Laughlin

I was talking with my wife about extending our vegas trip by a few extra days. I was looking at laughlinr for 2 nights,mid week for practically nothing. Maybe even free if our gambling warrants a comp.I've looked into it pretty extensively online what all things to do(jet skiing,boat tours,boardwalk,etc.),I was wondering more what to expect while we're there. Is it a pretty cool atmosphere,good gamblig, where good eats might recommend, where to avoid, any sandy beach area on river to lay out on,best place to stay and which to avoid? Any helpful tips,thoughts and insights would be greatly appreciated. We'll be flying into maacarren on wed and will stay 2 nights heading to vegas on friday, where we'll be checking in to PH towers. TIA for any help!

JOHN

PS whats drive time between? Any thing of interest to see in between? Ohhhhhh, just thought of this, on friday we'll have all day to mosey back to vegas,we'll hit the new bridge at hoover dam,cool!

What hotel are you staying at? Most of the hotels there don't measure up to Vegas and some are downright shabby. I stayed at the Aquarius in Dec and their rooms are about on par with 4-Queens..and Aquarius is one of the nicer hotels in Laughlin. Golden Nugget might be nicer.

Entertainment:
Laughlin offers some nice water recreational activities in the warmer months but not at this time of year. There aren't any regularly scheduled venues of entertainment except for live music in some of the bars...otherwise you need to check the schedule for shows. Its not uncommon that there aren't any shows going on in the whole town. The riverwalk is pretty but nothing that will take more than an hour of your time.

Gambling:
Low limits and good video poker everywhere.

Restaurants
Plenty of good diners with reasonable prices.. Upscale restaurants tend to not be very upscale but are cheap. There's also an IN-N-Out Burger on the main street on casino row.

On the way:
Not much. There are some little "dive" casinos in Searchlite and CalNevAri but they are limited to video poker with horrible pay schedules and a handful of slots. Nothing worth stopping for except maybe a quick picture. There is also a large solar power plant about half way down thats kinda neat to look at.

We always spend a few days in Laughlin and enjoy it very much.

We just returned and this time found that the Casino Drive (main drag) was torn up since they are replacing sewage pipes.

Laughlin consists of about 7 or 8 casino/hotels right on the Colorado River. The only hotel that has a "beach" is Harrahs but wouldn't enjoy it this time of the year. Lots of water sports and swimming in the warmer months.

Aquarius is one of our favorite places. Great buffet that includes beer and/or wine.
The Golden Nugget has gone down hill - no buffet to speak of.

I know others will say we're crazy but we have always stayed at the River Palms. It is small, quiet and we enjoy it there. Have been going there for many years - always comp'd. Be sure to ask for a refurbished room if you do go there.

As mentioned by others there isn't much to see on the way from LV to Laughlin but we tend to stop in Searchlight for lunch after flying into LV airport. Cute little casino/restaurant with 10 cent coffee!! They always have a homemade special for the day. Other times we have gone thru Primm to get to Laughlin - a bit further but a little different too. See lots of Joshua Trees on the way.

While in Laughlin, you can take an afternoon trip over to Bullhead City and on to Oatman - the old ghost town. Interesting little jaunt.

I feel you will enjoy Laughlin's slow pace, good video poker too.

We spent three nights in Laughlin and five in downtown Las Vegas. Enjoyed our whole trip!

Forgot to mention that Laughlin is about 90 miles south of Las Vegas. Very enjoyable ride after spending 6 hours in a crowded airplane!!

Last year I met some friends in Laughlin and we all had a great time. I went in April and it was already HOT! I really like the water taxi that runs up and down the river with stops at the Casinos (not sure if this is seasonal). We also took a tour in a paddle boat that went up and down the river telling you the history of the area. That was real interesting. We did take a walk on the boardwalk which I thought was fun! I like Laughlin and would like to return again soon.

Have a great time!

Dena