Aquarius Resort Wins More "Best Of" Awards

Laughlin, Nevada
 

Earlier in the year the Aquarius Casino Resort won 10 categories in the "Best of Laughlin" awards.   Now they swept another poll and were just named as the winner in 15 categories of the Mohave Valley Daily News Reader’s Poll “Best Of” Awards:   

• Best Hotel Accommodations
• Best Casino Buffet: Windows on the River Buffet
• Best Cocktail Bar/Lounge: The Cove Bar & Lounge
• Best Sunday Brunch: Windows on the River Buffet
• Best Slot Hostess: Christy Frederick
• Best Race and Sportsbook
• Best Fine Dining: The Vineyard Ristorante
• Best Late Night Eats: Cafe Aquarius
• Best Breakfast: Cafe Aquarius
• Best Desserts: Duet Coffee & Wine
• Best Chef: Mike Bartels
• Best Bartender: Andres Ornelas
• Best Room Service
• Best Food Server: Laura Paden
• Best Wedding Chapel

The Aquarius Resort Casino won the following 10 “Best Of Laughlin” awards in the very first Laughlin Buzz survey.  They Best of Laughlin survey differed from the Mohave Daily News Readers Poll in that it features just businesses, people, and places in Laughlin, NV and not the rest of the Tri-State area. 

Aquarius Resort Casino was named Best of Laughlin for: 

• Best Overall Resort Casino
• Best Hotel
• Best Slots
• Best Video Poker
• Best Customer Service
• Best Casino Bar  - Cove Bar and Lounge
• Best Café or Diner - Cafe Aquarius
• Best Coffee House - Duet Coffee and Wine
• Best Bloody Mary - Cove Bar and Lounge
• Best Casino Host - Sharon Almquist  

For the entire list of winners in the Best of Laughlin Awards visit this link

    

 

We hear many more, new, exciting changes are coming to the Aquarius Resort in the future, including a new resort pool next to the Riverwalk.   

We encourage everyone to support all the fine local businesses, events, activities, organizations and attractions in the area. By doing so you help promote the growth, economy, and vitalization of the area and community. 

Visit our main Laughlin Buzz Page or connect with us on:

Facebook Page    -    Facebook Group (Join Us!)      -    Twitter    

The content herein is provided for informational and entertainment purposes.  Laughlin Buzz has no affiliation and is not endorsing any organization, person, property, or entity mentioned in this article. .  

Carrie Underwood at the Laughlin Event Center

Laughlin, NV

Laughlin Event Center

October 10, 2015 - 8PM

Carrie Underwood owned this year's CMT Music Awards on Wednesday (June 10th), winning three awards including video of the year for Something in the Water.  She now is the most decorated CMT Award winner with 13 awards, including six for video of the year.

In October she will be performing at the Laughlin Event Center. 

Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film, where the seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner has amassed more than 95 major honors, sold more than 64 million records worldwide, and recorded 20 #1 singles, ten of which she co-wrote. The first female artist to be twice named the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year, Underwood was recognized as Pollstar's top female country touring artist for her headlining tours in 2008, 2010, and 2012.

*Tickets are priced:

Adult - $60.00

Adult - $88.00

Adult - $107.50

Adult - $120.00

Adult - $135.00

*Important Note:  As of today, June 11, 2015 there are only a small amount of tickets available online at the Laughlineventcenter.com  website.   Most of these are the $60 bleacher seats, higher rows. Local Casino/Hotels may have others available in room packages or solo.  Check with your favorite one.  

There is no on-site parking at the Laughlin Event Center, but the mall (at the time of this post) does allow parking.  Most of the Casinos also offer free shuttles to and from the events.  The walk from Casino Drive is not very far but it is uphill on the way there.   A shortcut is to go through the mall from the lower entrance and out the back on the top floor.  Traffic between Casino Drive and Thomas Edison Drive is closed from 4pm-11pm on the day of a concert. 

For More about What is Happening IN Laughlin 

Join the Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group

Visit the 

Laughlin Buzz HomePage 

for more about the area.

*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, events, times, etc. are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

The Best Shrimp Cocktail in Laughlin?!

