10 Must-Book Downtown Vegas Hotels in 2025
Discover everything you need to know before booking a room in downtown Vegas.
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Overview
Downtown Las Vegas is a wild place. It’s a mix of old-school charm and modern-day debauchery. There are so many reasons to stay downtown on your next trip to Vegas! From the iconic neon lights and historic casinos to the Fremont Street Experience and free entertainment.
In this article…
There is nowhere like Fremont Street and downtown Las Vegas. It’s one of our favorite places to visit, but it’s not for everyone. For the uninitiated–it’s a drunken, slutty mess. It’s the cheaper little brother of The Strip. You’ll be doused in neon lights, loud blistering music, and a stranger’s adult beverage.
But if you like letting loose, dancing to your favorite songs, and low-roller gambling–staying downtown is probably right for you. However, if you’re chasing the gaudy glitz that Vegas is known for, you’re better off staying on The Strip.
How To Choose
When choosing to stay downtown, there are several important factors to consider that make a big difference. Here are some things we recommend you look out for when choosing a room downtown:
- Fremont Street is very loud at night
- Your hotel’s location is less important than The Strip
- Most downtown hotels are very old
- Expect fewer amenities than The Strip
- Shows are rare downtown, but there’s lots of free entertainment
1. Circa
There’s no competition, Circa is the best hotel downtown. Opened in 2020, it was the first new hotel downtown in 40 years. It has the best modern rooms on Fremont Street. While you’re there, you must go to Legacy Club for a rooftop cocktail and spend the day at Stadium Swim. I recommend 8 East and Saginaw’s for lunch and dinner. It’s 21+ only. You won’t see any strollers or kids, which as a dad with a toddler is what I need on any Vegas vacation. Since it opened, Circa has been my go-to downtown hotel.
Details
- Address: 8 Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 4.1/5
- Weekend Rate: $209+
- Midweek Rate: $119+
Pros
Cons
2. Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget has everything you need for an excellent getaway under one roof. The amount of amenities, restaurants, and entertainment rivals Strip-properties. The hotel rooms are cozy, but comfortable–comparable to a 3-star hotel chain. They have great restaurants from steakhouses to casual dining–like my favorite is Cadillac Mexican Kitchen. From live shows and nightclub to a packed gaming floor and shark tank swimming pool, Golden Nugget is an awesome resort on Fremont Street. If noise is a concern, the Carson Towers typically have quieter rooms.
Details
- Address: 129 E Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 3.4/5
- Weekend Rate: $109+
- Midweek Rate: $59+
Pros
Cons
3. Plaza
It might be a controversial opinion, but Plaza takes third on my list of best downtown Vegas hotels. The reason? They’re the most innovative, customer-first hotel. During my stay, the rooms were comfortable, but average. I really liked the rooftop pool (and pickleball courts). The expansion with Carousel Bar outfront, The Sand Dollar, and Pink Box are great. For budget-minded travelers, Plaza is the right choice. Plus, if you’re a low-roller, you’ll stretch your dollar the farthest at Plaza. They’ve got fair odds with low table minimums.
Details
- Address: 1 Main St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 2.2/5
- Weekend Rate: $99+
- Midweek Rate: $39+
Pros
Cons
4. Downtown Grand
Downtown Grand is a solid pick for budget travelers. The hotel offers quiet rooms a block away from the Fremont Street chaos. The hotel has affordable dining and bars. Across the street you can get great meals at Triple George Grill or Pizza Rock. The rooftop pool at Citrus is a chill spot without the overcrowding you’d find elsewhere. The casino’s low-stakes tables are perfect for casual gamblers. It lacks the energetic vibe of other spots and feels a bit dated. Still, for a relaxed, wallet-friendly Vegas escape, Downtown Grand is a go-to for value and comfort.
Details
- Address: 206 N 3rd St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 2.4/5
- Weekend Rate: $129+
- Midweek Rate: $49+
Pros
Cons
5. The D
The D Las Vegas is a party-fueled hotspot that cranks up the volume downtown. This hotel’s all about high-energy vibes, with a casino packed with lively tables and slots that keep the action rolling day and night. However, on the second floor, you’ll find a relaxed casino with BarCanada and Vue Bar. The rooms are fine–good for crashing after a wild night out. Bonus: every guest gets two passes to Stadium Swim at Circa. For food, Andiamo Italian Steakhouse is great. It’s loud and chaotic, not for those seeking zen. For a high-octane Vegas party hotel, The D is my top choice.
