Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Historic downtown Vegas hotel with a legendary shark tank pool, the 'Hand of Faith' gold nugget, and vibrant Fremont Street access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic downtown Vegas hotel with a legendary shark tank pool, the 'Hand of Faith' gold nugget, and vibrant Fremont Street access.
"It's a great hotel and I've stayed there a few times when I went to Life is Beautiful!"
🎯 Book Rush or Spa Tower
These towers offer newer, more updated rooms compared to older sections.
🦈 Day Pass for The Tank
Not a guest? You can still enjoy the famous shark tank pool with a day pass or cabana rental.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tank Pool & Shark Slide
Pool Area
Swim with sharks! This iconic pool features a waterslide that plunges through a 200,000-gallon shark tank.
Hand of Faith Gold Nugget
Casino Floor
See the world's largest gold nugget ever found with a metal detector, weighing a massive 61 pounds.
Fremont Street Experience
Adjacent to Hotel
Step outside to a vibrant street filled with live music, street performers, and unique bars and restaurants.
Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
Casino Floor
Indulge in upscale dining with delicious steaks and seafood in a romantic setting.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Downtown Vibe
Pools & Sharks: Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Rush or Spa Tower
These towers offer newer, more updated rooms compared to older sections. +1
🦈 Day Pass for The Tank
Not a guest? You can still enjoy the famous shark tank pool with a day pass or cabana rental.
🚶 Explore Fremont Street
The hotel is steps away from the lively Fremont Street Experience with free shows and unique attractions. +1
💰 Utilize Player's Cards
Sign up for casino player's cards to earn points and potential discounts on dining and rooms.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Rush or Spa Tower
These towers offer newer, more updated rooms compared to older sections. +1
🦈 Day Pass for The Tank
Not a guest? You can still enjoy the famous shark tank pool with a day pass or cabana rental.
🚶 Explore Fremont Street
The hotel is steps away from the lively Fremont Street Experience with free shows and unique attractions. +1
💰 Utilize Player's Cards
Sign up for casino player's cards to earn points and potential discounts on dining and rooms.
🚗 Parking Garage Pickup
Driver pickup/drop-off can be confusing; confirm the exact location in the parking garage.
🧖♀️ The Only Downtown Spa
Enjoy a more budget-friendly spa experience, the only one in downtown Las Vegas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests often praise the Golden Nugget for its excellent downtown location on Fremont Street, its iconic 'Tank' pool with the shark waterslide, and its historic Vegas charm. Many find it offers great value for money, with good dining options and free parking. However, some reviews mention that rooms can be dated unless staying in the newer towers, and occasional issues with cleanliness or service have been noted. +2
"I really love the Golden Nugget. I love the hotel and the casino. The check in process was smooth and easy. I love valet parking for $20 a day. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that this hotel is in the heart of Fremont Street!! Now, the downside: the older part of the casino can be a bit run down; the tub in our bathroom had rust spots and a rust hole in the side of the tub. One of the things I am REALLY disappointed with is that these rooms don't even offer coffee makers or refrigerators anymore. I mean, I know everyone needs to make money, but come on.... I'm paying to stay in your hotel, I want to wake up and make a cup of coffee!!! I should Not have to go downstairs to Starbucks and pay $6 a cup. And I'd like to be able to put left overs in a fridge. These are simple basic conveniences that most hotels provide."
Linda Terhune
"Huge Disclaimer: We didn't stay here, nor did we gamble. We came in to see the Hand of Faith nugget.
I'll be honest. After walking the path to get to the nugget, I was glad we hadn't stayed here. Everything looked older and dingier than the other hotels we'd been in in Vegas. However, I really liked the art and accent pieces.
The Hand of Faith itself was really cool to see. It's kind of surreal seeing over a million dollars rotating I'm front of you. I'd surely never seen a piece of gold that big. Then again, you can only look at it for so long.
If that doesn't interest you, I wouldn't suggest coming, especially if you are trying to hit the hotels for their special attractions."
Dan Blakeslee
"The location is good and the room was nice but that's where the good ends. For the 4 days I was here I had to constantly deal with smelly homeless people in the casino. They would constantly ask for money and look around for tickets. There seems to be no security here. At night the entire casino fills up with hookers who will not leave you alone. The bartender named Greg was just allowing hookers to order drinks and say I said I would pay for them. One of them stole 100 dollars out of my bar machine when her friend got my attention. There's not enough ATMs here. Half aren't working and the other half had what seemed like hour long lines. Most the time it was a homeless guy with a stack of 2 penny tickets he was cashing in. At one point my room key didn't work and I had to stand in line for almost an hour to get it fixed because they literally had 1 employee working the check in desk. You're parking is supposed to be free when you stay here but it didn't matter since all the garage was full on Friday night. I won't ever stay here again and suggest paying more to stay at the Circa since they keep kids and the riff raft out. Horrible experience."
Mister Tiddles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Golden Nugget is located in Downtown Las Vegas at 129 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101. It's easily accessible by taxi, rideshare, or public transportation. If driving, be aware that driver pickup/drop-off can be confusing and is often in the parking garage across the street.
The Golden Nugget is located in Downtown Las Vegas, which is a few miles from the main Las Vegas Strip. While not directly on the Strip, it's easily reachable by a short taxi or rideshare trip.
