to always find an open seat. Higher table limits and generally higher clientele as well. Nothing but wonderful experiences during each of our stays.
oldrichgreywolf posted on 29th December 2011 :Oldy but a goody in the heart of everyday-man action. Recent owners have really rolled the dice with everything on the table to make this place once again a worthwhile visit. Congrat's on keeping the flame burning.
MikieTaps posted on 19th September 2011 :I think Golden Nugget is the tits when it comes to Fremont. Pleasant staff, fun poker tournaments, decent table games with open seats most hours of the day...
They have a gold vending machine... thats pretty fucking cool.
VivaLasVegasBoy posted on 25th July 2011 :Very classy place...by far the best hotel in downtown Las Vegas.
Stosh posted on 18th June 2011 :Place was downright stately back in '99.
blackneon posted on 4th June 2011 :This place is literally an oasis in Downtown LV. In the midst of a bunch of old and unrenovated hotels/casinos this place shines. Gotta love the old school low ceilings with the new feel, love the Rush Lounge, the openness yet cozy relaxed feel of the casino, and we can't forget the AWESOME pool area. Just LOOOOVE Golden Nugget.
jammoral posted on 17th May 2011 :The Casino is awesome. Alway a good time here. Best on Fremont and give any south strip place competion
DyceKid posted on 6th April 2011 :Classsssyyyyy. I liked relaxin in the pool and plus there was blackjack out there too.
TheVegasKing posted on 16th March 2011 :Great deal downtown. The pool with the shark tank and waterslide is great, the Rush Tower rooms are really nice for a fair price.
CWatts26 posted on 29th January 2011 :Stayed here last August for our Fantasy Football Draft. Had a Rush Tower room that was amazing. The Sports Book was ok... but the best downtown. Pool was packed and didn't get a chance to go down the slide. Played a little video black jack, but did mostly sports betting.
bneve posted on 5th January 2011 :My favorite place in downtown. They have pretty cheap rooms and it's a good value. The Chart house and the Grotto cannot be missed.
CapriVegas posted on 25th November 2010 :It's the only 4 star hotel downtown, but if you need a 4 star hotel, you probably won't like downtown.
d3wayne posted on 12th November 2010 :I love the Nug. It has never failed to provide a great base camp for my Vegas adventures. If i'm hungry and need a low key meal I can always count on Carson Street Cafe.
Chuckmonster posted on 8th September 2010 :I love what they've done with the place, I think.
RobbieNomi posted on 31st August 2010 :The epitome of Vegas swank with it's great service, fancy digs, friendliness, and old-school charm that's sorely missed on the Strip. While it's referred to as the class of downtown, this really is the class of Vegas. Oh, and the fact that it has the raddest pool in the world doesn't hurt either. Refined yet casual, not since the Desert Inn has a hotel provided such a genuine experience in Vegas.
theROLA posted on 13th August 2010 :Always love the Nugget. Good, inexpensive restaurants (especially the Grotto), great pool, good gambling, and the new Rush Tower is very impressive.
Rgiffen2 posted on 10th August 2010 :Dark, cramped and has the old Vegas vibe. Rooms are comfortable, great place to stay downtown.
TangiersTodd posted on 10th August 2010 :Was so impressed with the Nugget when passing through last summer (and dining at Grotto) that I'm staying there two nights in July this year.
VegasSolo posted on 24th July 2010 :Definitely the classiest joint Downtown.
Andrewr11 posted on 19th February 2010 :Classy. Even with all the hookers in the bar.
atdleft posted on 20th January 2010 :Hands down, this is the best hotel downtown! I stayed here in April when I signed the papers for my condo, and I had no regrets about it. I was a little worried at first about staying somewhere downtown, but all those worries evaporated when I stepped inside The Golden Nugget and appreciated the truly classy atmosphere of the place. The rooms are a little on the small side (at least by 4-5 star Strip standards), but they're appointed tastefully with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, and nice bathrooms. The pool area is without a doubt a true gem, especially with the great water slide and "tank" in the middle with live fish! Grotto is not to be missed for good Italian food (at quite the bargain!), while Carson Street Cafe is the place to go for a late night bite. Oh, and don't forget to check out the nightly video shows outside on Fremont Street! :-D
Jplan72 posted on 27th October 2009 :Really nice casino floor. Has that intersection of swank and downtown feel. Slots were okay. Lots of people in cramp areas near entrance.
