Anybody here been to Laughlin, NV recently? (1 Viewer)

[flarkworms]

My friends and I are thinking of going there (from LA) for a weekend in January (Covid situation permitting). None of us have ever been, so we thought we'd check it out. All we care about is having a decent hotel, with a casino and a sportsbook, some decent restaurants, and craps tables with minimums below $25. Not too interested in other activities--we're old. Any recommendations?

 

[FairWarning]

I’ve never been there, but my Vegas friends go to the Golden Nugget in Laughlin to get away.

 

[Osaurus]

Why not just go the extra hour and a half by car to Vegas?

 

[Chaz McNulty]

My friends and I are thinking of going there (from LA) for a weekend in January (Covid situation permitting). None of us have ever been, so we thought we'd check it out. All we care about is having a decent hotel, with a casino and a sportsbook, some decent restaurants, and craps tables with minimums below $25. Not too interested in other activities--we're old. Any recommendations?

I hear if you're under 60, it's like shooting fish in a barrel.

 

[massraider]

I’ve never been there, but my Vegas friends go to the Golden Nugget in Laughlin to get away.

That just bummed me out

 

[flarkworms]

Why not just go the extra hour and a half by car to Vegas?
We've been to Vegas many times. Just thinking that we'll try something different.

 

[Osaurus]

Why not just go the extra hour and a half by car to Vegas?
We've been to Vegas many times. Just thinking that we'll try something different.

Tahoe too far?

 

[dickey moe]

How, when, why?

 

[FairWarning]

I’ve never been there, but my Vegas friends go to the Golden Nugget in Laughlin to get away.

That just bummed me out

Why?

 

[Terminalxylem]

I’ve never been there, but my Vegas friends go to the Golden Nugget in Laughlin to get away.

That just bummed me out

Why?

I can't speak for @massraider, but agree with others that it seems strange to stray from Vegas, if all you want is gambling and restaurants. Usually "getting away" means leaving familiar stuff behind, in favor of new experiences. Maybe I'm selling Laughlin short, but I imagine it's just a smaller, sleepier version of LV?

Full disclosure: while I like the dining options, the resort/casino aspect of Las Vegas is fairly depressing at baseline, IMO.

 

[FairWarning]

I’ve never been there, but my Vegas friends go to the Golden Nugget in Laughlin to get away.

That just bummed me out

Why?

I can't speak for @massraider, but agree with others that it seems strange to stray from Vegas, if all you want is gambling and restaurants. Usually "getting away" means leaving familiar stuff behind, in favor of new experiences. Maybe I'm selling Laughlin short, but I imagine it's just a smaller, sleepier version of LV?

Full disclosure: while I like the dining options, the resort/casino aspect of Las Vegas is fairly depressing at baseline, IMO.

I live in a resort area also, so I get why the locals want to “get away”.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I’ve never been there, but my Vegas friends go to the Golden Nugget in Laughlin to get away.

That just bummed me out

Why?

I can't speak for @massraider, but agree with others that it seems strange to stray from Vegas, if all you want is gambling and restaurants. Usually "getting away" means leaving familiar stuff behind, in favor of new experiences. Maybe I'm selling Laughlin short, but I imagine it's just a smaller, sleepier version of LV?

Full disclosure: while I like the dining options, the resort/casino aspect of Las Vegas is fairly depressing at baseline, IMO.

I live in a resort area also, so I get why the locals want to “get away”.

That makes sense, I guess.

Then again, my wife asks about tropical vacations from time to time. Living in HI, I can't imagine traveling to the Caribbean, Tahiti, etc., but we did have a great time in Costa Rica off the beaches.

 

[massraider]

I live in a resort area also, so I get why the locals want to “get away”.

Yes, and close options to Vegas are limited, but going to a smaller quieter version of the exact thing they are getting away from is not my first choice, I would keep driving and do the coast if you wanna get away. LA is only a 4 hour drive.

Stay-cations were def a thing in Vegas, we used to get a crew and go to Red Rocks Hotel for a weekend, do the spa, hang at the pool, etc.