Laughlin, NV

Riverside Resort Casino
Sidewalk Cafe

Photo from the Riverside Resort Website 

2015

Even though it is not priced like the old Vegas Style 99 cent Shrimp Cocktails,  the one at the Sidewalk Cafe may be even better.    It was recently the winner of the Best Shrimp Cocktail in the Laughlin Buzz "Best of Laughlin" voting.     

Until this day we had not been to the Sidewalk Cafe.  However, one afternoon as we were leaving the Riverside we stopped to try the "winning" Shrimp Cocktail.   We were pleasantly surprised.   

For just $3.50* you get a good portion of small size shrimp in a cup.  The shrimp are mixed in the cocktail sauce with a big wedge of lemon on top. But there are no fillers like lettuce, so you get plenty of shrimp.  The sauce was very good with a bite.   We liked the sauce even better than the one at the Cove Lounge (our personal favorite place for Shrimp Cocktail at 4X the price).   

Perhaps the presentation isn't the best -- the shrimp cocktail comes with three packs of saltines and is served in a plastic cup wrapped crudely in plastic wrap.   It makes up for that in taste at a very good price. 

The shrimp were very good, firm, and fresh.   

While it might not beat out the large shrimp cocktail we love at the Cove Lounge (Aquarius) as our personal favorite, it definitely is close and far less expensive.   We highly recommend it for a quick snack.  

The Sidewalk Cafe is located in the non-smoking section of the Riverside Resort.  

Their website says they are a:

24-hour deli style café offers gourmet blend coffees, 

fresh baked pastries, superb sandwiches, and everyone's favorite - ice cream!

*Menu and pricing is subject to change by the owner and was accurate at the time of our visit.

Visit us at:

    

LAUGHLINBUZZ.COM 

OR 

Come Join the Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group

*All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. The review was based on our own personal experience and the food was purchased by us, not comped by the restaurant.  Your results may vary. Time, events, menu items, prices, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them.  We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. All pictures unless otherwise indicated are the property of and were taken by Laughlin Buzz but may be shared for personal use with credit given.  

Loading Dock closed at the Colorado Belle Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Colorado Belle Casino
Loading Dock Bar and Grille

The Loading Dock Bar and Grille at the Colorado Belle Casino in Laughlin, NV will be closed for the month of June for renovations. 

Addition of booths, an expanded buffet space and other improvements are expected to happen at the restaurant that was built from the ground up and opened in February of 2014.   The Loading Dock also underwent some minor renovations for a couple weeks in December of last year.

The following photos were shared by a member of the Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group* from June 2nd.  Not too much work has begun but as these pictures show they have emptied it out and have started.

We look forward to some positive, new changes at this location.   


Note:  The Laughlin Entertainer has an act listed for the outdoor stage, so the shows appear to be going on even though the restaurant is closed. Check ahead.

Follow the building and opening of the Loading Dock from our prior articles:

Original Press Release Annoucing the Restaurant - Fall of 2013
http://laughlinbuzz.blogspot.com/2013/09/loading-dock-bar-and-grille.html


Construction Progress - January of 2014
http://laughlinbuzz.blogspot.com/2014/01/lighthouse-in-place-at-loading-dock.html


August of 2013 - Construction begins
http://laughlinbuzz.blogspot.com/2013/08/loading-dock-bar-and-grille-at-colorado.html


February of 2014 - Opening 
http://laughlinbuzz.blogspot.com/2014/02/loading-dock-bar-and-grille-is-open.html

Visit us at:

    

LAUGHLINBUZZ.COM 

OR 

Join the Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group

*All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes.  We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. Pictures were shared publicly by a Laughlin Buzz Group member.  

Cheap Eats at Dotty's in the Laughlin River Lodge

Laughlin, Nevada
Laughlin River Lodge
Dotty's 

Cheap Eats at a Great Price inside Dotty's at the Laughlin River Lodge 

The Laughlin River Lodge has two Dotty's tavern/gaming rooms located adjacent to the main casino floor.   They started serving food a couple months ago.   We took a look at their menu and tried a couple items recently.

