I usually stay at the Golden Nuggett when I'm in vegas. This time I'd like to try someplace on the strip. What I like about the Golden Nuggett, and downtown in general, is the close proximity to the action! I'm thinking of staying at Excalibur. any advice would be appreciated. TIA

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g45963-Las_Vegas_Nevada-Hotels.html

Lot's of good information.

You may want to check out the new rush tower at GN as well. Beautiful there, and their suites are as good as they get in Vegas. *smile*

XoXoX

~ Lorsha

Visit the casino if you want, seems to offer a better chance of winning there but the rooms are in desperate need of refurbishing.

I just saw the rooms online and was pleasantly surprised.

I'd go Bally's over Excalibur. Its just better and partnered with the Paris.

You'd want to ask for one of the "widescreen" rooms at checkin.

http://www.motion-vr.net/excalibur/exc_tours.aspx?tn=729

That being said, Excalbur's a lower-end Strip casino, and tends to draw more of a kiddie/family crowd. It's a downgrade from Golden Nugget for sure.

If you really want a comparable hotel to what you'd get for the Golden Nugget at that end of the Strip, I would see if you can find a good rate for Planet Hollywood, Monte Carlo, NYNY, MGM, Mandalay Bay or Luxor. Often times you can find one if you look for promotions.

The one thing about the Strip is it's really, REALLY not like downtown. The Strip casinos are huge behemoths, if you want to go to another one it's a long walk or cab ride, the prices for everything tend to be more expensive, a lot of casinos have huge malls attached to them. It's much more about keeping you spending money in one place, and the gambling rules are generally worse (craps at 3x4x5x instead of 10x/20x, much more 6/5 or autoshuffle/shoe game blackjack, slots are tighter, full-pay video poker is much more difficult to find). The upside is there's a lot more spectacle and "look at THAT!", and there are some cool things down there, and you'll find better, more upscale restaurants, more interesting shows (no Cirque downtown), and there are deals if you know where to look- plus if you really want to blow money in style you can have an amazing time.

There are many reasons why the Excaliber is not so fun.  The main is the horrible reception, but they have tiny rooms and showers, along with a musty smell.  
If you are looking for something near the action, I would reccomend Bally's, Paris, and on the very low end of the ratings Imperial Palace.  The IP has just been remodeled, but the beds are still basic box springs.  These hotels are right in the middle of LV BLVD, and there is plenty of actions.  Also, the Treasure Island and the Mirrage are also nice and farely close to the action.
Hope that helps,
Happy Hobbying
McKayla Woods

If you want to be where the action is, probably the center of the strip.  Treasure Island (TI) usually has reasonable rates.  Plus usually no security before a certain time.  

If you're on an extreme budget, check out Harrah's.  Their rooms are probably better than Imperial Palace.  Plus there's a monorail station there.  It's been reported that Harrah's isn't provider-friendly although I didn't have any problems during CES/AVN (saw two providers).  Tasha made an awesome list on hotel security somewhere.

Definitely thumbs down on Excalibur.  Too cartoony for me.  If you still want to stay on the south end, Luxor might be a better bet.  That was my favorite for a while, until my car got stolen there.

or The Hotel has always been good to me.

Booking through expedia, great deals are usually available for either imperial palace, harrahs or flamingo. All offer great location (especially IP and Harrahs), and they've recently done away with their resort fee, making for an even better deal (excalibur charges a 10 bucks a night resort fee, you gotta factor that into the equation).

Just a quick fyi, imperial place is a bit run down, which is why it's usually the lowest priced of the three. That, coupled with it's center strip location, make it a big choice for a younger crowd. If that's not an isssue, just make sure you're actually getting a room in the main hotel (they also have a motel type set up behind the property.

Planet Hollywood. Great central location. Cool hip casino.

MGM Grand. Very large facility. Easy walk to other action.

I always have a great time at either of these. There are cheaper and more expensive places to stay. I think these two offer the best bang for your buck.. Stay away from the Excalibur. Too many kids and the property needs an up-lift bad..

My 2cents.

SR

Excalibur, has some rooms that smell like pee-pee and terrible bellmen, not to mention if you are hosting there are 50.00 hos at the  bar! pay more stay elsewhere babe!

I am a downtowner too, generally the Nugget or Golden Gate.  Recently completed a stay at Rio, absolutely great time.  No, its not on the strip but is still close.  The rooms are all suites, huge and comfy.  No elevator security so very provider friendly.  Also the Carnival buffet was great.