Isn't it great to win!
Congrat's..
Downtown is a different animal from the strip but I like it and your odds are so much better..
Never stayed at the Fremont but I am sure you will be just fine and do specify what you want with the front desk..don't be shy.
It is a ritual for my husband & I to eat at Binion's for breakfast downstairs..best $4.99 huge ham steak with eggs, hash browns and toast..
Noodle House for early dinner is really good at the Golden Nugget..
Four Queens has Rosemary's which is great for dinner but expensive.
I think its the Californian that has the .99 cent shrimp cocktail..
Try and get one of those booklets, we love getting all that free stuff!
I love walking to all the casinos and enjoy watching the Fremont experience.
I am a Wynn girl and love staying there and if you can do it for one night..do it! Mid week will be cheaper than weekend.
Bellagio is stunning as well.
I would stay Mon-Fri instead of the weekend..
Have a great time and keep us posted!

Thanks..I'm doing more writing.

One more question..does your hotel give you coupon books or do you get them somewhere else? I'm all for coupons, senior discounts and the like.
(If I just had a dime for every time I've uttered the words, "Do you have a senior discount?").

I've looked at the rooms at the Wynn on their site...very nice. Maybe I can find a good deal as the time draws near.

How exciting for you! Vegas at last! We have never stayed downtown but go down there sometimes to play and take in the Fremont experience.

The greatest bargain around is The Duece bus that runs downtown to The Strip. It's $5 for 24 hours, and stops at many places along the Strip. It lets you off/picks up right down close to Fremont Street. You will want to visit the big theme hotels on the Strip. The Wynn and Venetian are beautiful and Paris is neat (great onion soup). Be sure to see the fountains at Bellagio "performances", especially at night and don't miss the Conservatory there, just beautiful.

I would definitely choose Mon-Fri option. It's a madhouse on the weekends and as a first timer, the slower weekday pace would be better. If you decide to stay a night on the Strip, check the Monte Carlo. It's a beautiful hotel and often has great rates ($79-$99) Mon-Thurs. The Duece stops right at the front door on the outbound and across the street at the MGM on the inbound.

You'll have a great time. Pace yourself, lots of walking involved.
Have fun!! Congratulations!

I think you'll really like downtown. We're having a family reunion downtown in June (staying at Golden Nugget, others at Main Street Station). I think 10 in our group of 43 are seniors, which we took into consideration because of the easy walkability of downtown. Do check out the California, the Fremont and Main Street Station for some good value dining options.

Oh and I do agree with the mid week option, for better values and less crowds.

Thanks to all! I've checked the Monte Carlo and did find the great rates mentioned...$69 for the night we might stay! I don't think I need to look further, it looks very nice AND it's in our budget!

So we'll go the weekdays, and spend one of our 4 nights on the strip. And thanks for all the good hints!

Oh the Golden Gate is where the 99 cent shrimp cocktail is. I think they also have a $2.99 deluxe Jumbo shrimp cocktail. Maybe the Cal has one two, and I'll check it out next month.

My husband has stayed at the Monte Carlo on a business trip and he thought it was very nice. So go for it. Very central. Please DO beware of 99 cent seafood anywhere you go.

Hi Mary- The Golden Gate is a well known and recently tested (last month by a good & picky friend of mine), good quality 99 cent shrimp cocktail. It's been on the travel channel and also is in my Insiders guide to Vegas 2007.

OK

Hi trippin!
Saw the travel channel segment too and knew it was one of those hotels for the shrimp cocktail.couldn't you upgrade for a buck or two for big juicy shrimp?..
Where is the Golden Gate Casino?
I think that the Monte Carlo will be perfect for you esd!
I love that big machine that no one has ever won on for the free spin at the entrance to the 4 Queens..always hit it twice..just in case.

Hi TahitiTams! If memory serves me correct, the Golden Gate is about 2 doors down from the Golden Nugget (going towards the Plaza) on the same side of the street as GN.