A new owner has taken over Fitzgerald's and brought with him some sweeping changes aimed at making the hotel more like the premiere downtown resort, Golden Nugget, and less like the aging neighbors it is usually compared to. Most of the renovations have been to the public areas (casino, hallways, etc.) but what I've seen so far looks pretty darn good and is a huge improvement over the slightly musty, Holiday Inn-like look and feel the place had for years.

Mostly gone is the "Luck o' the Irish" theme that was a hallmark of the resort in the past. Unfortunately, this includes Mr. O'Lucky, the giant leprechaun that once graced the front of the building. In addition to it being a Fremont Street fixture, you don't get to see giant leprechauns every day, so I'm a bit sad that he's gone, but I don't miss the overwhelming "kiss the Blarney Stone" stuff inside at all.

In its place is the kind of light-and-bright color schemes that most of the Strip hotels have embraced for years, but which haven't really made it to the dark and smoky environs of downtown yet. New carpeting, gaming tables and chairs throughout the casino give it a modern look, but the low ceilings and relatively cramped aisles and walkways (also typical of downtown) still lend to a slightly claustrophobic feeling. Having said that, it's definitely now one of the best environments in the area in which to lose money.

Sprinkled throughout the first level are a variety of bars and quick eateries, including McDonald's if you're desperate for a taste of home. There's also a small stage and postage stamp of a dance floor for the nightly lounge-style entertainment. Its location, seemingly tacked as an afterthought into the middle of the casino, seems a bit odd, but as with most Vegas lounges, it will depend on who is entertaining there as to whether this will be a pleasant diversion or annoyance when you're trying to concentrate on getting that royal flush at the nearby video poker machines.

The second level has more gaming action, a keno lounge and a new showroom. The last item features four shows (comedy, impersonators, etc.) throughout the afternoon and evening that are free with a one-drink minimum.

This is where you'll also find the 24-hour, coffee-shop-style restaurant, a buffet and the upscale Limerick's steakhouse.

A large lounge adjacent to a bar features a bunch of tables and chairs, massage recliners, and doors to the big balcony where you can get a bird's eye view of the Fremont Street Experience light-and-sound show.

Back downstairs, they've added a new pool, a rarity downtown. It's small and only has a low retaining wall separating it from the streets and driveway, but beggars can't be choosers in this category, so take what you can get and be happy about it. Seriously, though -- with towel service, showers and a whirlpool spa, it looked especially inviting on the hot day I was visiting, so I think the car noise nearby can probably be overlooked.

The room towers are currently being redone, and I got a chance to see both a new and old hallway for comparison's sake. There really is no comparison. The new halls are fresh, bright, clean and lovingly decorated with a creamy foliage scheme that somehow makes them look wider and taller than they used to be. Gone are the dark greens and browns and (thank goodness) four-leaf-clover room number markers.

The 643 rooms (including suites) will be getting a similar makeover soon, but even as they stand, they are in pretty good shape, a testament to the days when this was a Holiday Inn-branded hotel, I believe.

Standard rooms come with one king or two double beds -- note that's doubles, not queens, so if you're sharing a bed with someone, I hope you know them well. All have irons and boards, safes, dataports on the phones, hair dryers, coffee service, televisions with cable and pay-per-view movies and more. The furnishings are obviously used, but are in great shape for their age, and the upcoming revamping should make them even better.

Suites have a wet bar, fridge, dining-room set, living rooms with 21-inch TVs, convertible sofas, shoeshine and all of the other amenities listed in the basic rooms.

Service in most of the downtown hotels is usually much friendlier than you'll find at the professional but sometimes brusque resorts on the Strip, and Fitzgerald's is no exception to the rule. Lots of smiles and pleasant greetings followed me around the place, making it feel homey, in a way.

Prices are an obvious benefit here. You can get midweek rooms for as low as $35 (although around $50 is more common), and weekends usually go for $10 or $20 more per night. I can't promise, but I think the only time you'll ever see rates over $100 is during major holidays, and even then, they're going to be substantially cheaper than most other places in town.

I'm excited about the positive changes at the Fitz and believe that is has already moved it into the top tier of downtown hotels. But I still miss Mr. O'Lucky.

Fitzgerald's
301 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(800) 274-LUCK

Highs: A cosmetic makeover has improved things dramatically; prices.
Lows: Downtown Vegas is not for everyone.

Location: 7 -- Right on the Fremont Street Experience
Price: 8 -- Usually very affordable
Value: 7 -- They've packed a lot in
Rooms: 7 -- Nice, but a bit on the small side
Casino: 6 -- A little claustrophobic, but one of the best downtown
Amenities: 9 -- Rooms are very well equipped
Facilities: 7 -- Addition of a pool and showroom helps a lot
Service: 7 -- Very friendly and efficient
Fun: 5 -- A lot of entertainment and gaming action
Bonus: 6 -- Points for improvements

Vegas4Visitors Rating: 69

This Week's Trivia

Q: What five major Strip hotel-casinos will be celebrating the anniversaries of their openings in October? ANSWER

The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com

The Full Story

Fitz Moves Into Top Tier Downtown
Plaza's Star-Struck History Doesn't Raise Prices
Outdoor Outlet Mall Needs Roof, Air Conditioning
Other News: Vegas Hall Of Fame Gets New Members
Vegas Q&A: What's The Tackiest Souvenier?
Veags Q&A: Is It Too Early To Book A Room?

In Next Week's Column

Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.

Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!

Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.