The Golden Nugget is the jewel of downtown if not of all Las Vegas. The rooms are beautiful. The pool area is amazing and nothing beats "swimming with the fishes". Dining is superb and the buffet is a great value although try the buffet at Main Street Station too. The Carson Street Cafe which is the coffee shop is open 24 a day and has excellent food. They usually have $5 blackjack tables in the morning but you are a stones through from other hotels that have $5 BJ all day. We only go to the strip to see a show or two. I've stayed at the so called "fancy places" on the strip but to me nothing beats the Nugget. Also, go for dinner at Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens next door. They have the most amazing salad ever which they make at your table to order.