1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Going to Laughlin for the 1st time

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Casino Hotels' started by JohnRocks421, Sep 28, 2020.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. JohnRocks421

    JohnRocks421 Tourist

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    29
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    Wife and I are taking a junket to Laughlin around Halloween and never been before. Would love some thoughts and comments about things to do and things not to miss. We know it’s not Vegas but still really excited about going...so ready to get away we’re going nuts here! All comments welcomed and thanks just for taking the time to enlighten us!!! Wish us luck!
    John
     
  2. NandJfrmNJ

    NandJfrmNJ VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2003
    Messages:
    1,595
    Location:
    NJ
    We love Laughlin but we're the right demographic-old. Are you going to Harrah's on the junket? Harrah's gets a lot of grief sometimes but we really like it; just make sure you try to get a newly renovated room in the south tower and, more importantly, a river view. We always rent a car ( they will pick you up and take you to the airport to get your car) and do a lot of sightseeing in the area. Oatman is fun for an hour or two, Bearizona is one of our favorite places. We also go to Keepers of the Wild and Alpacas of the Southwest (do you see the animal theme here?)

    We've also done kayaking on the river and the boat trip to Lake Havasu. The river is beautiful. There is a riverwalk that is a pleasant stroll or you can take the water taxi from one end of the "strip" to the other. Transportation is almost non-existant. There is a bus that goes by maybe once an hour and that's one of the reasons why we always rent a car. If you're staying at Harrah's, it's a little bit of a hike to get to the other casinos.
    Since I don't know where you're staying I don't know what specific info I can give you so, if you have specific questions, maybe I can answer them.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2012
    Messages:
    1,487
    Location:
    Seattle
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    75
    We went to Laughlin for a day from Vegas last year. Don't think we'll go back. As mostly VP players, we were surprised that downtown or off-strip Vegas casinos offered a better variety of machines with good pay tables. We think we're old, but Laughlin showed us there's another category - older than old. The setting is nice with the river, but other than that, didn't see much appeal.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  4. Michael Smith

    Michael Smith VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2019
    Messages:
    2,976
    Location:
    Sisquoc, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    200
    Laughlin has always been fun for me. But not sure about things now. Stayed many times as a stop between Vegas and Phoenix. Anything involving the river is great. River taxi from Harrahs to any of the other casinos is a must.

    Bowling at the Riverside; breakfast at the Pioneer; VP at the Edgewater—I have always won there—but I never pay attention to the game specifics like others—I’d defer to them.

    Take a drive out to Oatman and feed the donkeys—a must see. Other than that, it’s just relaxing, considering you always have the river to gaze at.

    Also, the drive over the hill to Kingman can be quite spectacular with harrowing rock formations before you drop into Kingman.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  5. dukeofdarby

    dukeofdarby High-Roller

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2004
    Messages:
    818
    Location:
    pennsylvania
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    92
    it is what Laughlin does not have that makes it a good alternative to vegas ---------
    hard to find any of the following-----porn hustlers,druggies,prostitutes,wineo's,muggers,buskers----
    basically a laid back casino experience with 8 f the 9 casinos on the Colorado river------

    all the casinos have decent coffee shops and high end restaurants--my favorite is the Edgewater which has a large buffet ,a reasonably priced coffee shop which has views of the river and a 1st class high end restaurant

    the only charter flites I am aware of are run by harrahs----assume you are on this package which is a good one----a bus will take you from the airport across the river in bullhead city directly to harrahs
    looks like you may be a diamond card holder which is also good as you will have access to their diamond lounge which includes outside seating on a patio facing the river which has excellent views-----

    except for Harrahs ,you can use the river walkway to get from casino to casino-----there is also the river taxi from casino to casino at reasonable rates ,less expensive than a taxi-----if a diamond member at harrahs ask them for a reduced rate card for the river taxi

    should you decide to rent a car you will need to do so at the bullhead city airport,none in Laughlin---you can do this on arrival or call for a shuttle to take you there---there are but 3 rental companies
    if you rent a car you may want to take a half day trip crossing over the Colorado river bridge into bullhead city and head south along the river for 12 or so miles then cross back over the river to the avi resort casino which is an indian casino on the southern most tip of Nevada just south of lauhglin---a 2 lane highway takes you back to Laughlin------at the entrance to this casino is an indian-run store which has cheap gas,liquor and cigaretts

    if you are a veteran and have a car you may want to visit the American legion posts in bullhead city and Laughlin
    the post in bullhead city sits right on the colorado river with excellent views---the restrooms there are outside the building and shared with a mini-police post and I noticed were unheated----I inquired and was told no need for heating as it never drops below freezing

