When new owners Tim Poster and Tom Breitling assumed
ownership of Steve Wynn's former downtown gem in January
2004, they promised a bright new future for the Golden
Nugget that included a hefty wink and nod to the past.
While maintaining all the glitz and glamour of the expansive
1,907-room hotel casino, the dual owners are on a contemporary
quest to restore the "vintage" Vegas bling
that, decades ago, lured the famed rat pack to make
the Nugget downtown's most prominent casino. The changes
are less physical and more about overall vibe. Unlike
at the more corporate-owned casino conglomerates, you're
likely to see Poster and Breitling themselves cruising
the game floors, making sure their guests are having
a great time. This hands-on approach, combined with
bigger talent headliners, higher stakes gaming options,
and a highly publicized reality TV show, is bound to
pull visitors away from the Strip and back downtown,
where the Las Vegas mystique has its deepest roots.
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In addition to its 38,000-square-foot casino space featuring
the expected full array of slots, tables, video poker
machines, keno and sports book action, the Golden Nugget
announced in 2004 the re-opening of its historic Poker
Room. Thanks in large part to the country's renewed
interest in the game (including celebrity TV shows and
hyped coverage of the World Series of Poker), the casino
again hosts high-stakes poker in a non-smoking environment.
High rollers can also spot higher stakes options amongst
the slots, keno grids and gambling tables.
Winners and losers alike can take a break from gambling
to take in some of the Nugget's revamped entertainment
lineup. In an effort to bring live entertainment back
downtown, the new roster features the funk and soul
rhythms of Lon Bronson's All-Star Band, comedy and improv
from "Downtown" Gordie Brown, and the energetic
'Spirit of the Dance.' Day-time activities include an
elegant Olympic-sized pool and an expansive, spoil-yourself
spa.
The Golden Nugget has been the treasure of Fremont Street
for more than 50 years. It has seen Fremont turn from
a barely paved road to one of the most photographed
thoroughfares in the world and finally to its newest
incarnation, the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian
mall. Through all that time, it has stood as proud and
priceless as the Hand Of Faith, the 61-pound gold nugget
displayed inside the casino.
The rest of the Nugget rivals the gold piece in sheer
elegance. Everything from the 1,907 luxury rooms to
the hotel's gold-leaf facade is rich with Victorian
refinement. The pool terrace is decorated with ornate
bronze and marble sculptures of fish and swans. The
dining here is some of the most celebrated in town,
including the gourmet delicacies of Lillie Langtry's
and a Buffet that draws people by the thousands. The
36,000-square-foot casino accommodates every kind of
gambler, from the neophyte to the seasoned high roller.
And the dazzling light show of the Fremont Street Experience
is mere steps away.
The Golden Nugget puts the shine in "Glitter Gulch,"
and it's no mistake that such august travel authorities
as AAA and Mobil have given the hotel their respective
highest ratings. Downtown Las Vegas would be unimaginable
without its venerable charm, dignity and hospitality.
This treasure shines for everyone.