They have very good prices all around.  The breakfast menu is definitely less expensive than just about everywhere else in Laughlin.   In addition, they have appetizers, hot "meals" such as Chicken Tenders, Burgers, Personal Size Pizza, Hot Dogs, and even Chicken Noodle Soup.

We sampled the classic burger with cheese ($2.99 plus .30 for the cheese), the chicken wings ($2.99), the French Dip ($4.99), and Cheese fries ($1.99).   

This food was very good and the prices made it even better.  Our total tab was about $14.  You can eat at the tablecloth covered tables they have set up --or-- eat at the machines, which have plenty of room between them.   

Plus if you are going to play anyway, they will bring you a comp drink as well (be sure to still tip!)  

Even though, as of this writing, Laughlin River Lodge is still a work in progress, if you want a quick, inexpensive, good bite to eat, Dotty's has it.    The only thing missing is the old-style 99 cent Shrimp Cocktail! 

*Menu and pricing is subject to change by the owner and was accurate at the time of our visit.

Visit us at:

    

LAUGHLINBUZZ.COM 

OR 

Come Join the Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group

*All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. The review was based on our own personal experience and the food was purchased by us, not comped by the restaurant.  Your results may vary. Time, events, menu items, prices, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them.  We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. All pictures are the property of and were taken by Laughlin Buzz but may be shared for personal use with credit given.  

Visitation numbers fall in Laughlin for April

Laughlin, Nevada

Visitation numbers set record for Nevada, but are down in the local Laughlin, NV area. 

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released numbers on Friday that showed the best April ever recorded for Nevada.  This was driven by strong convention attendance.   

BUT in Laughlin, visitor volume fell 11.6 percent to 161,995. 

The average daily room rate was up 1.3% to $52.10.

The occupancy rate was down 1.5 percentage points to 65.4% 

Chart from the LVCVA summary for Laughlin and Mesquite 

Even though visitation was down, gaming revenue was still up for April in Laughlin, April was also the month of the Laughlin River Run.  The Nevada Gaming Control Board numbers for April showed Casino Gaming Revenue was up slightly in Laughlin by 0.12%. Gaming revenue has been up for 3 consecutive months.   

*Numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.

Join the 

Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group 

Visit the  

Laughlin Buzz HomePage  

for more about the Laughlin, NV area.

All content is presented for informational purposes and are based on data from the Las Vegas Visitor and Convention Authority and the Las Vegas Review Journal.  See entire article here.   We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.   Pictures by Laughlin Buzz. 

Nevada Gaming Up for April. Laughlin up Slightly.

 Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin Gaming Revenue Numbers 

Laughlin's Riverwalk by the Aquarius Casino

Nevada gaming revenue rose significantly for the month of April.  The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported revenues of $897.9 million, up 5.39% (compared to the same month in 2014).

Overall for the fiscal year (July 1, 2014-April 30, 2015), Nevada gaming revenue is still down 1.44%.
Laughlin is up 2.05% for the same fiscal year period. 

The Las Vegas Strip Casinos were up 7.77% with a gaming win of  $498.9 million in April.

Downtown Las Vegas was up 12.56%
North Las Vegas was down 0.44%
Boulder Strip was down 8.3%
Laughlin was up 0.12%
Mesquite was up 1.14%

Clark County’s overall gaming revenue increased 5.46%


Below is a clip of the Win Revenue Summary taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Webpage.  See the the entire report here.

Colorado Belle in April During River Run 2015

This is the third monthly gaming revenue increase in a row for Laughlin.   Four of the last 5 months have shown increases.  

April                       +0.12% 
March                     +4.5% 
February                 +7.1% 
January                   -0.8%
December (2014)   +17.84%  


*Numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.

Join the Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group Here

Visit the  Laughlin Buzz HomePage  for more about the Laughlin, NV area.

All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes and are based on and taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Press Releases.  We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. 

Memorial Day and Weekend 2015 in Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Avenue of the Flags - Laughlin, Nevada 

Memorial Day Weekend and Memorial Day is always a busy time in Laughlin. Although summer isn't officially until next month the season heats up with increased activity on the River, Riverwalk, as well as in and around the Casinos.  

