I've been to Las Vegas a number of times - and really don't care for it. TOO big. My husband has had three major back surgeries so getting around just one of those mammoth casinos is a chore. Anyway, we love Lake Tahoe - it only has four major casinos, Harrah's, Harveys, Caesars and The Horizon. It's small but very nice. I'm wondering if anyone has been to both Laughlin and Lake Tahoe - how do they compare? We have a fee flight and free rooms for four nights in February at Harrah's in Laughlin. We figure - what do we have to lose? Well, except our money. ;-)

Thank you for your time.

~Marsha

I've been to both and have seen Laughlin in depth over many years as this aunt we visited lived in Bull Head City, AZ right across the bridge. It was her choice, and we helped move her from Chicago. I've gotten to know about 20 people in Laughlin well.

Laughlin is much like old, old Vegas used to be. Casinos are smaller and of the older type although a couple do have the 2 or 3 floor atrium feel, without the low ceilings. But overall it is totally different than Vegas, yet you will have slightly more choice on everything than you would in Lake Tahoe. For instance, there are bowling lanes and also a movie theatres in one of the casinos. Also much like Tahoe, they have Bingo rooms.

Lodging at the casinos is so cheap that if you gamble cards, slots / have any of the club cards, you will most likely be comped and pay nothing. I know little about fine dining there because food was comped for us through my aunt and was good, but not fine dining. We had a prime rib meal that was excellent, and some very good shrimp. There is definitely more than just buffets etc. I personally do not like buffets, but for the most part, almost everyone gets free ones at some point in Laughlin. It is not like Vegas for any pricing. Most of the 6 or 7 main casinos are along a strip and there are some very small ones also, almost like "outlot" buildings. Most of these places and all of the smaller ones, had play for almost any denomination. I think they had small stakes poker, and blackjack for as little as 25 or 50 cents.

In relation to Lake Tahoe, the casinos have more variety in gaming, are a bit older, but some have been beautifully refurbished- and most of all knowing what L.Tahoe is like- I think you might LOVE Laughlin.

As far as mobility, you would have no trouble at Harrah's. All distances are greatly reduced in comparison to Las Vegas.

There is a lot more choice for outside activity in Laughlin, IMHO. You have the Colorado River and there are boat/ferry rides over & back that everyone uses. On the AZ side there are plateaus where RV's can park- and they transport via ferry, or just go across for the views.

The other big difference is that in Las Vegas & Lake Tahoe almost everyone is a tourist or vacationeer. Not in Laughlin, and because of that casinos lose people QUICK if they do not have specials or service. There is also some entertainment in Laughlin, but not the variety or A tier that you would find in Vegas. For instance, Debbie Reynolds had a casino with her own show there until she went broke.

The average person at the shows, casinos in Laughlin is probably at least 10 to 20 years older than what you would find in either Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe. But the only time I have ever seen a venue crowded there was on New Year's Eve. And it was free champagne and a very enjoyable show- merely the only time I saw casino floors, tables, machines filled in Laughlin.

Take the deal.

Also, I forgot. Fastest valet service I have ever experienced is in Laughlin. EVERYWHERE. If you rent a car, you will be surprised how easy it is to keep, or have parked for you under any weather conditions compared to LV or LT.

You didn't say what time of year. Try not to go in summer. I actually went for a walk in the daytime, and natives looked at me as if I were nuts. They do not use the outside pools and most were covered. People told me that the water evaporates. Yes!

it's been several years since i was there but i enjoyed laughlin for about 3 days. it is quite small and easy to get around. we enjoyed our day in havaseau (sp?) and strolling around the london bridge. i found it much more laid back then lake tahoe.

Thank you for the replies. We are going February 13-18. No summer visits for us. We celebrated our 25th anniversay in Las Vegas - ten years ago in August. It was terrible. We rented a car - drove to the dam etc. I remember seeing one sign saying it was 117 degrees. Not for the weak at heart. I think we will enjoy this trip. We like the slower paced places - like Lake Tahoe. Hate Reno/Hate Las Vegas.

I like the river taxis available to go to the other casinos. I know Laughlin is older - but give me a 'normal' size casino any day of the week. Some of the ones in Las Vegas - you get lost and feel like you're never going to find your way out. ;-)

We like to do other things - probably rent a car for one day - see a movie - it's all about your mind set on what you expect I think.

We go to Lake Tahoe 3-4 times a year - rooms always comped. We thought we'd try something different this time.
Again - thanks for the replies.

~Marsha

JJ5 and ltt gave you some excellent advice. I might add, in Laughlin, the good times IMHO seem to be had at Don Laughlin's Riverside. Don't waste your time eating here though, although the Roast Beef Room (open for dinner on top floor - casual) might be your best bet. The Mexican restaurant isn't bad either. Harrah's is know to have the best buffet in town. I know people who live in Laughlin who recommend Harrah's for their buffet.

The little town south of Laughlin on Route 66 is a fun diversion (with the mules running free in the streets - can't remember the name right now - sorry!).

$$$ Good Luck! $$$