You know those Vegas movie montages where the camera gives a 360-spinning view from the overwhelmed traveler who is visually assaulted by the flashing lights and activity of old Vegas? That’s usually filmed right in front of the Fremont Hotel, under the $70 million LED canopy that is the Fremont Street Experience. The Fremont is pretty much Ground Zero if you plan on spending the majority of your time in the area. With rooms that start at around 280 square feet, you’re paying (not a lot) for location here. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and decorated with serene, low-key and modern furnishings to give your mind a rest from the constant activity that’s just outside.

Food isn’t a focus here, with a couple of chain restaurants and an obligatory buffet (though we’d hardly call eight stations a decent buffet by Vegas standards), but you’re close enough to all the new culinary delights opening Downtown that it won’t matter. Also those looking for a day at the pool will be disappointed; you’ll have to go across the street to sister hotel California if you want to catch some pool time.