Hi Neal!
Pleeeeease don't take the reviews seriously. Some people, I swear, think that coming to Vegas involves a 3-gun salute as they disembark their plane and red carpet from the parking garage all the way to their room! Vegas is what you make it. I don't expect anyone to wait on me hand-and-foot while in Vegas, and I've always have a good time because of that belief.
True, the comps from GN and the odds at both table and slot machines have nose-dived (in the past, you got comps for just breathing!). But the rooms are really, really nice for downtown. You are in the heart of the action and the casino has new carpet, lots of shiny brass, etc....very nice and comfortable. Food is good and service has always been efficient, although some say the prices have risen (but who's hasn't?). The new pool is enough for Darrell and I to have booked our room there for the last part of the convention. Even if you don't swim in the evening, the pool area has a relaxing, fun happy hour around it with music...our kind of place to relax after a hard day of striking!
If you're "Down Town Critters" like we are, it is a great place to stay. Don't like the below average odds and comps?... just walk a few feet to the surrounding casinos (we like Main Street Station and 4Queens).
Don't want to eat at GN?, we love to have breakfast at the Bay City (Golden Gates) Diner, lunch or dinner at 777 Brew Pub (MSS) or Magnolia's (4Q's)...or just about anywhere downtown, it's all within easy walking distance.
You'll be fine...."Don't worry - be happy".
Tammy Lynch SS#997

The New pool at Golden Nugget: