The Rush Tower at the Golden Nugget is downtown's hidden gem hotel. More people need to know about it. The remodel has the room looking better than 75% of the Las Vegas strip's rooms AND at 75% less cost. The bed is huge, more pillows than anyone would ever use, a gigantic tub/shower, two-sink bathroom, a big couch with ottoman, flat screen TV's, powerful A/C (which is needed with the Vegas heat).
The casino is still a bit smokey, but it seems to get better every time I'm there, which is about 2-3 times a year.