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Driving from Phoenix-- Hotel?????

Discussion in 'Off-Strip Hotels' started by burdog, Aug 19, 2012.

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  1. burdog

    burdog Low-Roller

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    We will be coming to Vegas from Phoenix by car and I was wondering about casinos/hotels that might be a place to try for 1 night (a Friday) before we get to Vegas. Were going to try to fly to Tahoe but didn't work out. So, trying to decide should we stop in Laughlin, Lake Havasu or just trek back to Vegas and find an off strip place in the southern area? Keeping in mind that a 6 hr. drive is a haul for DW and me. We will probably be coming up US 93. Appreciate any recommendations. Thanks all.
     
  2. travelfiend

    travelfiend High-Roller

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    I used to make the drive from Durango to Las Vegas via Flagstaff/Kingman then up 93, made numerous stops in Laughlin. Always enjoyed my times there, thought it was nice having the river to visit. Plus I found the atmosphere always a little bit more laid back there. I had pretty good luck too at that casino that had railroad theme, don't remember the name and it has changed since then anyway, sorry. It actually had a miniature railroad that kids could ride that went around the property. It is a few miles out of the way but worth it especially if you are nodding off. :D
     
  3. Carole

    Carole Low-Roller

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    My son lives in Phoenix and I make the drive back and forth from Sacramento so often I could almost do it in my sleep. When we are returning home, we take 17 north to the carefree highway (74 I think), cut over to the 93, up to the 40. We always stop in Laughlin for the night. I think the drive on the 93 is pretty easy and your in Laughlin 4 hours later. 2 hours from there to Vegas the following morning is a breeze! Good Luck!
     
  4. hardways33

    hardways33 Tourist

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    I make that drive with some frequency (and from the SE part of the Valley) and with the dam bypass, the drive can be made in 5 hours. With this in mind, stopping in Laughlin may not be worth it. If you want a place to when you first get into the Vegas area, why not a night at Green Valley Ranch (right off the 215 when you are getting into town)? You wouldn't have to deal with traffic on the strip or many of the crowds until the next morning and GVR is really nice.
     
  5. wingrip1

    wingrip1 Newbie

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    I drive from Phoenix to Vegas 3 times a year takes me 4 hours to get there thats with one stop for the ladies to peepee
     
  6. ABQJeff

    ABQJeff Low-Roller

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    I usually drive from ABQ to LV at least twice a year. Kingman might be an option...
     
  7. Smo

    Smo Mr. Las Vegas

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    This sounds like a good place to try!

    BTW, I too live in the S/E valley (San Tan Valley), and drive to Vegas 3 times a year. Driving at safe speeds (+5 over), a pee stop or 2, stop for gas, and stop for breakfast, the trip is always 6 hours or more depending on traffic and road construction.
     
  8. Crambone

    Crambone Gnaeus Pompey Magnus

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    Recent visits have convinced me Laughlin has become a ghost town so I rarely stay over anymore. It's fine to stop if you're not in hurry or a slot player but good luck finding a lively crap table. It's still 2 more hours to Vegas from Laughlin. Your trip to Vegas only an hour longer if you head straight there from Kingman.

    If you choose Laughlin I like the area of the Aquarias, Edgewater and Colorado Belle. Easy walk to and from all three. The Aquarias is the nicer of the three with nicer standard rooms and nice flat panel TV's. Harrahs is up the road and not really within walking distance to any other casino but a nice place to stay too.

    If you have limited time in Vegas I would skip Laughlin. The Green Valley Ranch is a good idea if you like resorts. I swing toward the low-rolling places and would stay at The Eastside Cannery for one night. It was really clean and I didn't get greeted by the usual wall of smoke as you walk in. Stay on the 515 and exit Tropicana east to the Boulder Highway then north a bit. Keep in mind I just visited and have not stayed here but my initial experience and impression would warrant a one night stay.

    Wingrip and I must share the same lead-foot because I get to Vegas in 4 to 4 1/2 hours easy with one fill-up in Kingman. I'm doing 80-85 where I can. 286 miles from my driveway.
     
  9. BCguy

    BCguy Low-Roller

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    We did the drive up from Phoenix in May and it really only takes 4-5 hours depending on how often you stop. If you must stop I guess Laughlin would be it. At least there's a little gambling etc and Vegas is only 90 minutes away.
     
  10. cloudi63

    cloudi63 MIA

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    I would bypass Laughlin, jmo! Unless you plan on a sight-seeing drive and you have time, do Lake Havasu, if not the drive straight to Vegas from Phoenix is fairly easy/smooth, another one here who has made it in less than 5 hours, although I remember getting my butt reamed about this from some AOL Vegas board members who were just horrid about it, and what was funny as hell was the hackling hens who heckled about it, had never been on that drive!
     
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