As far as hotels downtown go I would think El Cortez would be on the be upper echelon of the Fremont area. It's an old fashioned hotel but relatively cozy with a helpful staff. The crowd is extremely diverse with the 20 somethings on a budget to the retirees stationed at the slots. The strip of Fremont from the Cortez to the Fremont Street Experience is pretty lively with rooftop bars and and music pulsating into the morning. The tables are a $5 minimum which is helpful if your looking to have some fun but have some cash for the rest of the day.