It depends on where you want to be, downtown or just off strip.

Personally speaking, I like the GN better. I love the funkiness of downtown.

The $10 has been hitting a lot of hotels in Nevada. However the pool at the GN has been upgraded and maybe worth this amount.

None of the Caesar hotel brands have Resort fees. I stayed at Bally's this past weekend. No resort fees.

Visited Fremont Street. It was fun but I don't think I'd want to spend all my time there.

Haven't stayed at either place.

I'm on Golden Nugget's mailing list.

Today I received some discount rates for the Golden Nugget, but the kicker is that you have to reply by May 9.

Rates are good through July.

Promo code is Heat12. Besides a rate of $42 during the week and $89 on the weekend, there are lots of 2-for-1 buffets, inexpensive upgrades, etc...

http://bookgnlv.goldennugget.com/cgi-bin/lansaweb?PROCFUN+RN+RESNET+RES+funcparms+UP(A2560):;HEAT12/;?/

No Q in my mind. While I have not been inside the rooms at the Nugget - I seriously doubt if they can compare with the suites at the Rio - and the Rio pool looked great - although we didn't get a chance to use it.

There are other places to stay - and we like staying on the strip - and would suggest you just google and google as they have deals going all the time. But - look out for the hidden fees on any deal - including the new hook - the "Resort fee" even if you don't use the facilities.

We have stayed at most of the places along the Strip (not yet at the new City Center/Cozmo- but have toured around it - had dinner there) - at one time or another - and we probably like Wynn and Bellagio the best, although we normally don't spend much time in the room.

However - if you can get a room with a Bellagio Fountains view at one of the nearby Resorts/hotels - such as the Flamingo (15th floor or higher on the side by Bally's)- we love to have a couple of glasses of wine and cheese/whatever - watching the magnificent fountains - before heading out for the evening.

Cozmo? Why the Z? The Cosmopolitan is a beautiful hotel. The Chandelier Bar is really pretty amazing.

Stayed at Ballys over the weekend. View of the fountains but not good enough to sit in the room watching them. Take your glass of wine right out to the street and watch the fountain show up close, listen to the music. Sitting in those dreary Ballys rooms for more than a few minutes is completely unnecessary when it's perfectly fine to drink on the street.

Thank you Suze for the proper spelling. Please xcuse the typo - and does it seem to you that we have a lot of "true" spellers blogging in here? Do agree - the Chandelier bar is a sight to behold.

We have never stayed at Bally's - but rather the upper floors of the Flamingo - yet would further agree: The up close and personal view of the Bellagio fountains - while listening to the great music - is a trip.

Actually - like having French Onion soup at Mon Ami Gabi - at the outdoor cafe at Paris - across the street - where you can also enjoy both!

Additionally - while I am not a patient type but once - once was waiting to check into the Bellagio - and I had the top down on the convertible - and was stuck in traffic lined up the length of the driveway - but was listening to the great Italian/blind singer Andrea Bocelli (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Bocelli ) - coming over the loudspeakers - and that just chilled me out - right there on the spot.

We also like kicking back in a Bellagio lake view room - watching the operations the guys/divers perform in the morning.

What- they take out their Chris-craft looking boats out into the "lake" - and do the maintenance on the fountains, which truth be known - are really water cannons.

Having both lived in and visited Las Vegas (recently), I say that you need to decide based on what you want from your trip.

Do you want the energy of the old downtown and the idea that the Rat Pack might still be present in spirit? Do you love the old marquis white lights but tolerate new decor? Golden Nugget. And try the cucumber martini at the shark tank lounge in the main lobby.

Do you want to be kinda close to the action and get a great view of the Strip from the bar/lounge on the off times that you're not gambling/exploring/sleeping it off? Rio. Definitely hit up the top floor lounge... Used to be VooDoo???

Don't have a clue about prices!

Oops. I can't provide stay info. But that's my vibe on each!

Downtown has a definite old smoky/funky charm, and is certainly worth a visit (be sure to see the storied poker history at Binion's Poker Hall of Fame) - and has some great deals - such as the great deal for the Comedy/Magic Act (Mike Hammer http://tickets.fourqueens.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=35 at the Four Queens and their very tasty $8 prime rib dinner - you get a $2 discount if you take the time - couple minutes - to join/sign up for their player's club. We have stayed at one of the newer places downtown - the Main Street Station - which also has good dining amd ot was fine - http://www.vegasview.com/las-vegas-hotels-deals/main-street-station/?tab=hotelinfo

------------------BUT I/we still prefer staying at the more modern places on the Strip, anywhere from Wynn's down to the MGM.

Hey - it's all about personal preference and/or conveniece - but if you get a great deal downtown - go for it!!!!

BTW - still want to get over to see that Shark Tank at the Nugget.

Tomsd - there is a person here named Suze but she is not posting to this topic. Also you may blog but most people here are providng replies. Don't get the rest of your comment. Not picky about spelling at all just wondering why the Z - hadn't seen that before.

Thanks all but here is my question. I read on Tripadvisor that the GN pool has no sun until the afternoon, looking for someone to confirm/deny...thanks