 

[FairWarning]

I’ve never been there, but my Vegas friends go to the Golden Nugget in Laughlin to get away.

That just bummed me out

Why?

I can't speak for @massraider, but agree with others that it seems strange to stray from Vegas, if all you want is gambling and restaurants. Usually "getting away" means leaving familiar stuff behind, in favor of new experiences. Maybe I'm selling Laughlin short, but I imagine it's just a smaller, sleepier version of LV?

Full disclosure: while I like the dining options, the resort/casino aspect of Las Vegas is fairly depressing at baseline, IMO.

I live in a resort area also, so I get why the locals want to “get away”.

That makes sense, I guess.

Then again, my wife asks about tropical vacations from time to time. Living in HI, I can't imagine traveling to the Caribbean, Tahiti, etc., but we did have a great time in Costa Rica off the beaches.

That is different than going to where the tourists go. You can do that anytime. I live 90 min from 10-12 casinos, yet I’ll go to Vegas just to get away. It’s nice just to have different people waiting on you.

 

[FairWarning]

I live in a resort area also, so I get why the locals want to “get away”.

Yes, and close options to Vegas are limited, but going to a smaller quieter version of the exact thing they are getting away from is not my first choice, I would keep driving and do the coast if you wanna get away. LA is only a 4 hour drive.

Stay-cations were def a thing in Vegas, we used to get a crew and go to Red Rocks Hotel for a weekend, do the spa, hang at the pool, etc.

Actually red rocks is one of my fav places in the Vegas area. Just a different vibe since it’s mainly a locals casino compared to the strip.

 

[flarkworms]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

 

[Zow]

Uh, yeah. I used to pretty much live there and am there a lot for work and golf/softball.

 

[Zow]

My friends and I are thinking of going there (from LA) for a weekend in January (Covid situation permitting). None of us have ever been, so we thought we'd check it out. All we care about is having a decent hotel, with a casino and a sportsbook, some decent restaurants, and craps tables with minimums below $25. Not too interested in other activities--we're old. Any recommendations?

I hear if you're under 60, it's like shooting fish in a barrel.

??

 

[Desert_Power]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

Feels like it was that way on the strip even pre-Covid. At least on the weekends.

 

[Zow]

My friends and I are thinking of going there (from LA) for a weekend in January (Covid situation permitting). None of us have ever been, so we thought we'd check it out. All we care about is having a decent hotel, with a casino and a sportsbook, some decent restaurants, and craps tables with minimums below $25. Not too interested in other activities--we're old. Any recommendations?

Okay, to answer your questions:

1. Aquarius or Golden Nugget* are probably the best hotels. Harrah's is good, too, but the issue is they aren't in walking distance to the other casinos and the "strip" area of Laughlin. Do not, under any circumstances, stay at the Pioneer or Tropicana. Edgewater is surprisingly okay for the price.
2. Assuming you're there for a few days, I can get you dialed in for restaurants. Don't expect the same super great quality that Vegas has, but there's some decent enough places now thankfully that good food can be found (Saltgrass at GN, Gourmet Room at Riverside, good sushi restaurant in the Hideout, good breakfast at Bumbleberry Flats, etc.).
3. There are no amazing sportsbooks, but there are okay sportsbooks so you should be fine there (though be wary of the hours). I was not a craps player, but you should be able to find plenty of games at your price range. The comps in Laughlin, at least back when I played more (I played a ton of poker in Laughlin in the late 2000s and also played plenty of blackjack), are good so I'd suggest finding one casino to play in and getting a players card.


*If you're are serious about this, pm me as I may have a hookup for you at the GN and/or at least can get you dialed in with the GM and the head bellman.

 

[Zow]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

They'll be lower in Laughlin for sure.

 

[nirad3]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

They'll be lower in Laughlin for sure.

Yeah this was one of the main draws for me and my friends when we used to go to Laughlin once or twice a year. I would go to Vegas, too, but it ended up being wayyyy more expensive for hotel, gambling and eating out.

