Edgewater Hotel & Casino

Compared to the flashiness of Las Vegas, about 90 minutes away, the Laughlin casinos are older and less glamorous, and the Edgewater is no exception. The Edgewater Hotel appears unchanged since the '70s or '80s, despite some recent renovations. The signage, including the chalkboard-inspired style of the Edgewater sign on the hotel's tower, feel retro, as do the red and gold floral patterns of the carpet and wallpaper of the lobby. The few chairs in the lobby are sunken, faded, and generally worse for wear, and the entire common area smells of cigarette smoke.

There are several restaurants and fast food joints at the Edgewater, including the quintessential casino buffet, but even the higher-end establishment, the Hickory Pit steakhouse, is more kitschy than classy, with its the miniature guns, cowboy hats, and lassos hanging on the walls. 

The octagonal-shaped pool is moderately sized and has a small hot tub next to it. While offering a less-smoky congregating place than indoors, the patio is plain and unappealing. There are number of plastic lounge chairs without cushions and few tables under canopies, but the space is generally beige and bland. 

This hotel and casino sit on the shores of the Colorado River, with access to (and views of), the city's scenic riverwalk. Surrounded by many other casinos and hotels, it offers guests plenty of dining and entertainment options, including strolls along the Colorado River. The hotel is located in a busy area, which is safe to walk around at night. The hotel offers free valet parking.

Some of the rooms at the Edgewater have been renovated in the last few years while others have not. All are sizable enough and include two queens or a king-size bed, a small table, a dresser, and TV. Recently renovated rooms incorporate a mix of dark wood colors and ruby red accents in walls and pillows. While the carpets are generally in good condition, some guests complain about dusty corners, and cleaning can be spotty. While plain, bathrooms are fairly large and include long black marble countertops.

Less recently renovated rooms suffer from older, motel-style bedding and furniture. This includes the King Jacuzzi Suite, which -- while spacious and outfitted with a full living room set -- leaves a lot to be desired in terms of decor. Unattractively patterned couches, severely nicked dining chairs, and a thin, faded comforter are just a few of the the issues in this room. Standard Rooms do not have microwaves, mini-fridges, or coffeemakers. 

The Edgewater has a large casino with table games and slots. There are number of restaurants to choose from, including a buffet, the 24-hour CoCo's cafe, Capriotti's sandwich shop, and the Hickory Pit steakhouse. The hotel provides a daily voucher to the Dunkin' Donuts on the first floor (this often amounts to long lines in the morning). Room service is available for breakfast. While there are a range of dining options at generally good price points, all are a bit bland, particularly when compared to nearby casinos such as Harrah's Laughlin. The outdoor pool is large and has a small hot tub, but again, there is little sense of experience on the beige cement patio. The hotel also has a small fitness center with a few cardio machines, several banquet and/or meeting rooms, and a showroom for entertainment. Wi-Fi is available for a fee.