Hotel Comparisons
Golden Nugget Las Vegas vs Plaza Hotel & Casino
Compare Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Plaza Hotel & Casino side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
Downtown's flagship resort — four towers, the Tank shark-pool slide, and the best amenity stack on Fremont Street. vs. The anchor at the west end of Fremont Street — a value-tier downtown room with an unusually fun pool deck. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Golden Nugget Las Vegas | Plaza Hotel & Casino | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Upscale | Mid-Range |
| Location | Downtown | Downtown |
| Rooms | 2,419 | 995 |
| Year Opened | 1946 | 1971 |
| Resort Fee | N/A | N/A |
Best For
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
- +Travelers who want a Strip-quality property without leaving downtown
- +Pool-first stays (the Tank with its three-story shark slide is unique in Vegas)
- +Couples and small groups who want walkable Fremont Street access
- +Steakhouse fans (Vic & Anthony's is one of the better downtown steakhouses)
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- +Downtown-first trips on a mid-range budget
- +Travelers who want walkable Fremont Street access without paying Golden Nugget rates
- +Pool-first stays (the Plaza pool is a sleeper-good downtown amenity)
- +Steak-and-cocktail nights at Oscar's with an arched-window Fremont view
Not Ideal For
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
- -Travelers chasing the absolute cheapest downtown rate
- -Anyone who wants Wynn/Bellagio-tier finishes — the Golden Nugget is upscale-not-luxury
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- -Anyone wanting a quiet stay — the front door opens onto the Fremont Street zip line
- -Travelers who care about modern room finishes
Top Highlights
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
- *Opened in 1946 — anchor of downtown Las Vegas for over 75 years
- *Four towers — Carson, Gold, Rush, and Spa — with very different room products
- *The Tank — three-story water slide passes through a 200,000-gallon shark tank
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- *Opened July 2, 1971 — anchors the west end of the Fremont Street Experience
- *Built on the site of the original Las Vegas Union Pacific train station
- *Oscar's Steakhouse — domed restaurant with a 270° view down Fremont Street
Notable Dining
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
- -Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
- -Chart House (with floor-to-ceiling aquarium)
- -Grotto (Italian)
Plaza Hotel & Casino
- -Oscar's Steakhouse (named for former Mayor Oscar Goodman)
- -Hash House A Go Go
- -Pop Up Pizza
Verdict
Edge: Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Golden Nugget Las Vegas edges ahead overall thanks to its Downtown location and upscale positioning. That said, Plaza Hotel & Casino is the better pick if you prioritize downtown-first trips on a mid-range budget.
Choose Golden Nugget Las Vegas if you want
- +Travelers who want a Strip-quality property without leaving downtown
- +Pool-first stays (the Tank with its three-story shark slide is unique in Vegas)
- +Couples and small groups who want walkable Fremont Street access
Choose Plaza Hotel & Casino if you want
- +Downtown-first trips on a mid-range budget
- +Travelers who want walkable Fremont Street access without paying Golden Nugget rates
- +Pool-first stays (the Plaza pool is a sleeper-good downtown amenity)
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Are Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Plaza Hotel & Casino close to each other?
Yes, both hotels are on the Downtown, so they're within walking distance of each other. The choice comes down to the on-property experience rather than location.
Is Golden Nugget Las Vegas or Plaza Hotel & Casino better for a first trip to Vegas?
Golden Nugget Las Vegas is best for Travelers who want a Strip-quality property without leaving downtown and Pool-first stays (the Tank with its three-story shark slide is unique in Vegas). Plaza Hotel & Casino is best for Downtown-first trips on a mid-range budget and Travelers who want walkable Fremont Street access without paying Golden Nugget rates. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Golden Nugget Las Vegas or Plaza Hotel & Casino?
Golden Nugget Las Vegas is the larger property with 2,419 rooms, compared to 995 rooms at the other. Larger hotels generally mean more dining and entertainment options but can feel busier and have longer walks to your room.
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