Thoughts on staying at the golden nugget (2 Viewers)

Have you looked at air bnb? Some pretty cheap stays just off the strip and you would probably have access to a kitchen to cook (also cheaper food that way).
 
Since you will be going by yourself why not stay at multiple locations? That way you can check out several places and see what you like and don’t like about each. It can be a bit of pain checking into different places a few times but it can save you a decent amount of money and you ou might be surprised by some of places.
And if you hate the first place you stay you’ll be happy that you’ll be checking out in a night or two lol. :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:
This^^^^^ Lots of good deals online. More flexibility like what he said....
 
Time is money. I wouldn't stay off strip. Even in a week you will do about half of what you plan to do. I go for a week and try to grind 40+ hours. Being able to walk across the street after a late night session right to your hotel room or even better stay in a casino which has a poker room so it's a quick ride up the elevator and to bed is priceless.

Go online and get a total rewards card, book direct with any Caesars property and put your card number in and prices will drop substantially. Yeah every hotel has a per night resort fee of at least $25 but you can't avoid it unless you book Treasure Island. If that's your choice, for TI, I would get on their mailing list and they will start emailing you decent deals.

As for coming back and spending $200-300 per night with your wife, that's crazy. Once you have some play on your total rewards card, free rooms will available. Better yet, get your wife to sign up for a card online at totalrewards as well and bring it with you. Bring her card with you, shove it in a slot machine and get $20-100 in play on it (best to do it all in one day so you have a higher per day coin in). When you put two cards into totalrewards.com you won't believe what a difference it makes for free rooms. My wife and sister have almost no play on their cards but when they put both numbers into the website they got comped 5 nights at Caesars Palace tower this Nov, which are 525 sqft rooms with double sinks and a jacuzzi tub.

I took my nephew a couple weeks ago to Caesar's Windsor (near me), signed him up for card and he played 4 hours in the poker room. The next day we put both our cards into the website and boom, 5 nights comped at the Flamingo. Not as nice as Caesar's but free is free. (Resort fee of $25 per night - basically unavoidable)

Use your card everytime time you play or pay for anything because you will earn comps. Often there are discounts for showing your card at the restaurants as well. When you check out, hand in your card and ask them to apply all your comps against your room charges. The comps expire after 6 months with no play so might as well spend them all before you leave.

The two major comp cards are totalrewards (Caesars) and M Life (MGM). I've had a lot of success with free rooms from totalrewards and no success with M Life, though both will earn you comps while you play. You can google which hotels use M Life and which are totalrewards. Some are independent like the Venetian and a few others. Wherever you plan to play, get their card and hand it to the dealer so they start tracking you. The deals will roll in.
 
Also GN is nice but I won't play there because they are the only Vegas casino I am aware of that does not have a std no flop no drop policy. IE, someone raises to $10, you reraise, everyone folds and they rake the pot.
Anywhere else, no flop, no rake. The rest of downtown is a grimy shithole. The casinos are small, cramped with low ceilings and reek of years of stale cigarettes. Binions poker room has been rebuilt so you are not even playing in a room that has any history behind it.

My picture of the Duke of Fremont Street when I played at GN:

P1030660.JPG
 
Thanks @moose i had no idea about the rewards card thing before today and didn’t realise it could save that much.
 
The problem with the nugget, aside from its location, is that parts of it are very old...the room I ended up in still had in window airconditioning, which didn't work...yes they replaced the whole unit, but I would expect this in a $50 a night room (midweek), not a $100 a room (mid week).
 
Be careful with airbnb's in Vegas. Many are trying to sublet time shares and I had my reservation cancelled last minute. I was refunded and comped by airbnb, but I still had to scramble around to rebook elsewhere.

I like staying on the strip, but I prefer condos off strip for longer stays. Saves on resort fees and you get to park right near your room. Unfortunately, if you are renting a car, most strip properties also charge parking fees too.

I'm not sure if this is still the case, but I believe Casino Royale is one of the only strip properties that does not charge a resort fee. Dumpy little place and no poker room, but you are literally 20 steps form your room to the strip. The walk to your room in the larger hotels can easily be a half mile or more.
 
First I'd just say Moose is right. I'm staying at the Linq for 4 nights for $159 total on a Caesar's reward. Not sure what deals you get with no play, but it's worth the effort. Make sure to login and click on my offers or it will give you generic rates.

Second, it's also good to check out Groupon.

Third, your airline points could definitely be helpful. Marriott owns Cosmopolitan. Hilton owns Tropicana.

Your problem is going to be weekends. Rates are much higher. You might want to book one place during the week and go someplace cheaper on the weekend. Caesars or Groupon rate for the week days, and airline miles somewhere else for the weekend for instance.
 
I've stayed downtown and on strip multiple times. I will continue to switch between the two, depending on the trip.

