[bowneline]

I was in Henderson this past weekend. We were just passing through town on our way back from a camping trip in Utah, and we decided to stay in Henderson because I wanted to see the Hoover Dam the following morning.

We stayed in a Best Western on Boulder Highway, near Sunset Rd.

I am probably typical in most Southern California residents, in that I have been to Las Vegas a number of times, but we usually drive straight to the Strip, stay in a Strip hotel, and then leave town a few days later without really seeing anything other than the Strip area.

This was my first time in Henderson.

I was suprised to see a number of larger casino/hotels out there, including some run down ones, and a not-so-run down one (it was across from the mall).

Who stays and/or gambles at these casinos? I was not even aware they existed, and most anybody I know that goes to the Las Vegas area stays at the Strip or, at least, in downtown Las Vegas. From my prospective, it just seems odd that someone would travel to Las Vegas and stay at some random place out in Henderson. But, I'm not an expert on these things, by any means. Is it locals?

I'm not judging, I'm just curious. At very least, we will look more broadly at where to stay next time we are in town.

[Willy702]

Locals who dont go to the Strip and who are drawn in by really cheap food and mostly older friendly people working the casino floor. The Sunset Station gets a little different crowd. But the rest are dominated by decent payout video poker machines and the availabilty of a race/sports book as those two are the big local draws.

[Buzz123]

There are several so called "locals" casinos in all parts of town that in most cities would be considered really fancy resorts. Instead of fighting the crowds on the Strip, or driving 15 miles to eat and play, most of us locals have casinos in our neighborhoods. Most movie theaters and bowling allys in Las Vegas are in locals' casinos, and of course most of them will have several reatsurant choices within the same hotel. There is also iceskating in some, and of course they have great entertainment.

Of course since there is no need for locals to stay in a hotel, the "locals" joints also cater to a large percentage of our 39 million visitors a year that also want to avoid the Strip traffic and crowds. Las Vegas has over 150,000 hotel rooms; more than any other city. I'd guess that half of them are in the many locals casinos. The recent GSA scandal was from the meeting they held in a locals casino, and it's the same casino where Obama stays when he's in town.

The hotel you saw across from the Galeria Mall would be Sunset Station. It's one of several of the hotels in the "Stations" Group. The Boyd Group also owns several locals' casinos here.

[irishspy]

Visiting from out of town while house hunting I have stayed at the Fiesta in Henderson and Boulder Station on the boulder highway 89121. Being here for business and pleasure both times I got to experience the real Las Vegas where the locals work live and play. First off the room rates were very inexpensive and the second time I got comped for 3 free nights and 2 buffets. Service was excellent and having a rental car I got to go many places. I checked out the stores many neighborhoods and areas went to MT. Charlston and Ethels M experienced Las Vegas traffic and traffic lights lol. I got to rub elbows with many locals and got to ask questions about the areas where I was looking to buy. I found the Station Casinos and the others billed to exactly what they say it is for locals. I also went to the strip or close to the Orleans for 2 wranglers hockey games and to see Dana Carvy. Did a night at Fremont St. went over to the Pawn Shop. Best of all ever thing as a short drive (to me). A rental car or your own is a must if you are going to stay out in these areas but you get to see how the real residents of LV live. Boulder station has excellent entertainment one of the best Blues gigs on Thurs and Sat nights. For the $$$ these casinos are good. On Boulder Highway by Sams town there are also RV parks for those folks. I also ate like a pig for the prices of the buffets and etc. I give my thumbs up to staying in the local casinos.

[bledsoe3]

Even though we are not officially locals, we like to go to Green Valley Ranch. I've been comped there and it was a nice place although it's starting to show a little wear. I have pictures of the room over lookng the pool somewhere. We were at the Red Rock the last couple of nights and the rooms there were much nicer. We're back at our place tonight but made the drive out to GVR. We had a good time and my favorite cocktail waitress took good care of me (she's been there for years).

[rentmax]

Before I got a place out here, I would always stay at Sunset Station. And not just because it's a good price, but there's so many things I love about it. Great clean rooms, nice casino with stained glass and amazing restaurant selection in general vicinity. And not the huge touristy crowds to deal with!
Also, only 15 min car ride to strip if heart desires.

[bigt2079]

I used to hang out at Sunset Station despite living in NLV. Nice station casino, and the area isn't too cruddy either.

[PinkString]

I like Sunset Station. Because I usually win there just about every time i go. I wish all the Stations Casinos were like that, but they aren't.

[newopty]

Originally Posted by bigt2079

I used to hang out at Sunset Station despite living in NLV. Nice station casino, and the area isn't too cruddy either.

Just curious why you would go to Sunset Station if you live in NLV. Isn't Aliante Station very similar with the same owner? I am moving to NLV soon and was in both Sunset Station and Aliante Station. The poker machines in both devoured my money the same way and rarely paid me anything

That brings up another question. I found the Station Casinos didn't pay very well. Is that just me?

[BBMW]

I've been to GVR several times. I like it. I usually do well in their poker room.

The way they're implemented in Vegas, I like the locals casinos. They're basically entertainment hubs (bars, restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys, etc.) built around a casino. Even if you don't want to gamble, they give you a lot to do.