Laughlin has a little more "white trash" element (sorry, not trying to be rude), but it's way cheaper in terms of getting a hotel room and eating out. And you'll find cheaper tables. On top of it, if you want to go out and do some watersports, you're not doing that on The Strip. You can in Laughlin.

We always got cheap-azz rooms in Laughlin and had a great time. I miss going.... been 15-20 years since I've gone. I bet it's gotten nicer, actually. No shame in choosing it over Vegas for a fun weekend.

 

[Zow]

As irony would have it, currently booking a stay for Laughlin this weekend (golf tournament).

 

[Zow]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

They'll be lower in Laughlin for sure.

Yeah this was one of the main draws for me and my friends when we used to go to Laughlin once or twice a year. I would go to Vegas, too, but it ended up being wayyyy more expensive for hotel, gambling and eating out.

Laughlin has a little more "white trash" element (sorry, not trying to be rude), but it's way cheaper in terms of getting a hotel room and eating out. And you'll find cheaper tables. On top of it, if you want to go out and do some watersports, you're not doing that on The Strip. You can in Laughlin.

We always got cheap-azz rooms in Laughlin and had a great time. I miss going.... been 15-20 years since I've gone. I bet it's gotten nicer, actually. No shame in choosing it over Vegas for a fun weekend.

As somebody who may or may not defended hundreds of drug cases from the area, I can safely say that you're just stating the obvious.

Also, as somebody who has stayed there recently, I wouldn't say it's gotten "nicer." I lived there from 2008-2009 (Bullhead side) and frequented it a lot when I later lived in Kingman then Lake Havasu City. The food has improved and some of the hotels upgraded their room, but I wouldn't say it's "nicer." It's pretty much the same (which I think for the locals and for the regulars, that's what they want).

 

[nirad3]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

They'll be lower in Laughlin for sure.

Yeah this was one of the main draws for me and my friends when we used to go to Laughlin once or twice a year. I would go to Vegas, too, but it ended up being wayyyy more expensive for hotel, gambling and eating out.

Laughlin has a little more "white trash" element (sorry, not trying to be rude), but it's way cheaper in terms of getting a hotel room and eating out. And you'll find cheaper tables. On top of it, if you want to go out and do some watersports, you're not doing that on The Strip. You can in Laughlin.

We always got cheap-azz rooms in Laughlin and had a great time. I miss going.... been 15-20 years since I've gone. I bet it's gotten nicer, actually. No shame in choosing it over Vegas for a fun weekend.

As somebody who may or may not defended hundreds of drug cases from the area, I can safely say that you're just stating the obvious.

Also, as somebody who has stayed there recently, I wouldn't say it's gotten "nicer." I lived there from 2008-2009 (Bullhead side) and frequented it a lot when I later lived in Kingman then Lake Havasu City. The food has improved and some of the hotels upgraded their room, but I wouldn't say it's "nicer." It's pretty much the same (which I think for the locals and for the regulars, that's what they want).

I loved our Laughlin trips. I would estimate we were there at least 7-8 times in 2-3 years at one point in my mid-late 30's. We had a ton of fun and didn't break the bank as I would for similar length Vegas trips.

 

[Zow]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

They'll be lower in Laughlin for sure.

Yeah this was one of the main draws for me and my friends when we used to go to Laughlin once or twice a year. I would go to Vegas, too, but it ended up being wayyyy more expensive for hotel, gambling and eating out.

Laughlin has a little more "white trash" element (sorry, not trying to be rude), but it's way cheaper in terms of getting a hotel room and eating out. And you'll find cheaper tables. On top of it, if you want to go out and do some watersports, you're not doing that on The Strip. You can in Laughlin.

We always got cheap-azz rooms in Laughlin and had a great time. I miss going.... been 15-20 years since I've gone. I bet it's gotten nicer, actually. No shame in choosing it over Vegas for a fun weekend.

As somebody who may or may not defended hundreds of drug cases from the area, I can safely say that you're just stating the obvious.