Trevelbond posted on 16th October 2009 :The new Rush Tower makes this place the best value in Vegas. Period. Until further notice this is my home in Vegas.
vespajet posted on 8th August 2009 :Still the class of Downtown. The Rush Tower rooms are excellent, but even the Gold Tower rooms are quite nice and are a good bargain. Some of the food options are middle of the road chain style restuarants, but there's plenty of other places to eat within walking distance....
donnymac66 posted on 2nd April 2009 :So far I have stayed in the Carson and Gold towers. Both of which were very nice. Looking forward to staying in the Rush tower in June. UPDATED: Rush tower room was great. Loved the decor and bed. Best room on Fremont for sure and comparable to mid-high end strip rooms like Mirage or Mandalay bay. Always like the casino and the pools especially the Hideout are awesome!!
shauseman posted on 23rd March 2009 :Hands down the nicest casino in the downtown area. It gives you a strip feel, but it also gives you a strip price.
mitchyT posted on 11th February 2009 :Quality bars and the best Starbucks on the planet
jimmyrandolph posted on 24th January 2009 :Classy!
RoachClipCharly posted on 20th January 2009 :My favorite place to burn dope.
beangurl posted on 11th October 2008 :The property is not your typical downtown hotel. The rooms are very comfortable, the casino bar drinks are good and the slots paid us well. Very classy property and now with the new updates and features it continues to set itself apart from other downtown properties.
stevewynn posted on 30th November 1999 :I bought the Golden Nugget in the late 1970s and transformed it from a downtown also ran to a 5 diamond resort... eventually I expanded the Golden Nugget brand to Laughlin, NV and Atlantic City, NJ. What a shame how its changed.
AceCopland posted on 30th November 1999 :Only witnessed the $5 blackjack table and played a few slots before heading back to the Wynn
thevegasvisitor posted on 30th November 1999 :Best value in town.
rbg81601 posted on 30th November 1999 :Nicest hotel on Fremont. Carson Street Cafe has awesome Monte Cristo sandwiches. The shark tank is pretty sweet, especially at night. The Gold Club rooms are very cool!
hardways posted on 30th November 1999 :Love the Nug. One of the cleaner places on Fremont Street. Yea it's all up dated but they still have the history. Plus the tables pay well. I give it a solid hard eight!!!
Ronnievegas posted on 30th November 1999 :Updates are fabulous. Great pool.
RockChickX51 posted on 30th November 1999 :Very classy! Will actually consider staying here. Nice and clean casino, pretty nice staff. I like that you can actually see OUTSIDE from the casino and you don't feel trapped and claustrophobe
MartiniMike posted on 30th November 1999 :Sweet crown jewel of downtown.
maintrainstation posted on 30th November 1999 :Very nice
kermit75 posted on 30th November 1999 :for a 2 night's stay on 2 totally different night's here, my first night wasn't bad at all we had a standard room in the south tower. but my last night in vegas here was a a blast the room we had booked (again in the south tower) was sold out from under our feet and we were comped a room at the gold diggers club. and wow what a room! i have pics that i can post here if i can so someone please let me know if i can post some thanx. also the pool was great but an 8 o clock closing time in the heat of the summer sucked big time needs to stay open later. all in all i had a great time here and would definately reccomend the nug to any one who plans on staying in vegas!!!!
Casino Host' treat you VERY Good, great vibe in the casino and usually a great band each night in the bar that is by the casino!
New Rush Tower rooms are GREAT!