This was my first time actually staying downtown in Vegas. I have of course visited downtown and seen the Freemont Experience and had even eaten in the Golden Nugget. I have to say I was quite impressed not only with the Nugget but staying down town. As mentioned by other, the Golden Nugget is the gem of downtown but if you choose to go elsewhere you don't need to drive or walk a mile the other hotels and casinos are right next door.

The Nugget was nice enough to comp all of my meals while I was there and upgraded us to a gold level room. You had to use your room key to even access the gold level. They had snacks and bottled water waiting for you by the elevators. The rooms where oversized and you could get lost in the bathroom. Two sinks the closet in the bathroom and the TV in the mirror was classic. The show was very large and had a show head that made you feel like you were in a tropical rain shower!

I am one of those that don't usually give 5 stars but the Nugget earned this rating. I would have no hesitation staying there again.

We had a great time staying at the golden nugget. The people were good, the pool was great. But get to the pool early, it fills up fast. Fremont street is really cool at night. Check out Ellis Island just off the strip, fun place.

We spent one night in a South Tower room at the beginning of our trip and one night in a North Tower room at the end (our prime destinations were Brice and Zion National Parks). The North Tower Rooms are somewhat more expensive and considered "premium".
All the basics were fine with both rooms. They were clean, quiet, and the bed was very comfortable. Parking is in a deck across a small side street and is free, as long as you hang on to a little parking slip they will give you on check in.
One thing that surprised us was how far "The Strip" is from downtown. All the cross roads are under construction, nobody pays any attention when driving, "strip" parking is crazy, and side streets get sleazy looking really fast. You would need to plan on 45 minutes to an hour to get to MGM, for instance, to go to a show. So it's best to come to this city with a lot of patience.
The difference between north and south tower: a few more toiletries, closer to the casino (but farther away from the parking deck), a somewhat better view, bigger tv (but not a lot of channels), larger room.
Again, both rooms were fine overall...it depends on your priorities.

Room on 22nd floor with nice view of the pool. Some construction going on but it did not bother us any. Room had been updated and was nice and clean. Bed was comfortable. Small bathroom. Fun pool area. In the miggle of downtown excitement. Arrived late and was checked in quickly.