Also, as somebody who has stayed there recently, I wouldn't say it's gotten "nicer." I lived there from 2008-2009 (Bullhead side) and frequented it a lot when I later lived in Kingman then Lake Havasu City. The food has improved and some of the hotels upgraded their room, but I wouldn't say it's "nicer." It's pretty much the same (which I think for the locals and for the regulars, that's what they want).

I loved our Laughlin trips. I would estimate we were there at least 7-8 times in 2-3 years at one point in my mid-late 30's. We had a ton of fun and didn't break the bank as I would for similar length Vegas trips.

Laughlin definitely has its place. It's actually a pretty decent and affordable guys' golf trip destination. And back when I played a lot of poker, I was treated super well and comped a bunch (far more than Vegas ever would). Living there definitely got old after one year, but I have no regrets.*

My wife's aunt has an annual trip at the Golden Nugget. Now, she loses lots of money during the trip so it makes total sense from a business decision, but they treat her sooooo well when she goes. In contrast, if she did what she does in Vegas, she may just get a free room here or there but that's it.

*This statement notwithstanding, I do want to know what the poster meant above in regarding to Laughlin being like "shooting fish in a barrel" if you're under 60. If he's referring to dating and/or hooking up, I'd say that there is a barrel and there some fish, but most of them one probably wouldn't even want to shoot...

 

[FairWarning]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

Feels like it was that way on the strip even pre-Covid. At least on the weekends.

Wynn/Encore and Cosmo really priced out a lot of weekend gamblers with the table game minimums being so high.

 

[FiredMartz]

Aquarius has awesome beds.......its pretty nice

 

[Lehigh98]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

I really miss O'Sheas "strip poker" and $1 craps with 100x odds at Casino Royale, hell even the bad "dealertainers" at Imperial Palace.
Just not as fun on the strip anymore, I spent more time downtown than I used to the last couple trips.

 

[Zow]

Aquarius has awesome beds.......its pretty nice

Gotta get in the correct tower. Unless they finished full renovations, IIRC one tower is significantly superior to the other because it got the upgrade.

 

[flarkworms]

My friends and I are thinking of going there (from LA) for a weekend in January (Covid situation permitting). None of us have ever been, so we thought we'd check it out. All we care about is having a decent hotel, with a casino and a sportsbook, some decent restaurants, and craps tables with minimums below $25. Not too interested in other activities--we're old. Any recommendations?

Okay, to answer your questions:

1. Aquarius or Golden Nugget* are probably the best hotels. Harrah's is good, too, but the issue is they aren't in walking distance to the other casinos and the "strip" area of Laughlin. Do not, under any circumstances, stay at the Pioneer or Tropicana. Edgewater is surprisingly okay for the price.
2. Assuming you're there for a few days, I can get you dialed in for restaurants. Don't expect the same super great quality that Vegas has, but there's some decent enough places now thankfully that good food can be found (Saltgrass at GN, Gourmet Room at Riverside, good sushi restaurant in the Hideout, good breakfast at Bumbleberry Flats, etc.).
3. There are no amazing sportsbooks, but there are okay sportsbooks so you should be fine there (though be wary of the hours). I was not a craps player, but you should be able to find plenty of games at your price range. The comps in Laughlin, at least back when I played more (I played a ton of poker in Laughlin in the late 2000s and also played plenty of blackjack), are good so I'd suggest finding one casino to play in and getting a players card.


*If you're are serious about this, pm me as I may have a hookup for you at the GN and/or at least can get you dialed in with the GM and the head bellman.

Thanks. I may take you up on it if we actually go. We probably won't decide until early December when we see how things are going with Covid.

 

[flarkworms]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

They'll be lower in Laughlin for sure.

Yeah this was one of the main draws for me and my friends when we used to go to Laughlin once or twice a year. I would go to Vegas, too, but it ended up being wayyyy more expensive for hotel, gambling and eating out.