    the legion post in Laughlin is outside of the casino area and is unique-----it is the only post that I am aware of that does not require a legion membership to enter-----they have video-poker and slot machines------was told private gambling is illegal in Nevada and must be open to all----they feature a Friday nite fish -fry and sunday morning breakfast year round and are open 24 hrs
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2020
    • Informative Informative x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
  6. steveks225

    steveks225 High-Roller

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2015
    Messages:
    792
    Location:
    St. Louis, MO
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    88
    If you're a VP player, stay and eat at Harrah's and play at Aquarius. Most of the rest of the properties in Laughlin have gutted most of their 99%+ payback VP over the years. If Golden Entertainment does the same at Aquarius, I am through with Laughlin. During the weekdays Laughlin tends to be quieter and more laid back than LAS, however most of the properties have not been significantly renovated, and a lot of what used to be Laughlin's customer base aged out and died, or in the case of visitors from southern California and Arizona, closer gaming alternatives to home kept people from not coming back.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  7. Ethannf

    Ethannf Tourist

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2015
    Messages:
    85
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    4
    I love Laughlin! Old-school and old-time with beautiful views of the Colorado river. I actually prefer the older, less modern casinos.

    I always stay at Aquarius - they give me amazing offers. Back when I lived in Vegas, I used to get 3 nights comped, lots of free play, free unlimited mimosa buffet brunch which was always very good.
    VP at the Zodiac bar is a must for me. I generally do very well there, and slots at Aquarius are usually pretty loose too.

    MUST go to The Gourmet Room at Riverside Hotel for their amazing old-school gourmet dinner. I love The Gourmet Room so much. Also the vintage car exhibit at Riverside is amazing as well.

    Pioneer as mentioned already for breakfast at Bumbleberry Flats. The best breakfast in Laughlin.

    When Colorado Belle was open, one of my favorite things was to play VP and have drinks at PINTS, the craft brewery. Sadly the whole property is closed :-(

    Even though I am a CET Platinum player, I really dislike Harrahs Laughlin. Prefer everything else. Skip Harrahs, skip Tropicana unless you want to see each property.

    Golden Nugget has a great interior. I usually play some VP at the bar facing the river.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  8. dukeofdarby

    dukeofdarby High-Roller

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2004
    Messages:
    818
    Location:
    pennsylvania
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    92
    full pay vp games at aquarius may be on the way out soon----golden entertainment has pulled all their full pay vp at their 3 vegas properties [stratasphere,and Arizona charlies boulder and Decatur]-----------still some 25c bp at the golden nugget ,pioneer and Tropicana,but that's about it
     
    • Like Like x 1
  9. AllenAndRossi

    AllenAndRossi VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2009
    Messages:
    1,689
    Location:
    Phoenix
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    200
    Laughlin is actually a great place when you're in the mood for a relaxing casino trip that offers more casino choices to explore than a staycation at your local.

    It's a very laid-back vibe. The scenery is gorgeous. If you do rent a car I agree about making the half-hour or so drive to Oatman. Kingman celebrates it's Route 66 connection with a visitors center/museum and historic buildings on a still drivable stretch. And I agree with @Michael Smith about the drive between Kingman and Laughlin. The last half has some stunning scenery. We drive from Phoenix and have done the trip dozens of times. And the last 15 miles to Laughlin never ceases to amaze me. And it's "downhill" enough I can usually drive about 13 miles of it in neutral. But it's not "scary" or harrowing. Excellent roads and beautiful surroundings.

    Lots of older slots you don't see much anymore can still be found in every Laughlin casino. They have the new stuff too.

    99% of the time we stay at Harrah's because they take care of us.

    We've also stayed at Trop and Aquarius. Aquarius is a nice place. Only ate in the coffee shop/casual restaurant and it was good. They redid their pool area a few years ago and it's nice. Trop is average, but has a surprisingly(for Laughlin)decent pool area. They also have a store with a deli counter where they make good bagels and spreads. You can get a dozen and 2 spreads for a decent price and have something to munch in the room between meals. The Italian place with the all you can eat pasta special is a good value and good food.

    Used to really like the food at the brewpub at Colorado Belle. But the whole joint is closed now.

    I never got into the Golden Nugget. It's a nice place. But most of the times I've been in there there was no background music playing the vibe was just blah. And all their restaurant choices are Landry chains. Blah again.

    As for Harrah's, it's fine, it's comfortable, we like it. I won't get into the buffet and Laurel Lounge since they are currently closed. But Beach Cafe does comfort food well. The Range Steakhouse is a good value for a casino steakhouse with great food and great service. Smashburger, Cinnebon and Pin Up Pizza are also available and all decent.

