Harrah’s Laughlin

This large, 52-acre property buzzes with noise and lights inside the casino, but overall has a relaxed vibe. The cluster of high-rises and small buildings with clay-tile roofs sit beside the pretty Colorado River, with palms and leafy trees offering a bit of shade and lovely greenery throughout the grounds. Outside the casino entrance, a tiered fountain and street lamps lend charm to a stone plaza, while down on the narrow beach, thatched umbrellas and white sun-loungers are lined up in the sand. Inside, busily patterned dark carpeting, and low ceilings with fluorescent lighting make for a typical casino look. This Harrah's is more family-friendly than many hotel/casinos due to its separate family pool and family tower, but it also attracts couples and senior citizens. The grounds and facilities are so expansive that many who come here on vacation never venture out of the property. What's more, the pools and private beach are kept spotlessly clean, and the smoke-free casino is a real bonus for non-smokers. 

Situated on Casino Drive, the hotel is in a stunning spot right on the banks of the Colorado River and surrounded by picturesque mountains, open space, and a small residential area. The property is at the end of the road where all the hotel and casinos in Laughlin are -- it’s a five-minute drive north to get to the other properties, such as Regency Casino, Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall, and Aquarius Casino Resort. Access is fast from both Arizona and Nevada, and it’s a 10-minute drive to Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport. Those who fancy heading to Las Vegas can be at the strip in around 90 minutes. 

The resort's 1,500 guest rooms are located in adults-only and family towers. Rooms lack character and the decor is a little dated and mismatched, with shades of red, orange, and blue all thrown together with floral-patterned curtains. They are spacious, though, and have great views of the river or mountains. The standard rooms are basic, with flat-screen TVs, simple wooden desks, and mostly beige bathrooms with shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers. Some guests complain of wear and tear in the bathrooms, and in some guest rooms. There are a wide range of rooms to choose from, including suites with separate living rooms and TVs in the bathrooms, and PetStay rooms that provide food and water bowls for dogs, as well as welcome treats. All rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned. 

One of the biggest draws of this hotel is its private beach, which is perhaps the nicest in Laughlin, with soft, clean sand and plenty of space for sun-worshippers. Water taxis and boat parking are available. Beach access, Wi-Fi, and phone calls are covered by a small, daily resort fee. There are also two nice pools, one for families and another for adults; both have sun-loungers and are well-kept. Food and drink options abound, including a Guy Fieri restaurant serving modern Mexican fare; as well as a buffet eatery, steakhouse, beach cafe, fast-food court, Starbucks, and three bars. The spa has a good range of facial and body treatments, along with reflexology, and a hair and beauty salon. The evening entertainment is quite good, with the indoor showroom and outdoor amphitheater hosting a range of performers, including some big names. Most guests come here for the gaming, though, and the 24-hour casino is large with more than 1,000 slot machines, live table games, and a Keno parlor. There’s even the thoughtful -- and fairly unusual -- addition of a separate, non-smoking casino. There are also meeting rooms and a conference space for business travelers, a gift shop and convenience store, free parking for cars, RV’s, and boats, and even a gas station.