3 nights in Laughlin TR.

Question

We normally do mid a week stay but had 3 nights comped that was close to expiration and the Aquarius had a 10x multiplier for all tiers so off we went. Easy night time drive from San Diego via 8 east to Yuma then north on Az 95 to Parker then connect to Ca 95 at Vidal Jct. Arrival was Friday the 3rd around midnight. Requested an upper floor south facing room far from the elevator as possible and they were able to accommodate. Rooms are always clean & comfortable but they are really showing signs of age. Some observations: New carpet being installed in a large area where the table games are. Roulette and some others shut down. Non smoking gaming area in front near main entrance seemed to have gotten smaller and the one close to the Cove bar has fewer machines now. New video poker room just north of front desk was mostly empty all weekend. Ticket redemption machines no longer give out coins but instead asks to donate to charity? I left a stack of em in my room along with usual housekeeping gratuity. All hotel, restaurants and cocktail service did not disappoint! As for gambling, did really good on a Chili Chili Hot Rush machine. Hit multiple bonus's throughout the weekend that paid off nicely. Craps not so well but a friendly and entertaining group around the table along with some great dealers. Didn’t venture to far this trip but always do a lap around Don Laughlin’s Riverside. Find it kinda fun to visit whenever in Laughlin. They’re Riverview restaurant is running a $14.99 weekly “Winter Snow Bird” dinner special. Sunday was pork chops. Was a great bargain. I’d go back! The Edgewater has live craps again. Minimum bet was $5.00.

Weather was perfect. Absolutely nothing happening on the river. Think I might have seen a water taxi. Also a few Canadian geese on the grass along the river walk. Laughlin is still a good affordable value and hopefully will continue to be.

Answer

It sounds like you had a pleasant and relaxing 3-night stay in Laughlin at the Aquarius, despite a few changes and some signs of age at the hotel. Here’s a breakdown of your experience and some useful tips for others planning a trip to Laughlin:

Hotel Experience:

Room Quality: The rooms at the Aquarius were clean and comfortable, though showing signs of age. They accommodated your request for an upper-floor, south-facing room far from the elevator, which is always appreciated for a quieter experience.
Renovations: It looks like the hotel is undergoing some renovations, with new carpet being installed around the table games area and a smaller non-smoking gaming area. These changes may be part of ongoing efforts to refresh the property.
Casino Layout: The non-smoking area near the main entrance has gotten smaller, and fewer machines are located near the Cove bar. Additionally, the video poker room near the front desk seemed to be underused during your stay.
Ticket Redemption: The shift from coins to asking for donations at the ticket redemption machines is a notable change. While it may take some getting used to, this could be a way for the casino to contribute to charity initiatives.
Service: The hotel, restaurants, and cocktail service did not disappoint, which is great to hear. Good service can make a significant difference during a stay.

Gambling:

Slots: You had great luck on the Chili Chili Hot Rush machine, hitting multiple bonuses and enjoying some nice payouts. That’s always a great bonus!
Craps: While your experience with craps wasn’t as profitable, you enjoyed the friendly and entertaining atmosphere at the table. The dealers seemed to have added to the fun, which is a big plus in the casino experience.
Edgewater: The Edgewater has reintroduced live craps with a $5 minimum bet, which is a nice addition for those looking for a more affordable table game experience.

Dining and Local Highlights:

Don Laughlin’s Riverside: It’s always a fun visit, and the Riverview restaurant’s $14.99 weekly "Winter Snow Bird" dinner special seems like a great bargain. Pork chops on Sunday sounded delicious!
Weather and River Walk: The weather was perfect during your stay, although the river seemed pretty quiet with little activity. You did spot a few Canadian geese along the river walk, which adds a nice touch to the environment.

Overall Thoughts:

Laughlin still provides a good, affordable value for a relaxing getaway, and it seems like you had a successful trip despite a few minor changes. Hopefully, Laughlin continues to offer that same affordable charm while adapting to new trends and providing quality experiences for visitors. If you enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the river, the casinos, and the affordable dining, Laughlin is definitely worth a visit!

3 nights in Laughlin TR.

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