By Chris Sherwood
With a slogan like "It's like you own the place," you can bet that Laughlin, Nevada, is going to be a great choice for your next vacation. The town of Laughlin is less than 100 miles from
Las Vegas and provides a much more relaxed experience than its gambling counterpart. Whether you want to catch a rodeo before trying some off-road racing, or you would rather have a dinner by the river and be pampered in the spa, Laughlin provides the opportunities for both excitement and relaxation. This bustling
resort town also provides some of the most affordable accommodations available in all of Nevada, with rooms starting as low as $20 per night.
Tropicana Express
The Tropicana Express is a hotel that is influenced largely by the Victorian era, with much of its architecture reflecting the columns and styling of that period. This hotel also takes on a train theme, with an old steam train on site and a pool in the shape of a locomotive. However, do not let the train theme make you feel like this is only a resort for families. Though the resort is family friendly, there are specific pool hours in which children are not allowed, as well as areas of the hotel towers that children are not allowed to stay in. Top this resort off with over 25,000 square feet of casino tables and slots and you have a great vacation in the making. Average nightly rate in 2009: $20.
Golden Nugget
This Laughlin hotel boasts a much more tropical themed environment with hints of the Mediterranean and Caribbean everywhere you look. This hotel is operated by the same company that runs the Mirage in Las Vegas, and creates a similar feel to the Mirage but with significantly less square footage. However, the smaller size creates more personal service throughout the property, which includes 300 rooms, a night club, a selection of different restaurants and of course a casino. Average nightly rate in 2009: $25.
Harrah's Hotel and Casino
This hotel has a Latin themed environment with much more focus on the gambling and entertainment aspects of Nevada. With both an outdoor and an indoor theater and over 1,000 video poker and slot machines, this hotel will keep you busy all night long and into the early morning hours. For those who would rather relax, Harrah's also offers a private beach where guests can rent water crafts, two pools, and a day spa and salon. Average nightly rate in 2009: $32.
Aquarius Casino Resort
The Aquarius is one of the largest hotels in Laughlin, with over 1,900 guest rooms. This hotel also offers the largest auditorium seating in Laughlin, which attracts some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry. With both expansive desert and mountain views in their modern yet comfortable rooms, this hotel will help even the most pent-up vacationer relax. However, if you would rather gamble, the Aquarius also offers 60,000 square feet of casino space. Average price in 2009: $40.
River Palms Casino Resort
River Palms is a hotel that features over 1,000 rooms split between its 25-story tower and additional guest wing. This hotel also boasts the largest casino in Laughlin, with over 65,000 square feet of gaming space. Whether you want to relax in the expansive tropical atrium or have a drink at the pirate bar, the River Palms is a great place to stay. You may also be interested in the water taxi that can take you to see many of the other attractions spread throughout the Laughlin area. Average price in 2009: $25.
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About the Author:
Chris Sherwood is a professional freelance journalist who specializes in health and fitness, diseases, medical and health research, and drug and alcohol effects research. Sherwood is currently finishing his degree in health-care policy and administration with an emphasis on hospital administration.
