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| - Three enthusiastic stars. Trust me on this. It's straight down the middle of the road, and if you keep your expectations in check, you're going to have a great stay.
This off-the-strip casino and hotel is more than just a bunch of slot machines and hotel rooms; they've got a few things going on that set it apart from lesser properties. Though a far cry (not so very far, but far enough) from the splash and panache of The Strip, there are a few fun additions for the traveler on the budget.
Case in point--a big ol' bowling alley downstairs. A stage in the casino area where a man and his band were belting out some serious rock country. A gift shop. Several restaurants. A food court. And of course, the movie theater. Many, many years ago I ate at Austin's Steakhouse (one of the food options in the casino) and had a tremendous meal. It looks like there haven't been many upgrades since then and the prices have dropped, but to be fair I haven't returned for a meal in years.
The hotel portion is perfectly acceptable. The rooms are comfortable, not giant, but modern enough. The television was a disappointment with less-than stellar control and scratchy reception, but if you're in Vegas and you're watching TV you just might be doing it wrong. The bed was a little rigid, but I slept in spite of it. Though the elaborate sign over the door promised an incredibly fancy "Cardio Room," it actually held 4 machines (one of them broken), packed into a teeny space. I mean, that was just embarrassing. If you're interested in big group meetings or parties, they do cater, and they have a pretty sizable conference wing to the casino with big rooms for your shindig.
Note that when you're booking, you're likely to see some pretty cheap rates advertised. You have to add at least 10 bucks to that for tax, and you'll also add $14 to that for their nonsense "Resort Fee." What is that "Resort Fee," you ask? It's $14 you have to pay. You get to advertise a cheaper rate, then add a fee. It's a gimmick, it's ridiculous, it's stupid. Even with that added price, though, you're still getting a pretty cheap rate.
It's more than just a hotel. Not quite a full-fledged mega-casino. Keep those expectations in line and you'll have a terrific, budget-friendly stay.
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