    There are two pools. One is a family pool, the other is 21 years old and up. Nothing fancy, but just fine for hanging out and taking a dip.

    As for the rooms, South Tower rooms and suites are all remodeled in the last year or 2 and a big improvement. I know they were working on the Central Tower remodels, but not sure if they completed that. North Tower rooms haven't been remodeled in years, but are holding up ok, probably due to the older, mellower crowd they get compared to Vegas.

    And it is mostly an older crowd. For some perspective...I'm a "young" 60 year old(don't feel my age, don't act my age, don't quite look my age), my gf is early 40's and we have a 6 year old daughter. While it often seems like my gf is one of the younger people there, I sometimes feel like I'm one of the younger people there. But everyone is nice and friendly. No one ever seems to be in a hurry. There's no time-share people, no hustlers, no buskers, no ******bags. And with the recent "situations" and clientele Vegas seems to be drawing right now, Laughlin is a great choice to relax, check out some casinos, gamble and chill out.

    I'd suggest taking the River Taxi from Harrah's down to Don Laughlin's Riverside, then walk along the Riverwalk popping into each casino. When you get to the end, take the River Taxi back to Harrah's. The River Taxi is a nice little cruise on the Colorado River.

    Obviously, I'm assuming you're on a Harrah's charter.

    And quite honestly, with everything going in our country and the world right now, Laughlin would be a relaxing place to escape to for a few days.
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Love Love x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  10. Papasmurf

    Papasmurf Newbie

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2020
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Phoenix, Az
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    I like Laughlin a lot better than Vegas, definitely more laid back and relaxing. I barely turned 30 but I do agree with the rest that it's a much older crowd, probably why I fit in because I'm older at heart. I always try to eat at bubba gumps in the golden nugget because I love sea food and they make the best Bloody Mary's.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  11. Mad Dog

    Mad Dog Low-Roller

    Joined:
    May 17, 2020
    Messages:
    201
    Location:
    VA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    These are really insightful reports and great advice on Laughlin. I have not been there recently, but have probably visited a dozen or so times over the years. When Aquarius used to be a Hilton Property we had some awesome upgrades to river facing suites with panoramic views. Agree that the river taxi is a must and an interesting experience appreciating the taxi Captain’s skill working against the strong river current. River walk is also a neat experience although a bit crowded in normal times and with several sets of stairs that might challenge some.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  12. ReTriggerMe

    ReTriggerMe Stand Up to Jewish Hate!

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2020
    Messages:
    10,295
    Location:
    San Francisco East Bay
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    48
    Never been. Was booked on a CET junket... then canceled. Was going with my neighbor.

    Now 83, he was 79 when he went. Said he was one of the youngest. No issue with the companionship, but the age cohort meant mega-extra time for airport transfer. For example, said the shuttle from hotel to airplane went hours early to allow for longer boarding time. He might have been behaving curmudgeonly....

    A night owl and a.m. slow-mover, this meant getting up departure day too early for relaxation ... so he canceled.

    So, I'm sharing info, but not based on personal experience. With that background, my advice is to thoroughly understand the detailed itinerary of the junket.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Informative Informative x 1
  13. JohnRocks421

    JohnRocks421 Tourist

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    29
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    We are going on a Harrah’s junket...not sure about being able to request rooms but need to look into that.
    Thanks for the tips!
     
  14. JohnRocks421

    JohnRocks421 Tourist

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    29
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    We’re both around 50 and a relaxing few days chilling sounds perfect for us right about now! Thank you all for your helpful info and advice. River sounds fun too and always fun going somewhere new! Thanks again!
    John
     
  15. Don the Dentist

    Don the Dentist LV resident

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2010
    Messages:
    1,341
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    999
    The Aquarius HAD a great $1 10/7 DB with a progressive on four aces and the royal. We went down once a month. Full comp for a suite and food. As soon as Golden Entertainment took over, they reduced the pay table. Think it was changed to 9/7.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  16. jon95616

    jon95616 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2010
    Messages:
    369
    Location:
    Southern California
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    To add to the previous comments about the older demographic, it also depends on the time of year you go. I’ve been a lot in the winter, and it’s a very noticeable retired snow bird crowd. I went in August 2019 and there were a lot more families and young people (21-35) in the pool, casino, restaurants and river.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  17. jon95616

    jon95616 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2010
    Messages:
    369
    Location:
    Southern California
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    I switched from Vegas to Laughlin four or five years ago, and have only been back to Vegas once for work.