Laughlin has a little more "white trash" element (sorry, not trying to be rude), but it's way cheaper in terms of getting a hotel room and eating out. And you'll find cheaper tables. On top of it, if you want to go out and do some watersports, you're not doing that on The Strip. You can in Laughlin.

We always got cheap-azz rooms in Laughlin and had a great time. I miss going.... been 15-20 years since I've gone. I bet it's gotten nicer, actually. No shame in choosing it over Vegas for a fun weekend.

As somebody who may or may not defended hundreds of drug cases from the area, I can safely say that you're just stating the obvious.

Also, as somebody who has stayed there recently, I wouldn't say it's gotten "nicer." I lived there from 2008-2009 (Bullhead side) and frequented it a lot when I later lived in Kingman then Lake Havasu City. The food has improved and some of the hotels upgraded their room, but I wouldn't say it's "nicer." It's pretty much the same (which I think for the locals and for the regulars, that's what they want).

I loved our Laughlin trips. I would estimate we were there at least 7-8 times in 2-3 years at one point in my mid-late 30's. We had a ton of fun and didn't break the bank as I would for similar length Vegas trips.

Laughlin definitely has its place. It's actually a pretty decent and affordable guys' golf trip destination. And back when I played a lot of poker, I was treated super well and comped a bunch (far more than Vegas ever would). Living there definitely got old after one year, but I have no regrets.*

My wife's aunt has an annual trip at the Golden Nugget. Now, she loses lots of money during the trip so it makes total sense from a business decision, but they treat her sooooo well when she goes. In contrast, if she did what she does in Vegas, she may just get a free room here or there but that's it.

*This statement notwithstanding, I do want to know what the poster meant above in regarding to Laughlin being like "shooting fish in a barrel" if you're under 60. If he's referring to dating and/or hooking up, I'd say that there is a barrel and there some fish, but most of them one probably wouldn't even want to shoot...

For the record, we're all over 60, so it doesn't matter if there's fish or a barrel.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

I really miss O'Sheas "strip poker" and $1 craps with 100x odds at Casino Royale, hell even the bad "dealertainers" at Imperial Palace.
Just not as fun on the strip anymore, I spent more time downtown than I used to the last couple trips.

This. (love the IP)

Was in Vegas 2 months ago for work. It was absolutely terrible compared to when I used to go in the late 90s / early 2000s. It’s just abother crowded, overpriced destination now. Really disliked my time there compared to years ago.

 

[The Z Machine]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

I went recently for my mother's wedding. Stayed at the Trop (not a great spot). Craps table was there but no dealer. Sports book was microscopic and closed too early. I think the Aquarius and Edgewater looked better. But you can find $5 min blackjack tables...

Better food was to be found across the river in Bullhead City. Cheaper too. Laughlin was pretty cheap overall compared to the Vegas strip. It's pretty much a dump tho.

 

[The Z Machine]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

I really miss O'Sheas "strip poker" and $1 craps with 100x odds at Casino Royale, hell even the bad "dealertainers" at Imperial Palace.
Just not as fun on the strip anymore, I spent more time downtown than I used to the last couple trips.

Yup, downtown just feels like more fun these days.

 

[Zow]

Thanks for the comments. We've had an annual trip to Vegas for 30+ years, but passed the last few years due to Covid. One guy went recently with his wife and reported back that crap tables at our normal haunts on the Strip were all $25 minimum, or higher. That becomes a little pricey if you like to have multiple bets on the table. We're assuming that table minimums will be lower in Laughlin. They may be lower in downtown Vegas. We haven't looked into that.

I went recently for my mother's wedding. Stayed at the Trop (not a great spot). Craps table was there but no dealer. Sports book was microscopic and closed too early. I think the Aquarius and Edgewater looked better. But you can find $5 min blackjack tables...

Better food was to be found across the river in Bullhead City. Cheaper too. Laughlin was pretty cheap overall compared to the Vegas strip. It's pretty much a dump tho.

The Trop is awful.

 

[Zow]

Currently posting from Laughlin. Good weather today.