Downtown Pros:
Everything is cheaper downtown. Cheap rooms can be found on the strip, but resort fees run near $30 a night. It's also easy walking distance from the 2 furthest points (Plaza to El Cortez). So any hotel in that area is walking distance to the Golden Nugget, as it is fairly central. Outside of the downtown area, but within walking distance are some of the best restaurants in Vegas for a reasonable price. Walking from Point A to Point B on Freemont street is comfortable in June as it's covered and air conditioned. On the strip, it is stupid hot (but a dry heat, so you wont get all sweaty). During the WSOP, the Golden Nugget has it's own championship poker series, which fills at least 2 ballrooms. It draws a lot of players, and it keeps the cash games super active (but the wait can also be long)

Also, this is the scenery downtown...
2017-06-21-20-25-16-jpg.105281

Sure, they may have only had one eye - I don't know. I didn't look that high.

Downtown Cons:
Strip Vegas is Vegas. It's what you see on TV. It's the big resort hotels. There is more to see and do. If it's your first trip, or you want to catch a show, that's where it's all at. Bellagio, Caesars, Aria. It's all on the strip. The WSOP puts out a discount code when the WSOP draws close. You are supposed to play in the WSOP, but nobody has ever asked for proof, and there have been a couple of trips where I went and haven't played. It's the best deal you will likely get, unless you stay in a less pretty area.

Downtown is a well patrolled, very "safe" area, but if you leave the light, all bets are off. I grew up in Detroit, and have no fear of crime. In fact, the most pleasant people I have ever come across in Vegas looked to be thugs. Mind your buisness, they mind theirs. In the daytime, Mrs Zombie and I walked quite a distance from the "safety" of Fremont. In the day, it's just as safe as any American city. At night though... stay in the light.

I strongly recommend my trip reports, as I cover everything, not just poker, when I'm in Vegas.
2017
2016
2015
 
The point of my trip will be purely to play cash games and live my full time poker dream for that 8-9 days.

What do people think about the golden nugget versus being on the proper strip?

Bearing in mind my goals here are to stay cheaply and to be near decent games. I’d also like to do some kind of harvesting to take myself home the start of a mixed set maybe.

If you want to be near the games and do some harvesting, stay on the strip. Price out some locations on Kayak and then just book through the Casino/Resort website. Stay at a casino and get into the rewards program. Finally, do a live trip report on here so we can follow along (y) :thumbsup:
 
I've stayed downtown and on strip multiple times. I will continue to switch between the two, depending on the trip.

Downtown Pros:
Everything is cheaper downtown. Cheap rooms can be found on the strip, but resort fees run near $30 a night. It's also easy walking distance from the 2 furthest points (Plaza to El Cortez). So any hotel in that area is walking distance to the Golden Nugget, as it is fairly central. Outside of the downtown area, but within walking distance are some of the best restaurants in Vegas for a reasonable price. Walking from Point A to Point B on Freemont street is comfortable in June as it's covered and air conditioned. On the strip, it is stupid hot (but a dry heat, so you wont get all sweaty). During the WSOP, the Golden Nugget has it's own championship poker series, which fills at least 2 ballrooms. It draws a lot of players, and it keeps the cash games super active (but the wait can also be long)

Also, this is the scenery downtown...
2017-06-21-20-25-16-jpg.105281

Sure, they may have only had one eye - I don't know. I didn't look that high.

Downtown Cons:
Strip Vegas is Vegas. It's what you see on TV. It's the big resort hotels. There is more to see and do. If it's your first trip, or you want to catch a show, that's where it's all at. Bellagio, Caesars, Aria. It's all on the strip. The WSOP puts out a discount code when the WSOP draws close. You are supposed to play in the WSOP, but nobody has ever asked for proof, and there have been a couple of trips where I went and haven't played. It's the best deal you will likely get, unless you stay in a less pretty area.

Downtown is a well patrolled, very "safe" area, but if you leave the light, all bets are off. I grew up in Detroit, and have no fear of crime. In fact, the most pleasant people I have ever come across in Vegas looked to be thugs. Mind your buisness, they mind theirs. In the daytime, Mrs Zombie and I walked quite a distance from the "safety" of Fremont. In the day, it's just as safe as any American city. At night though... stay in the light.

I strongly recommend my trip reports, as I cover everything, not just poker, when I'm in Vegas.
2017
2016
2015

+1 for PZ trip reports!
 
I’ve been doing some more research and I’m definitely going to stay on the strip now.

Currently narrowed my options down to Linq, Excalibur, planet Hollywood or flamingo. Bally’s does seem perfect, but so far much more expensive than those options.

Excalibur is currently showing as $620 for 7 nights including resort fees. With any luck it will be even cheaper in a few months.

What do people think of those locations? It’s hard to tell online, but is Excalibur a bit too far down?
 
Actually the wife’s just found a rate through her work and she gets 12% extra discount. For New York New York it works out to be $37.50 usd per nights for 3 nights midweek.

