Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
That may be why there are flat-screen TVs in all of the 1,800-plus rooms at
The
Orleans
55
9
(500 W. Tropicana Ave.;
%
800/ORLEANS or 702/365-7111;
www.orleanscasino.com; AE, DC, MC, V),
its massive “French Quarter”-themed
casino. Or why each of the rooms is lovingly appointed and large, never coming
in at less than 460 square feet, with a real sitting area in the alcove by the window
holding a positively swank fleur-de-lis-patterned couch, armchair, and marble-
topped table. The brass beds continue the New Orleans-styling of the room and
are at once firm but delightfully cushy—there are new mattresses across the chain,
designed exclusively for Boyd by Serta, and they enhance their quality by making
up the bed with three sheets, which give them a cushioned feel. Other niceties
here include the spaciousness of the casino, its high ceiling, bright lighting, and
bouncy zydeco and Cajun music soundtrack making it a place where you actually
don't mind losing money (well . . . you'll probably still mind, but at least you
won't feel like the walls are caving in on you at the same time your finances are).
Six unpretentious restaurants, a video arcade, and a daycare center for kids make
it fine choice for families. Entertainment comes in the form of a large jellyfish-
shaped heated pool, a massive bowling alley, a movie theater, and an arena where
hockey matches, concerts, and monster truck-type shows take place. Massages,
manicures, and more are available at the polished spa. To escape it all—and the
location is not great, as there's literally nothing within walking distance except a
large strip club—there's a free shuttle that makes a loop from here to the Gold
Coast Hotel and the Barbary Coast right on the Strip.
$-$$$
Speaking of the
Gold Coast
5
(4000 W. Flamingo Rd.;
%
800/331-5334
or 702/367-7111; www.goldcoastcasino.com; AE, DC, MC, V),
that's Boyd's other
eastern property. It only joined the Boyd group in 2005 so it's not quite as plush
as the Orleans in terms of decor or amenities (the pool and fitness room are
smaller; there might be a burn mark on a tub in the much smaller bathrooms).
Still, you can see why Boyd bought it. The central room of the casino features a
high, stained glass ceiling that's quite attractive. The staff are delightful, genuinely
friendly, and caring. And the rooms are quite large, with unusually thick walls,
meaning that you're less likely to hear your neighbor here than in other hotels. Its
location, next to the Palms, is also a plus for those who like to casino hop (guests
also have more shuttle options as they can hitch a ride on the Palms shuttle from
Bally's as well as the one that goes direct to the Gold Coast from the Barbary
Coast on the Strip). In terms of its demographics, the Gold Coast could be nick-
named the “Golden Age,” as it seems attract the oldest crowd in Vegas (the
median age looked to be about 70 when I was last here). I'd guess that they're
drawn here by the Big Band and Dixieland jazz groups who play here live daily
from 1 to 6:30pm in the free lounge. Bingo is big attraction here, along with
bowling. Forever Plaid (p. 197), the evening show, also has geriatric appeal.
At both the Gold Coast and the Orleans, expect to pay between $25 and $60
midweek (depending on season), up to $129 if the town is full. But as a staffer
told me “Our rates are more likely to be low and stay low, rather than just dip-
ping low a few times a year.” Truly, these two hotels are among the best deals in
town, despite their isolated locales.
$-$$$
If you're retired and coming to town with your Bingo buddies,
Palace
Station
(2411 W. Sahara Ave.;
%
800/634-3101; www.palacestation.com; AE, DC,
