Golden Nugget
I stayed here for the first time this past February. I have to say I enjoyed it overall.
Hotel is nice, pool is great, lots of food options in the hotel and around Fremont. I was able to get a nice upgrade and the casino itself is spaced out well. I did find the
casinos all along Fremont to be a bit smokier than the newer MGM properties. I would also add that I found the ambiance friendlier between fellow gamblers at the Nugget compared to the MGM properties. Finally, next door at the D is Las Vegas' last Sigma Derby racing game - so much fun.
Fremont street itself is jumping all night long which can be great but also loud. If you are looking to turn in early you'll need the supplied ear plugs.
Comps for the hotel I would rate as a bit stingy given that I stayed there for over a week but the staff were always very accommodating. Then again I always seemed to have some credit dollars on my players card whenever I ate anywhere on the property.
The poker room is small but fun. I only play low stakes and they have regular tournaments that run daily for low budgets. They have 1-2 NL cash most of the time and the action I found was pretty tight. The 1-2 cash here is true no limit meaning there is no cap on the buy in which could explain why people are a bit tighter at the Nugget. I definitely saw more fish on the tables at the Aria but I've also never seen anyone at the Aria walk in wearing a seersucker and fedora and plunk a literal bag of gold on the table so there's that.
Poker there will run 24-7 though it gets empty late at night/early morning. They also have a generous comp system but it works kind of different. You basically have to commit to playing for I think 4 hours and they give you a 10 dollar coupon for food. Regulars seem to ask for it early and get it. So that's 2.50 an hour but requires a time commitment.
Overall, if you're looking for players that will give you action, I'd recommend playing at the Nugget if your staying on Fremont when it is busy at night on the weekends. I think I prefer the Aria during the day.