That seems very cheap. It’s $60usd on the m life website.
 
Excalibur is a bit too far down, IMO, but it depends on where you want to play. Linq and Flamingo are probably the most centrally located. PH is not far off.
 
Excalibur and New York New York a littl too far away for me

I really enjoyed staying at the flamingo for location even if hotel super dated
Never stayed at linq but that is right there
Planet Hollywood good location too
 
Thanks guys that’s useful to know.

From the maps Excalibur did look too far, but New York seemed more central than linq. It just shows that you can never quite tell from a map.

I’ve got a midweek rate for linq for $23 usd per night. Tempting.
 
Excalibur is a dump, imho. It's also on the far south end of the strip, so not convenient if you're walking. Linq used to be the Imperial Palace and PH was Aladdin, but I believe they were updated when they re-branded, so they might be a better choice. Flamingo is dated, but great location and I've heard the rooms are clean. You better like pink if you stay there, lol.
 
I tend to hang out more at the north side of the strip, only really venture as far as the Aria south, which is why I would prefer the Flamingo or Linq (which are right next to each other, so basically the same...although I think the Linq is newer...)

Bonus for Linq and Flamingo is that In and Out is located in between them in the Linq Promenade, along with some other decent spots (Yardhouse)!
 
Thanks guys that’s useful to know.

From the maps Excalibur did look too far, but New York seemed more central than linq. It just shows that you can never quite tell from a map.

I’ve got a midweek rate for linq for $23 usd per night. Tempting.

I would stay at the Linq for sure at that price. Also look at staying at another hotel during the weekend, even off strip for a big savings.

Uber is cheap to to get to the strip. While going from one of the strip to the other walking does take a long time, if you are in the middle, like Flamingo or Linq it is not a bad walk to any of the good poker rooms. And the people watching while you walk it is worth it. Great way to get your mind set before you play.
 
I just stayed at the Linq. Took a $20 per day upgrade to get their mini suite. Couple of photos below. I believe basically all the rooms have been remodeled since the old Imperial Palace days.

I thought it was a great place to stay. Clean, updated room right in the middle of everything. Poker at Flamingo, Caesars, Ballys, Bellagio is very close. Venetian isn't too far. You can low roll at the Casino Royale - $2 beers all day- $1 roulette table usually. Stop in at Harrah's Piano Bar and see Big Elvis, the piano twins, the Saxman duo.

Pool is OK. Go to the pool level, walk over to the BBQ joint and down the steps and you're in the Linq Promenade area. Highly recommend In & Out Burger and Jaburrito for $8 - $15 lunches.

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1538495324339.png
 
I know this one may be a bit of a budget buster but I did find a deal on the Cosmo a couple of trips ago. Check hotwire.com. Search by 5* mid strip and look at their hot rates. At some point before booking they show you the resort fee. I think Cosmo’s is $44.22 (check on Cosmo site) so if you see that, you know it is Cosmo. I booked for $70/night base and paid upgrade at check in – for a total of $170/night for a 55th floor suite.

Also you mentioned airline points. Cosmo is a Marriott property so you may be able to book on points. Just staying there one night is well worth it.

Even for a somewhat jaded Vegas veteran it was incredibly cool to have a drink on the balcony, enjoy out the fountains and watch Vegas roll down the strip. It really made that trip something special.

1538496950442.png
 
All I can offer is that I've been downtown once.... and that's enough for me.

I've mostly stayed on the strip but more recently in Henderson. Just seems a bit more subdued and relaxed out there.
 
Thanks guys that’s useful to know.

From the maps Excalibur did look too far, but New York seemed more central than linq. It just shows that you can never quite tell from a map.

I’ve got a midweek rate for linq for $23 usd per night. Tempting.

Vegas is a big trick of light. The properties are indescribably huge. What you may think is right next door is really more like a mile away because of the size of the building and all of the signs and fanfare. Either stay somewhere centrally located, or get to a place on the monorail if you want to shoot into the heart of things.

LINQ is a great location right next to the promenade with outdoor bars, music, gambling (O'Sheas! Go to O'Sheas for the bands and the beer!) and don't forget the happy high roller - which is half hour with open bar on the High Roller Ferris wheel and the best views of the city.

Oh, and there's a convenient In-n-Out Burger right there, too. You'll want to hit that at some point.
 
Definitely hitting up in-n-out burgers. Can’t wait for all the american junk food.
 
I'd recommend to stay on the strip as well. More poker room options on the strip vs downtown.

I usually go to Vegas 3-4 times per year and have 2 different groups of friends i go with. One group likes to stay on the strip at the nicer places like Wynn, Aria or Caesar's and the other group likes to stay downtown, usually at the California or Main Street, but will gambler those places or the D or the Gate. 2 very different experiences. But I am a gambler first, so its fun either way.

Here is a site i recall seeing awhile back. At least it may be good to check your prices out.

https://www.cheapovegas.com/

Good luck!
 

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