Nugget revels in $1

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MAKING A SPLASH! The Golden Nugget’s new pool area has a tropical theme with a shark tank, cabanas and bar.

04/10/2007 - by David Stratton

Long-considered the jewel of downtown Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget just completed a renovation and expansion that has put even more sparkle into its amenities.

The upgrades were undertaken by the Golden Nugget’s new owner, Landry’s Restaurants.

"The renovation of the property is the largest and most dramatic for the Golden Nugget in more than 20 years," said Tilman Fertitta, Landry’s chairman, president and CEO. "This will be the first major multi-million dollar reinvestment in downtown’s resort corridor on Fremont Street since 1984, and will create a new energy and attractions for the area."

The changes are subtle in some places, dramatic in others. Among the former are a new porte cochere with covered valet, a remodeled lobby and refurbished casino floor with new carpeting and wood accents.

For drama, there’s nothing more dramatic than the resort’s new pool area, which features a giant, shark-infested aquarium that is separated from the swimming pool by a pane of plexiglass.

In fact, what was once a fairly pedestrian splash-around is now a lush outdoor water wonderland, complete with private cabanas, a pool bar and a two-story slide that takes you literally through the tank.

There are also outdoor gaming tables for players who like playing blackjack in string bikinis or Speedos.

The Golden Nugget’s casino was enhanced with the addition of a new sports book and poker room.

The sports book has a club atmosphere with comfy chairs and wood tables, and an entire wall of TV screens for easy viewing.

The new poker room also features plush seating, 10 smoke-free tables and attentive service.

Other casino additions include a second high-limit slot salon with machines ranging from $25 to $500, and an "ultra-lounge" where VIP guests can relax in an upscale setting.

The Golden Nugget’s non-gaming amenities such as the buffet, showroom and spa were also updated and expanded.

And the resort’s dining rooms now rival any on the Strip with new restaurants that include Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse, Lillie’s Noodle House and the Grotto, a trattoria-style Italian restaurant.

Landry’s Restaurants purchased the Golden Nugget along with the Golden Nugget in Laughlin from Poster Financial Corporation in September 2005.