Murray On Travel

As an alternative to the Las Vegas Strip mega hotels, the Golden Nugget Hotel in Down Town Vegas offers more than expected.  The glamour and gimmick of the strip hotels are not in the down town area but the new Rush Tower at the Golden Nugget provides the ultimate in modern luxury accommodations, private lobby and entrance and use of the famous shark tank swimming pool.  If one has a car, it’s an easy drive to the  mega strip hotels where the parking is usually free for the day or night—then back to your luxurious, affordable room at the Golden Nugget in the new Rush Tower.

Approaching the hotel by car, drive around the main entrance to the exclusive Rush Tower valet parking area that leads to the special front desk for the Rush Tower; decorated with an elaborate fish aquarium.   We didn’t know about this special check in and got stuck in line with the folks at the main hotel check in—not good, long line.

 
The brand new Rush Tower opened less than one year ago and we were pleasantly surprised at the impressive sleeping accommodations.  The non-smoking tower rooms are decorated in a sleek, modern décor, with a leather sofa for extra seating.  The new Rush Tower deluxe guestrooms are at least 20% larger that current standard Gold and Carson tower rooms--and a bit more expensive.   All rooms have pillow-top mattresses, feather down comforters and 42 inch plasma TV.

The famous Golden Nugget shark tank pool is conveniently located near the Rush Tower lobby.  The three story water slide has a clear tube at the end of the ride which goes directly through a water tank with live, swimming sharks.  The  tank sits in the middle of the pool—and it’s fun to swim up close to the tank or even under water because the tank walls are clear—allowing the swimmers to get up close to the creatures.

   
The pool area has an ”adults only” area just one flight of stairs above the outdoor bar area, black jack dealers, lounge chairs in the water and cushioned, huge ottomans.   And just like at the big buck Las Vegas Strip hotels, there are ample cabanas for rent with room service, TVs and cozy furniture.   And, the H2O bar at the Tank has a private pool and lounge area; but you pay a small fee for the exclusivity.

 
Five major restaurants, three casual dinning options, several bars and a Starbucks are available for dinning.  We ate at Lillie’s Asian Cuisine and enjoyed a freshly prepared shrimp dish that was affordable and delicious.

 
The new Rush Tower or newly renovated Spa Tower Suites are the best choices for a stay in Down Town at the Golden Nugget.  I suggest staying away from the Gold and Carson towers, the décor is from the 80’s and they have not been remolded.  Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Website