We are looking to visit Vegas but there is a big convention so prices are very expensive.

We are considering staying downtown for 3 nights.

Please recommend which hotel is best value, clean and central??

Also, is downtown where Fremont Street is? and how far is it to the Strip?

THANX!

Yes Fremont Street is considered downtown. The Strip (Las Vegas Blvd) and Fremont St. actually intersect. However, I think you are probably inquiring as to how far the Strip properties are such as Bellagio, Mandalay Bay...Well, from Fremont Street to the Stratosphere which is considered the furthest north toward downtown is only about 2 miles. Then continuing south from the Strat towards the last few properties on the Strip such as Mandalay Bay, Luxor...it is only another 2 miles. Seems a lot further especially if walking, but the main drag of the Strip is only 2 miles. It is all relativley close. As far as properties to stay at downtown, although I have never actually stayed in any, but have been to almost all to have dinner or whatnot...I would probably recommend the Golden Nugget. It will one be one of the nicest ones on Fremont Street.

I only stay on The Strip but my 2nd choice would be something like The Silverton, Terible's or Suncoast properties. If I was going to stya downtown, I'd make sure the hotel operated a shuttle to The Strip. It may "only" be about 2 miles to Stratosphere but it's an UGLY stretch that I wouldn't want to walk.

k2rider makes a great point. (although might read a little confusing as Silverton,Terribles and Suncoast properties are "not" downtown...don't think k2rider meant they were, but it kinda reads that way, so don't be confused) If prices are driving you away from the Strip you can stay in what is considered local properties (which is what I think k2rider is referring to). Station casinos (like Sunset Station)have several around the valley, the Silverton (as mentioned), but you will need to inquire about shuttles to the Strip or maybe rent a car. Also as k2rider mentioned that 2 mile stretch from Fremont St. to the Strat is "only" 2 miles...but I would not walk it either. I went to school not far from Fremont St. in the early 90's and it was "rough" then. When are you coming and I can help you find a good hotel?

oh! Which downtown hotels offer a shuttle to the strip? When downtown I usually stay at the California or Main Street, but that's because a lot of Hawaii people stay there. Although a little dated, the rooms are clean and comfortable. If I had my druthers, though, I'd stay at the Golden Nugget.

In all reality thats the only thing about the hotel rooms downtown as MelissaHI stated, they are dated and probably smaller than the newer properties on the Strip, but for the most part they should be clean and will be safe.

Not all the hotels in Downtown are dated. A few of the hotels have been renovated to include newer rooms/wings, such as the Lady Luck. The Main St. Hotel is not that old either. We usually stay at either the California or Main St. as well. VERY laid back atmosphere and it's SO SO less crowded than ANY hotel on the Strip! The Golden Nugget is a good choice too and is definitely the nicest hotel in Downtown.

The only bad thing (in my opinion) about staying at places like Silverton, Terribles, Palace Station, Orleans, etc...is that there's no other casino around. So if you like going outside and walking around to other casinos, you're out of luck. But then, you're planning to go the Strip anyway, right?

Thanks for all your advice.

I'm coming to Vegas for 4 nights 4,5,6,7 of Jan. 2006.

So the 1st 2 nights I'll stay on the strip and then as the prices go crazy high I'm looking for somewhere inexpensive for the other 2 nights.

Well, there's no question the Golden Nugget is the best downtown..you should be able to get a good rate in the summer..check out expedia or others online

Check out the Station properties. The Palace Station is closest to the Strip, and they do run a shuttle. I stayed there for a convention last spring, and it wasn't bad. There is a CAT (city) bus route that runs the length of the Strip to downtown and back. It's $5 for a day pass and the buses run every 15 minute sor so. VERY convenient!

You might also look online to see if you can find a condo for rent. There are about 5 timeshare resorts within walking distance to the Strip, and the owners often rent their units. www. tug2.net has LOTS of ads!!

Golden Nugget, then Fitzgerald's. I do like the Station Casinos. Place and Sunset i've stayed at and liked. Although Palace is close to the strip and downtown. Sunset Station is in Henderson.
I also like the Orleans, a Coast Casino.
That bus that runs from Downtown to the Strip is called the Deuce, at just $5.- for a day pass as the perv. poster said. My friends said it was great and ran on schedule. They got a good deal at the North Strip prop. the Stratosphere, which is between most of the strip and Downtown.

Hi:
You can get the Orleans for less than $300.00 for your dates. They have a shuttle to the strip and the rooms are nice and clean. Also, they have several good restaurants with good prices.