Four Queens

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Opened in 1966, the Four Queens Hotel & Casino charges what seems like a pauper's price for a decent room and an old Vegas atmosphere right in the heart of downtown's Fremont Street Experience. The vibe: Vintage Vegas all the way, bargain-basement rooms, draws a mature crowd What we love: There's no resort fee. Actually, we better repeat that because it's so unusual in Vegas. The Four Queens does not charge a resort fee. And we think that's awesome. For cheap digs centrally located in downtown, the Four Queens is hard to beat. Walk out the front doors and you're on Fremont Street Experience underneath the multimillion-light Viva Vision canopy where SlotZilla riders fly by. With almost five decades under its belt, the hotel is still visually dazzling. The colorful neon signage and flashing light bulbs create an eye-catching exterior while the marble floor and mirrored ceiling in the lobby foster a feeling of elegance. Want to turn up the romance? Go to Hugo's Cellar. This brick-lined, candlelit gourmet restaurant is a Las Vegas mainstay. Not only will your special someone be wowed by the tableside salad and dessert preparation, but we can't think of another restaurant in Vegas where every lady leaves with a long-stemmed rose. Insider tips: Order a drink and sit out at the Patio Bar, which wraps around the corner of the resort next to the aforementioned Third Street Stage. Whenever bands are playing, you'll not only have a seat (as opposed to standing in the crowd), but also a great view. Want to explore beyond downtown? There's nearby access to the SDX bus system, which will take you to the Stratosphere, Fashion Show mall, Bellagio and hotels at the south end of the Strip. Look for a stop near the corner of Fremont Street Experience and Casino Center Boulevard. Three words: Prime rib special. We know, you see this advertised in coffee shops all over Las Vegas. But the $9.99 prime rib special (with a players club card, which is free and easy to get) at Magnolia's Veranda is a good deal. Just don't go in expecting steakhouse-caliber food and service -- but for price, it's an affordable dinner with a tasty cut of meat, a soup or salad, vegetables and potatoes. Good to know: FYI guys and dolls, on June 19th the south tower will be undergoing renovations. This last phase is supposed to last through 9/15/17, but don't hold your breath because you know how fickle construction can be.    When you pay a low price for a room, you can't be expecting a luxury suite. The standard rooms feel a bit worn but are clean and serviceable. What they lack in contemporary décor, they make up for with triple-sheeting, 32-inch flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers (yes, that's right, coffeemakers). There's no pool at the Four Queens. But, if weather permits, you can use the pool over at Binion's (open seasonally), which sits kitty-corner across Fremont Street Experience. It might be a little awkward walking back and forth with your swim gear in tow, but it totes will be worth it.  Expect to hear loud music in your room from Fremont Street Experience because the Four Queens is situated next to the Third Street Stage. Things generally quiet down around midnight on weekdays, but may run until 2 a.m. on weekends. If noise bothers you, request a room in the South Tower, which is set a little farther back from Fremont Street Experience than the North Tower. Reopening date: June 4, 2020