"The class of Fremont Street. The pool has a shark tank in the middle of it. The rooms are the best in downtown Vegas (after Circa)."
Overall Rating
The Golden Nugget has been the class of Fremont Street since it opened in 1946. The current property — significantly expanded and renovated over the decades — is the best traditional casino resort in downtown Las Vegas (Circa is newer and more impressive in some categories, but the Golden Nugget has more history and a broader appeal).
The defining feature: The Tank — a pool with a three-story shark tank in the middle of it, complete with a water slide that goes through the shark tank. It is the most unique pool in Vegas. The rooms are well-maintained and comfortable. The casino is well-run. The location on Fremont Street is excellent.
The Golden Nugget is the right call for guests who want the downtown Vegas experience at a quality level above the other Fremont Street properties.
A three-story shark tank in the middle of the pool, with a water slide that goes through it. There is nothing else like it in Vegas. Book a cabana in advance on weekends.
The Rush Tower has the best rooms in the Golden Nugget — modern finishes, good views, and well-maintained. When booking, specifically request Rush Tower.
Well-maintained rooms after the 2019 renovation. The Rush Tower rooms are the best — modern finishes and good views. The Gold Tower rooms are solid. The Spa Tower rooms are the most dated.
The Tank is the most unique pool in Vegas. A three-story shark tank in the middle of the pool, with a water slide that goes through the shark tank. Seasonal — typically May through September. Book a cabana in advance.
How this resort holds up in peak Vegas summer (June–September)
The Tank pool (with the shark tank slide) is a genuine summer attraction — unique in Vegas. Downtown is slightly cooler than the Strip due to less pavement density. The Fremont Street Experience canopy provides shade but it's still an outdoor environment.
The Golden Nugget opened in 1946 as a small casino. Steve Wynn acquired it in 1973 and transformed it into the first luxury resort in downtown Las Vegas. Wynn sold it to Mirage Resorts in 1987. Landry's Inc. acquired the property in 2005 and has operated it since.
Guests who want the downtown Vegas experience at a quality level above the other Fremont Street properties. The Golden Nugget attracts a mix of tourists, locals, and gamblers who prefer the downtown atmosphere to the Strip.
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare — fastest option
Taxi (Metered)
Metered. Downtown is farther from the airport than the Strip.
No shared shuttle service
No direct shuttle service to downtown properties. Rideshare recommended.
The Golden Nugget is the best traditional casino resort in downtown Las Vegas. The Tank is the most unique pool in Vegas. The rooms are well-maintained. For the downtown Vegas experience at a quality level above the other Fremont Street properties, the Golden Nugget is the answer.
Original Golden Nugget (1946)
Boyd Rewards
Yes
Various
38,000 sq ft
2019
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