Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

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CHAPTER 5 . WHERE TO STAY
entertainment complex (including an 18-screen movie theater and a child-care
center) makes it an even more positive option, particularly for families.
Sam’s Town’s main draw is its centerpiece atrium, a high-rising edifice that is
part park, part Western vista. With living trees and splashing fountains, plus silly
Animatronic animals, it’s kind of goofy, but also a nice, albeit artificial (as if
that’s unusual for Vegas) place to wander through and sit in, which is a rare thing
for this town. And if it’s a bit noisy, well, we’ll take the splashing sounds of the
water over the ca-chinging of slots any day. The other public areas, including the
casino, have gotten a face-lift. If it isn’t up to the impossible standards set by the
new Strip hotels, everything is certainly less dated and dark.
Rooms are adequately sized if a tad dim, thanks to the Western/Native American–themed
decor, but they are clean and fine, especially for the price. All either
have mountain views (higher up is much better) or inside-atrium views, which
are great fun.
And bless it, having completed an end-to-end remodel, the hotel is now starting
a whole new remodeling. And while we love it when a place does not rest on
its laurels but constantly seeks the improvements of change, that also means that
every time we come here, there is some wall up indicating that construction is
going on, and every place within the hotel is subject to the whims of fortune and
decor. The point being, don’t totally count on anything we’ve mentioned above
being here forever—after all, they took out a diner with the best burger in town
and a large country-and-western dance hall of considerable tradition.
Sam’s Town Firelight Buffet is described on p. 171. There’s a variety of other
dining options, including a cart in the atrium that serves homemade ice cream.
Roxy’s Saloon, 1 of 13 bars on the premises, offers live entertainment (country
and western) for dancing, daily from noon to the wee hours. There’s also a
deli in the race-and-sports-book area, a bowling alley snack bar, a food court, an
ice-cream parlor, and the aforementioned 18-screen movie theater and entertainment
complex, complete with child-care facility.
The Sunset Stampede is a laser-and-water show that takes place four times
daily (at 2, 6, 8, and 10pm) in the Mystic Falls Park. It begins with a howl from
an Animatronic wolf atop the waterfall, and then water spurts in sync with orchestral
themes, as lasers fire pretty colors around the room. As a 10-minute show, it’s
not long enough or special enough to be worth the drive from the Strip (though
there are free buses to transport you—call for details). But if you happen to be
around, grab a seat at the bar early. This is particularly important for kids, as it gets
pretty crowded, and it’s tough to see the show unless you are close up.
The enormous, three-floor casino has a friendly, casual atmosphere.
5111 Boulder Hwy. (at Flamingo Rd.), Las Vegas, NV 89122. & 800/634-6371 or 702/456-7777. Fax 702/454-
8014. www.samstownlv.com. 650 units. $50 and up double; $140 and up suite. Extra person $10. Children under
16 stay free in parent’s room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free self- and valet parking. Amenities: Huge casino; showrooms;
12 restaurants; outdoor pool; day-care center for children 3–12 (charges apply); video arcade; tour desk;
car-rental desk; shuttle to airport, Strip, and Downtown; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV
w/pay movies, dataport.
Tuscany Hotel & Casino This may be the right kind of hybrid between
chain hotel and fancier resort—not as lush as the latter, but not anywhere near
as expensive, either, with far more personal detail and indulgent touches than
you can find at chains. It’s another “all-suite” hotel, and another where “suite”
really means “very big room.” The rooms aren’t memorable, just like the chain
rooms, but they are brand-spanking new, and smart enough so that you won’t
get depressed like you might when you see some of the rooms in similarly priced