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Laughlin question

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Casino Hotels' started by mjphoto54, Oct 16, 2013.

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  1. mjphoto54

    mjphoto54 Tourist

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    I've to Vegas 20 times but never to Laughlin. Is it worth a drive there during my 4 day stay next week? Anything special there worth going for?
     
  2. Iceicecool

    Iceicecool Low-Roller

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    It's only a 90 minutes drive each way. Being that close I would say it is worth it to see it just once. But don't expect much there. There's lots of fun water sports in the summer. You can rent jet skis or bring a boat. There's also a large outlet mall for shopping, and other than that its just gambling. The average customer age is probably in the low 70's. There's almost no night life and the entertainment is extremely limited and low budget. I like to go there once a summer and stay at Harrahs. They have a sandy beach and I like to swim in the river.
     
  3. Bazzito52

    Bazzito52 Low-Roller

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    I've been to Laughlin a few times and it can be an interesting trip.

    Make sure you have gas in the car and the tires are inflated.

    Everything there is a little slower, a little more sedate, and a little cheaper than in Las Vegas. Best way to describe it would be, "If you liked the 1970's, you'll like Laughlin."

    You can also add 5+ degrees to the thermometer. It's really hot there. Similarly, "If you were hot in Las Vegas, you'll positively roast in Laughlin."

    I'm definitely not a water sports type. The "just gambli,g" worked fine for me - just like Vegas, for the most part.

    There are some interesting things on the way, if you look for them:

    Stop at Searchlight for the last 10-cent cup of coffee left in America. You can also see abandoned mine safts and equipment scattered around as well.

    Stop for a beer at the truly weird CalNevAri, where all of the trailers have airplanes parked next to them and there the casino/bar has a U.S. Post Office inside.

    The Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort has the only casino I've ever been in that actually has a window in it. Nice view of the Colorado River as you drink at the bar.

    Worth a trip? You decide.
     
  4. Smo

    Smo Mr. Las Vegas

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    This is the best short description of Laughlin I have ever seen: Best way to describe it would be, "If you liked the 1970's, you'll like Laughlin."

    Been going there for almost 30 years......and it's still the same!

    If I were you, I would spend a day or two travelling around Las Vegas, the Boulder Hwy, Henderson, or maybe even go to Red Rock to see the "other" casino's not along the strip. This would be a better trip than going to Laughlin.

    I still go back to see Laughlin about every other year, but Vegas is by far the funnest and most exciting thing for me to do every few months.

    But, you could always go there and then say to yourself, "Been there, done that!"
     
  5. gerry53

    gerry53 VIP Whale

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    been there a couple times,nothing too exciting but if you have been to vegas many times and will be returning then why not?

    something different which is good.
     
  6. merlin

    merlin MIA

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    If you've never been there it's definitely worth the trip, a pretty ride, you can drive 80mph no problem most of the way(slow down to the limit for the couple miles in searchlight though), the colorado river is very pretty and the casinos are almost all lined up in reasonable walking distance from each other, lower limits and prices generally than vegas.
     
  7. UTE

    UTE Plastics

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    Laughlin is worth seeing - once.

    Bill
     
  8. Big Tip

    Big Tip VIP Whale

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    If you have never driven through the desert then it is definitly worth the trip for the drive alone just to experience that.
     
  9. Vegas Insight

    Vegas Insight MIA

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    Seeing casinos along a river sounds interesting, but it's not that exciting to see, in my opinion. Unless you're going for a boat ride when you get there, it's not worth the drive.

    Count me among those who suggest you spend your driving time seeing anywhere/anything else, unless mega-gambling options are the most important thing to do when you get there, wherever there is.

    Although I should add, if you're looking for a buffet that offers pureed meat and vegetables, then you should plan a trip to Laughlin.
     
  10. Sam D

    Sam D Low-Roller

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    I was in Laughlin last week and I’m going again the first week of November. I like the slower pace of the town and its compactness. I also enjoy playing on the river during the daytime and playing in the casino at night.

    Cross the Laughlin bridge and gas up your car on the AZ side of the river where gas is about 50¢ less per gallon than in Nevada. There is the Colorado River Museum about 1/4 mile north of the bridge with lots of interesting exhibits and lore of the river and local region. For several decades the river there served as a main transportation artery where steamboats transported passengers and freight. The area was also a center of mining activity. Farther up the AZ highway a few miles past the museum is Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave.

    The Riverside Hotel has a large collection of antique and classic cars on public display in the hotel. There is also a large bowling alley and multiplex theater at the Riverside. If the weather is mild, you can stroll along the riverfront walk that extends from the Riverside Hotel south to the River Palms. Every casino hotel facing the river has a dock and there is a water taxi serving as a quick means of transportation between the hotels.

    Colorado River Museum:
    http://www.coleandfran.com/coloradorivermuseum.html
     
  11. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    Ms. Gecko and I took the $5 bus trip to Laughlin a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. (You can search for posts about that.) Seeing the desert landscape alone was worth the trip, not to mention meeting and sitting next to the infamous VMB member, Dewey! Including the free buffet, it would be hard to justify driving unless you intend to stop in Searchlight or go exploring.

    Our trips are typically for a week, so taking a day off wasn't a sacrifice, and we still managed to do quite a bit of gambling in several Laughlin casinos. It was in the summer, however; and yes, it was toasty! We haven't thought about going back, but wouldn't rule it out, either. Have a great trip!
     
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