Details
- Address: 301 Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 2.2/5
- Weekend Rate: $69+
- Midweek Rate: $29+
Pros
Cons
6. Fremont Hotel
Fremont Hotel is a downtown classic that’s been transformed by recent renovations. It’s almost unrecognizable from its older self. Originally opened in 1956, has refreshed rooms, though its age still peeks through in spots. With cheap dining at spots, plus bar specials that keep the party going without draining your wallet. While the upgrades have elevated its game, it remains a mid-tier option—perfect for those who want a high-energy Fremont Street vibe, affordable drinks, and a taste of Vegas history without the premium price tag.
Details
- Address: 200 Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 2.1/5
- Weekend Rate: $79+
- Midweek Rate: $45+
Pros
Cons
7. Four Queens
Four Queens is old-school Vegas. This iconic spot skips the resort fees, making it a standout for value-driven travelers. The casino is a gem, with some of the best gambling odds. Rooms are average—functional but not flashy—opt for the South Tower if you want a quieter night’s sleep. Hugo’s Cellar, a surprisingly upscale steakhouse, and Chicago Brewing (my personal favorite) punch way above their weight. Don’t expect luxury in the rooms. For a nostalgic, Vegas escape with great odds and no extra fees, Four Queens is my pick.
Details
- Address: 202 Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 2.1/5
- Weekend Rate: $89+
- Midweek Rate: $59+
Pros
Cons
8. El Cortez
El Cortez Hotel & Casino is a Vegas icon revitalized with a $20 million renovation in 2024. This 1941 gem, once owned by mobster Bugsy Siegel, features great gambling. Rooms are updated, offering a quieter retreat from Fremont Street’s noise. Siegel’s 1941 serves killer prime rib, while Hot Noods offers quick, tasty bites. The hotel’s age and smoky atmosphere might not suit everyone. For a historic electric Vegas stay, El Cortez is a go-to.
Details
- Address: 600 E Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 2.2/5
- Weekend Rate: $119+
- Midweek Rate: $45+
Pros
Cons
9. California Hotel
The California Hotel & Casino, a block off Fremont Street, is a low-key hotel for those craving a Vegas vacation without the chaos right outside their door. Known as the “Ninth Island” for its Hawaiian vibe, this 1975 classic has clean, no-frills rooms that stay quiet thanks to its slightly removed location—perfect for a solid night’s sleep. The casino is chill. Drinks are dirt-cheap. The rooftop pool is a simple retreat. The vibe can feel a bit dated and it lacks the flashy energy of Vegas hotels. If you want a quieter stay, it’s a good choice.
Details
- Address: 12 E Ogden Ave Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 1.5/5
- Weekend Rate: $89+
- Midweek Rate: $47+
Pros
Cons
10. Main Street Station
Main Street Station dials up the historic charm. Tucked just off the main drag, this 1977 hotel leans into its Victorian-era aesthetic, with antiques and a cool piece of the Berlin Wall you can pee on in the men’s restroom (yes, really). The casino is quiet. Triple 7 Brewery is a standout, serving craft beers and pub fare. Rooms are basic but clean, offering a peaceful retreat from downtown’s chaos. It’s not the spot for loud, Vegas-style partying, and amenities are sparse.
Details
- Address: 200 N Main St Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Rating: 1.4/5
- Weekend Rate: $79+
- Midweek Rate: $39+
Pros
Cons
You Should Avoid These Downtown Hotels
First, I’d avoid staying at Golden Gate. Don’t get me wrong, I love gambling here. Its prohibition-era vibe is really fun. But the hotel rooms are tiny closets that are hot and loud. I once did a staycation at the hotel. It was a cool experience to stay in the oldest hotel in Las Vegas, but it has a lot of flaws. Guests get two passes to Stadium Swim at Circa, but it doesn’t make up for the outdated rooms. I’ve heard the suites are nice, so if you have to stay at Golden Gate, book a suite.
There are a number of motels and cheap hotels surrounding the tourist area in Las Vegas. Stay away from these. They’re often filled up with extended stay and undesirable guests, not tourists.
Here’s a few hotels to avoid:
- Alpine Motel
- Bridger Inn
- City Center Motel
- Villa Inn
- Carson View Suites
- Siegel Suites
- Budget Suites
- Lucky Lady Motel
Final Thoughts
For the most modern accommodations, casino, and dining, Circa is hands-down the best hotel downtown. However, if you’re concerned about getting good sleep, check into the Carson Tower at Golden Nugget or stay at one of the hotels a few blocks away from the Fremont Street Experience.
