Laughlin, Nevada

The other day we took a spur-of-the-moment on-a-whim trip to Laughlin, NV. The drive was uncrowded and offered lots of spectacular scenery. We packed overnight bags in case we wanted to stay. When we arrived in town, we were really hungry, so we had a decent brunch buffet at Harrah's resort. After lunch and driving through town to get the lay of the land, we settled into a great room at the Flamingo, soon to be known as the Aquarius, as the hotel was purchased in May by the Las Vegas Stratosphere outfit. It will have a complete makeover and be done by November. Although the public areas of the hotel seemed a bit tired and well-worn, the room was just the opposite: clean, very light with floor-to-ceiling windows with a full river view, and a very efficient and silent air conditioner. We don't gamble much at all, so we can't see staying more than a day and a night, but would definitely return. Way more for your money than in Las Vegas. Of special note was our dinner in the steakhouse of the Edgewater Hotel.
Also worth mentioning was the breakfast buffet at the Flamingo for only $6.50, which would have been a dollar less with the casino club card.