Hotel Comparisons
Golden Nugget Las Vegas vs The D Las Vegas
Compare Golden Nugget Las Vegas and The D Las Vegas 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 high-energy Fremont Street hub from the Stevens family — bachelor-party energy on a downtown budget. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Golden Nugget Las Vegas | The D Las Vegas | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Upscale | Mid-Range |
| Location | Downtown | Downtown |
| Rooms | 2,419 | 638 |
| Year Opened | 1946 | 2012 |
| 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)
The D Las Vegas
- +Bachelor parties wanting nonstop Fremont nightlife on foot
- +Travelers who want to be in the middle of Fremont Street, not adjacent to it
- +Budget-first stays with high-energy expectations
- +Group trips that want a cheaper alternative to Circa under the same ownership
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
The D Las Vegas
- -Couples or anyone wanting a quiet room — the casino floor energy carries up
- -Travelers who want resort-tier amenities
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
The D Las Vegas
- *Originally opened as Sundance Hotel in 1980, became Fitzgeralds in 1987, rebranded to The D in October 2012
- *Owned by Derek and Greg Stevens — same ownership as Circa and the Golden Gate
- *Two-floor casino — Modern Vegas downstairs, Vintage Vegas upstairs (coin-drop slots)
Notable Dining
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
- -Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
- -Chart House (with floor-to-ceiling aquarium)
- -Grotto (Italian)
The D Las Vegas
- -Andiamo Italian Steakhouse (Joe Vicari)
- -American Coney Island (Detroit-style hot dogs)
Verdict
Edge: Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Golden Nugget Las Vegas edges ahead overall thanks to its Downtown location and upscale positioning. That said, The D Las Vegas is the better pick if you prioritize bachelor parties wanting nonstop fremont nightlife on foot.
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 The D Las Vegas if you want
- +Bachelor parties wanting nonstop Fremont nightlife on foot
- +Travelers who want to be in the middle of Fremont Street, not adjacent to it
- +Budget-first stays with high-energy expectations
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Are Golden Nugget Las Vegas and The D Las Vegas 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 The D Las Vegas 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). The D Las Vegas is best for Bachelor parties wanting nonstop Fremont nightlife on foot and Travelers who want to be in the middle of Fremont Street, not adjacent to it. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Golden Nugget Las Vegas or The D Las Vegas?
Golden Nugget Las Vegas is the larger property with 2,419 rooms, compared to 638 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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