From McCarran International Airport (LAS), you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to the Golden Nugget. The ride typically takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, the Golden Nugget offers free parking for guests, which is a significant perk compared to many Strip hotels.
Absolutely! The Golden Nugget is situated right on the Fremont Street Experience, making it incredibly convenient to walk to many other downtown casinos and attractions. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hotel guests have access to the main pool. However, the popular 'Tank' pool with the shark aquarium and waterslide may require a day pass or cabana rental if you are not staying at the hotel, especially during peak times.
The Tank pool hours can vary seasonally and are generally from morning until evening. It's best to check the Golden Nugget's official website or inquire at the front desk for the most current hours during your visit.
Yes, day passes and cabana rentals are often available for The Tank pool, allowing non-guests to experience this unique attraction. Prices can vary.
The Golden Nugget sometimes hosts special events like 'Shark Days' which offer closer encounters with the marine life. Keep an eye on their promotions for unique opportunities.
While there isn't a strict age restriction, riders must be able to safely navigate the slide. Height requirements may apply. +1
🎫 🎰 Casino & Gaming
The Golden Nugget features a wide variety of slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and a poker room. It's known for having a lively gaming floor.
Yes, the Golden Nugget has a dedicated poker room, which is noted as the only poker room in downtown Las Vegas and stays busy.
Some reviews suggest that video poker at the Golden Nugget might be mid-tier, with Circa being recommended for a better video poker experience.
The 'Hand of Faith' is the world's largest gold nugget ever found using a metal detector. It weighs approximately 61 pounds and is on display in the casino.
Yes, there are often table games set up in the Tank area, especially during busy periods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular dining options include Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse for upscale dining, Chart House for aquarium-side meals, and Saltgrass Steak House. There are also casual options like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. +1
Yes, Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse and Saltgrass Steak House are both highly-regarded steakhouses located within the Golden Nugget. +1
The hotel has a policy against outside food and beverages in rooms, though enforcement can be inconsistent.
Yes, you can find familiar fast-food chains like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks within the Golden Nugget complex. +1
The Chart House offers a unique dining experience with an aquarium view and is known for its happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers.
📸 📸 Photography
The Tank pool with the shark waterslide is a prime photo opportunity. The 'Hand of Faith' gold nugget and the classic Vegas architecture of the Fremont Street entrance are also great for pictures.
Yes, you can take photos and videos of the sharks from the pool area or the waterslide. It's a unique backdrop for your Vegas memories.
Some rooms may offer views of Fremont Street, but for the best photos of the light shows and street life, it's recommended to experience it at street level.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas of the casino, but it's best to avoid photographing other guests or staff without permission, and be mindful of any specific signage.
Daytime offers bright light for the pool and exterior shots. Evenings are great for capturing the vibrant lights of Fremont Street and the casino floor. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a memorable experience that kids will talk about long after the trip. Beyond the pool, Fremont Street offers street performers and a lively atmosphere that can be entertaining for all ages. While the casino floor is adult-oriented, the hotel provides a good balance of entertainment. Consider booking a room in the Rush or Spa Tower for more modern amenities. The presence of fast-food options like Chick-fil-A also makes it easier to cater to picky eaters.
💰 Budget Travelers
Affordable dining options like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A are available, and exploring Fremont Street offers many budget-friendly food and entertainment choices. The casino itself provides a chance to win big, and signing up for player's cards can lead to discounts.
couples
Spend an evening exploring the vibrant Fremont Street Experience together, enjoying the live music and unique atmosphere. The Golden Nugget's classic Vegas charm provides a nostalgic backdrop for a memorable couple's trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic 'Tank' Pool
+1The real thrill, however, is the 30-foot waterslide that takes riders on a clear tube directly through the heart of the shark tank. It's a quick but exhilarating ride that provides an unforgettable photo opportunity. Beyond the sharks, the pool area boasts waterfalls, comfortable loungers, and private cabanas for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
+1While the pool is primarily for hotel guests, day passes and cabana rentals are often available, making it accessible to visitors not staying at the hotel. It's advisable to book these in advance, especially during peak season, as it can get quite crowded. Some Redditors note that while the slide is cool, you go through it so fast you might not see many sharks, but it's still a bucket-list item for many.
A Glimpse into Old Vegas: History and Charm
Beyond its age, the hotel is home to the 'Hand of Faith,' the world's largest gold nugget discovered with a metal detector. This impressive 61-pound nugget is a unique artifact displayed prominently, adding to the hotel's historical allure. Its discovery story, found by a family in Australia, is as fascinating as its sheer size.
+1The Golden Nugget's location on Fremont Street further cements its place in Vegas history. Fremont Street, known as 'Old Vegas,' offers a more intimate and vibrant street-level experience with live entertainment and a distinct atmosphere compared to the Strip. Staying here allows you to immerse yourself in this classic Vegas environment.
Dining Delights: From Steaks to Sushi
Other notable dining options include Saltgrass Steak House, offering a more rustic steakhouse experience, and Chart House, which provides a unique setting with an aquarium view. For those seeking more casual fare, the hotel also hosts familiar names like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, ensuring quick and convenient options are readily available.
Redditors often recommend exploring the wider Fremont Street area for additional dining experiences, from pizza joints like Evel Pie to classic diners and cocktail lounges, further enhancing the culinary adventure available when staying at the Golden Nugget.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit