Most visitors to Las Vegas still choose to stay on the Strip, after all, it’s where all those mega themed resorts are situated. If they do venture downtown, it’s usually for only a couple of hours one evening and I doubt that many consider staying there.
So we’re going to look at downtown Vegas in more detail and hopefully, tempt you into staying there next time you visit Las Vegas.
The Downtown Hotels
Although you still generally get more for your money when compared to other cities such as LA, New York and London, the resorts on the Vegas Strip used to be far more reasonable. Then they discovered resorts fees, parking fees, higher drink and food prices, higher limits and basically a charge for everything. I think they could even teach the old Vegas mob bosses a thing or two.
Although these charges have also crept in downtown, the room rates and fees are far more reasonable. You can still find free parking and there’s even one hotel who doesn’t charge a resort fee.
The types of hotels in the Freemont Street area range from the 2500 room Vegas glitz of the Golden Nugget to the more boutique feel of the Downtown Grand. If you are looking for some Las Vegas history, you can stay at the Golden Gate situated at One Freemont Street, it’s the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, it first opened in 1906. This leads us on to our next reason to stay downtown, the classic feel of vintage Las Vegas
Vintage Vegas
Freemont Street and the unmistakable neon of downtown is the classic image of Vegas many of us grew up with. James Bond raced through it in ‘Diamonds Are Forever‘ and who remembers Robert Urich as Dan Tanna in the 70’s TV series aptly named ‘Vegas‘!
Downtown still retains the atmosphere of classic vintage Vegas, drinks are reasonable, you can find independent bars and restaurants, the casinos are more intimate and in the D Hotel, you can still find some old-style slot machines. Don’t worry, as well as these old-style machines you can find the latest slot machines complete with the big curved screens, sharp graphics, and animated features. A welcome addition for those of us who are already used to enjoy a bit of online gaming and their latest features and incredible graphics.
Some people think downtown Vegas is rougher and more ‘earthy‘ than the Strip, but this is Sin City after all. If you want it nice and sterile you can always go to Disneyworld.
Just a block from the Fremont Street Experience you’ll find another iconic Vegas hotel with a rich history, the El Cortez Hotel and casino which dates from the 1940s, it’s actually on the US National Register of Historic Places. It was once owned by the infamous mobster “Bugsy” Siegel who you can find out more about at the excellent Mob Museum.
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum or to give its full title, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement is a really interesting history museum which traces the history of organised crime in America. It doesn’t glamourise gangsters but instead, as the museum explains, “advances the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society”.
You can find the museum in the former Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse just a couple of minutes walk from Fremont Street.
Downtown Food And Drink
Whether you want fast food or fine dining you’ll find plenty of choices downtown. There are some excellent steak houses and even an Evel Knievel themed pizzeria, what we’ve always been looking for. If you put on a few pounds during your holiday then you can try the Heart Attack Grill where you can eat free if you weigh over 350lbs (25 stone).
As mentioned, the price of drinks are generally cheaper than on the Las Vegas Strip. As well as smart cocktail bars you can still find old-style dive bars with an ‘eclectic‘ clientele, you’ll probably meet some actual Las Vegas locals.
Another venue which is definitely worth a visit is the Downtown Container Park, you can find it a couple of blocks east along Fremont Street. Here you’ll find a trendy mix of shopping, galleries, breweries and restaurants. You can’t miss it, just look out for the giant fire breathing praying mantis.
Downtown Entertainment
Along Fremont Street, you’ll find plenty of bizarre street entertainers but if random Elvis’s or naked cowboys aren’t your thing, downtown Vegas also holds many free concerts and live performances throughout the year. For you kids from the 1980s. you may even encounter some stars from your youth such as Culture Club, the Thompson Twins and Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley.
So those are some of our reasons why we love downtown Vegas and why you should consider staying there on your next trip. If you’re staying in Las Vegas for more than a couple of days why not spilt your stay with a few days on the Strip and a few days downtown, that way you’ll definitely get the best of both side of Las Vegas.
Why You Should Stay In Downtown Vegas – Pin For Later
*In Collaboration Carlota Quintana