    Laughlin is great if you want to relax and aren’t expecting world class shows, big dance clubs, or five star hotels/restaurants.

    I love the $5 craps tables, video poker with a river view, water taxis, river walks, and lounge bands.

    If you have a car, definitely make the 30-45 minute drive to Oatman. Feed the donkeys, check out the old ghost town stuff, and grab a drink/snack at Oatman Hotel restaurant and check out the little Clark Gable-Carole Lombard museum upstairs.

    There are also outdoor activities near Laughlin you can drive to including a Petroglyphs hike at Grapevine Canyon.

    Some free things to check out include a giant gold nugget on display in the lobby of Golden Nugget and the car museum at Don Laughlin’s Riverside. At the Riverside you can also take a relaxing and informative river boat tour for $10-15 each.

    I also like the $15 comedy club at Edgewater. It’s currently closed for Covid though.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  18. Michael Smith

    Michael Smith VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2019
    Messages:
    2,976
    Location:
    Sisquoc, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    200
    I've often gone for Fourth of July when they put on one of the best fireworks shows I've ever seen—was a tradition until this year—and the demographic skews quite younger with lots of families. I've often thought there were more little kids in Laughlin than in Vegas on weekends. It's a cheaper alternative for many Californians who can't cough up a bunch of money for resort fees and the other nonsense that Vegas has charged over the last several years. Mom and Dad still get their gambling fix, albeit at much lower expenditures, and kids get excellent pool time.

    It's more of a working class demographic, much like Primm and Whiskey Pete's. Absent are the homeless who populate the footbridges and underpasses in Vegas and, in contrast, also absent is a younger, more arrogant, crowd that is impressed with themselves because they can play $100 BJ hands and drink Maker's Mark. Laughlin is strictly a Bud/Jim Beam kind of place.

    As for me, I find Laughlin refreshing, but, of course, I need my Vegas fix no matter what's going on there. Vegas is a piece of desert that is hallowed ground, in my opinion.
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Love Love x 1
  19. jeffreyalan

    jeffreyalan Tourist

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2013
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    Charlotte NC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    75
    My wife and I just got back from there, we were on the Harrah's junket. The junket is great, Sun Country is the airline all middle seats are empty and on our flight the were several empty rows available if you want to move to a row by yourself. When you check in to depart and check your luggage you will not touch your luggage again until it arrives in your hotel room in Laughlin. The Laughlin/Bullhead City airport is very small, only 2 gates, you deplane and get on the bus which takes you across the river to Harrah's, as you get off of the bus you go into the hotel as you go in they will take your temp. and then you will tell them your name and they will give you an envelope with your room keys and they will point you to the tower you are in. We were in the central tower, the room was not a renovated room but was more than adequate for us it was clean and comfortable. We had an awesome view of the river we were on the 12th floor. I had requested South Tower, and I did go to the check in desk to inquire about moving, we arrived Sat. night so the place was very full, the front desk told me to come back in the morning around 11 and they would be able to move us with no problem but we ended up just staying in the Central tower because we loved the view.
    I am a blackjack player and never could get on a table Sat. night as there were on 4 BJ tables and each one only allowed 3 players. The rest of the time it was no big deal finding a seat. They were really good about making sure everyone had their mask on and was wearing it properly.
    We did rent a car, carrentalsavers.com , we did a day trip on Route 66 and it was a lot of fun, however we did that on a Monday and there were several places that were closed. Oatman is a pretty cool little spot with wild donkey's walking around, and I would definitely recommend it.
    Someone on another message board recommended Black Bear cafe in Bullhead City and I would say if you rent a car you have to try it, we went for breakfast and it was great, it was the best meal we had while we were there. We rented a jet ski for 2 hrs. and went up and down the river, just cruising, and that was a lot of fun the river/water is beautiful. If you rent a jet ski do it in bullhead city it is $55 per hr. vs. doing it @ Harrah's for $99 per hr.
    The Caesars junket is very well run I will definitely do another one soon, maybe Biloxi, I heard it was a good junket too.
    Good luck, I hope you win, I know you will have good time.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Love Love x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  20. kittyglitter_mm

    kittyglitter_mm Low-Roller

    Joined:
    May 30, 2011
    Messages:
    273
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    Thanks for all the info as I’m going on the same junket early Nov. Did you have to Uber to the airport to pick up your rental or was there a shuttle from Harrah’s? Or is there a local rental place? I’ve looked and the only one I found was at the airport. They will all be closed by the time we land so I can’t pick it up while at the airport so need another option. Any other info is appreciated!
     
    • Like Like x 1
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.