All Aboard The Gambling Train
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Are you looking for a fun place to stay and play in Laughlin, Nevada? Look no further than the Ramada Express Hotel and Casino. With more than 1,500 rooms and suites, a 53,000 square footBook The Ramada Express Online casino, and seven restaurants, this hotel clearly has earned the title, "Best Accommodations" for five consecutive years. Want more? Heck, they've got the Vegas mega-casino theme concept down to the wire, or shall I say rail, with their Victorianera train theme and decor throughout the hotel and casino on this 27-acre property near the Colorado River. Take your pick from river or desert mountain views: this hotel has it all and is chugging right along.
The Hotel
The hotel calls itself, "The Adult Place to Play & Stay." It is quite evident with its policy of allowing no children to stay in any rooms in the newly renovated twelve-story East Tower. Yes, they do allow kids to stay in most of the rooms in the 24-story West Tower that's currently under restoration.
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The outdoor swimming pool is very cute with its steam train shape and spa completing the large locomotive wheel of the train. Special adults-only hours exist for the pool and spa to aid in your rest and relaxation. Friendly 24-hour security is always present to put any worried mind at ease.
The Ramada Express boasts of "25 Reasons Why They're Still #1 in Laughlin." They have been voted year after year by guests and locals as the best hotel, casino, slot club, accommodations, gourmet dining, steakhouse, Italian food, seafood, cocktail service, cocktail lounge, live entertainment, hotel lounge, gift shop, concierge, banquet facilities, pool Jacuzzi, catering, bartender, chef, waiter, cocktail waitress, keno, room service, wedding chapel, and valet. Loyal guests? What more can I say? Read on.
There's a 24-hour complimentary award-winning valet to safely tuck in your car in the surface and garage parking lots. If you want to watch other people really work, watch the valets run to get the next car for a customer. I'm a runner, but these people actually sprint. They make me tired just watching.
The room we stayed in was clean, comfortable and recently redecorated with green carpet with gold accents. Railroad themed pictures and memorabilia decorate the reddish wallpapered walls. Each room has a table to spread out all your stuff, two upholstered chairs to kick back in, and a very firm mattress, which was fine with me, but not for my wife. Don't pack your hairdryer as it's already there. Non-smoking and specially equipped rooms are available. If a crib is needed, just ask.
Things To See and Do
One of the key thematic elements of this accentuated brass and rich wood toned hotel involves the early days of the railroad. Inside, there's over $1 million in Victorian train memorabilia, and antiques arranged throughout the hotel, meeting rooms and casino. Outside, it's hard to miss Good Old No. 7. This is Laughlin's only working steam train railroad and has been dubbed, "The Gambling Train of Laughlin." If you've got twelve minutes to spare from your hectic schedule of gamling or feasting, then why not take a ride on this ¾-mile train route? For you history buffs, the turn of the century steam train is a replica of the Genoa, which hauled freight on the Virginia and Truckee Line in Western Nevada over 100 years ago. The fare for this train that's been hauling over 2 million guests since June of 1988 is, "Only a smile," says the conductor.
American war heroes are treated like special guests at the Ramada Express. First, the 9,000-square-foot Pavilion Theater, aka the American Heroes Museum, is complimentary and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is loaded with war memorabilia, uniforms, medals, photos and memories, and it is certainly worth checking out. Second, Veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam are paid tribute in the free 15 minute multi-media show, "On the Wings of Eagles" which relives America's bravest moments and finest hours, and runs daily on the top of each hour from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Third, every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. is another installment in their American Heroes Speaker Program, in which a veteran is scheduled to speak about his or her experiences and how they were able to contribute to the overall cause. Fourth, the Ramada Express has also established The American Heroes Foundation, a non-profit foundation to raise funds, promote and support American Veteran causes. Lastly, veterans are given free gifts at the slot club booth just for registering. Talk about targeting a market audience!
Shopping is always a worthwhile escape from the reality of losing too much in the casino. Feel free to take the free shuttle offsite to the Horizon Outlet Center to watch a new release movie, and/or, shop 'till you drop. Onsite, there's The Boutique and a 24-hour convenience store, and my favorite, The W.O.W. Store. WOW is a wacky store with numerous fun and interesting items that are mostly priced below US$20. The Whistle Stop Smoke Shop in the Gift shop is for the serious smokers that need to restock their supplies.
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Don and Kim Tatera, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
About the Author
Kim and Don Tatera,
Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.