Las Vegas “Old-School” Hotels

Everyone knows hotels in Vegas are the biggest, glitziest and most elaborate hotels in the world. Ice skating rinks, shopping malls, not to mention super-casinos are all part of the experience for many people.

But it hasn’t always been this way. It wasn’t until 1976 when Atlantic City started to issue gambling licenses that the mega-resort boom of Vegas happened. Seeing Atlantic City as a threat, these mega-resorts became destinations in their own right – and not just for gamblers. Steve Wynn and other big tycoons made Vegas a vacation spot for the masses, and the city spawned ever bigger hotels.

It’s still possible to stay in a hotel that has some history, and recaptures some of the glamour and taste of Vegas’s early days. Below are a few that might tickle your fancy.

Golden Nugget
Budget : $49/night

One of the oldest and well-established casinos, the Golden Nugget is still going strong, offering hotel accomodation from $39 upwards. The hotel has been renovated recently, and is as far away from the over-the-top razzamataz as you’ll get in Vegas.

Think brown leather, dark wood and gilt-framed mirrors. Naturally enough, it has a huge variety of gambling on offer (some more tasteful than others).

It might not have the highest-paid entertainers or largest casino floor but for landmark value and old school glamour, this hotel really cuts the mustard.

Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall
Budget: $50 ($150 for weekends)

Having a reputation for one of the smokiest, cramped and dingiest casinos on the strip might not seem like a good thing to most people. But the experience is more of an antidote to the clean, homogenised super casinos further down the strip.

Despite its bad reputation, the rooms here are large and clean, and you also gain access to the facilities at the Flamingo hotel next door, which claims Las Vegas’s hottest pool! I’m not sure whether they mean hot as in temperature, but it certainly looks impressive.

Bill’s Gablin’ Hall might not look impressive from the outside, but it does exactly what the name suggests. It’s a no-fuss kind of place, and harks back to a simpler time. Location is also a big factor here, as it’s near to a lot of other bigger casinos if you feel the need to branch out.

Riviera
Budget: $27+

Another hotel popular with older visitors and those who prefer a less in-your-face experience, the Riviera is as much about old school glamour as any other. One of the headlining acts is a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Barabara Streisand.

The pool is small, but what you’d expect for a hotel this size. There are a number of dining options, all with an emphasis on elegance and style. A champagne buffet brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday,

Rooms are tastefully furnished, and feature marble bathrooms and iPod docks.

Main Street Station
Budget: $36+

One of the curious unique selling points to this hotel is the large block of Berlin Wall placed in the men’s room. Odd, but true! Another is the on-site micro brewery, and there’s an “antiques” gallery if you’re so inclined.

For a downtown hotel, Main Street Station is quite a classy affair. Although the location isn’t great, there’s still plenty to do inside and around this one (but we wouldn’t advise walking further North or East).

Rooms are simple and unfussy, the same can be said for the rooftop pool. Having said that the rooms look comfortable and modern.

There’s also a free shuttle service to the strip in case the oldly world charm wears off.