Though a frequent visitior to LV, hadn't visited let alone stayed "Downtown" in at leat 10-15 years. Wow, have things changed. Love the way they made a covered pedestrian mall out of the main street. Not only feels and is far safer to walk around, it makes it fun and interesting, especially at night when the covered 'ceiling' turns into a giant projector screen and lots of good music. As for our stay at the Golden Nugget, we were equally impressed. While no doubt it cannot be compared with the top hotels on the Strip, it is nevertheless reasonably classy and quite comfortable. Best of all it is a very good value, and they treat you far better than the Strip (i.e. far fairer and more generous in 'rating' you for comps). Definately a good alternative when you want a change of scenery from the Strip.