But....   
Memorial Day isn't just about enjoying the water sports, music, gaming, partying or barbecues. Besides enjoying some fun in the Sun or on the Colorado River or Lake Mohave, be sure to put the Memorial Day Ceremony on your list of things to do.  Never forget to honor the true reason for the day. Remembrance. 

Laughlin Memorial Day Ceremony 

Takes place Monday at 10AM at the Avenue of Flags Plaza (located on Casino Drive, north of the Riverside before the bridge). This annual event by American Legion Post 60, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 60, Unit 60 Auxiliary and the Laughlin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 243 will includes a remarks by various members of the community.  Acknowledgement of current residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and graduating high school seniors who have signed up for duty will also be made. 

After the ceremony a lunch will be served at the American Legion Post on Bruce Woodbury Drive beginning at noon. Everyone is welcome to the ceremony and lunch. Poppies will be offered at Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall by members of the American Legion, Friday through Monday. They will also be available at the annual Laughlin Memorial Service at the Avenue of the Flags Plaza. 


The Fun Stuff:
Among the activities all around the area here are just a few in Laughlin: 

Rock ’N’ Ribs Festival
This annual event takes place on the Riverwalk at the Colorado Belle and the Loading Dock outdoor stage.  Music, BBQ, and of course great beer.  Fri-Sunday  See more details here. 

Memorial Weekend Comedy Fest
Riverside Resort Casino
May 21 - 24, 2015

Featuring Gabe Lopez, The Smash Brothers, DJ Cooch, 

Joey Medina & Steve “Mudflap” McGrew  

Tickets: $20.00    -    Show Times: 8:00 PM
For tickets see the Riverside box office or www.riversideresort.com


Sunday, May 24th
Memorial Day Fireworks on the River 
Avi Resort Casino 
Fireworks begin at dusk. Free admission, get their early, it is always a popular event.
The best place,  up close, to see this brilliant display is right by the River at the Avi Beach area. Admission is free.  See more details here. 

Video clip of the Fireworks Finale from 2013

Tropicana Laughlin Beach Party 
Caboose Lounge, featuring music by Safety Orange

Shows 
10PM-2AM Friday and Saturday
9PM-1AM Sunday. 

The Laughlin Water Park/Pool 
Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Hours:  1PM- 7PM  
Admission:
$1 for 3-17 years of age and seniors 55 and older
$2 for adults 18-54 
Location: 3790 James A. Bilbray Parkway in Laughlin. 


Reminder, since Monday is Memorial Day all federal, state and local government offices including the post office, schools, and banks will be closed. 
   

Visit  LaughlinBuzz.Com for more about the Laughlin area.  

All information is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only and based on current materials from the organization mentioned.  Any dates, times, prices, events, locations mentioned are subject to change solely at the discretion of the source.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.  

Aquarius Resort Casino Revenue Up Again in Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Aquarius Resort Casino Revenue Up Again

American Casino & Entertainment Properties, the operator of Aquarius Casino in Laughlin, and the Stratosphere and two Arizona Charlie's properties in Vegas, reported (on May 15, 2015) that company quarterly revenue was up 6.1% in the first quarter of the year.  In addition profits nearly doubled for the first quarter.

They reported $94.4 million in net revenuee in the quarter that ended March 31st, compared to $89 million in the same period a year ago. Profits for the same quarter were $8 million, compared to $4.5 million in the same first quarter of 2014.

By property the revenue numbers were up the following percentages.
Stratosphere           up 4.7%
Arizona Charlie’s   up 2.1%
Aquarius               up 11.9%

This is the second consecutive double digit quarterly revenue increase for the Aquarius Resort Casino.  Last quarter they reported an increase of 10.3%.

The revenue increase at all the properties was driven by increased slot machine revenue, higher hotel occupancy and increases in restaurant activity.  Increased average daily room rates and resort fees also contributed.

At the Aquarius - Hotel revenue increased 13.2% in the first quarter of 2015 as ADR increased 4.6% and occupancy increased to 55.7% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 51.4% in the first quarter of 2014.  Casino revenue increased 10.9% due to increased slot and table revenue. Food and beverage revenue increased 6.4% due to increased covers and a higher average check per cover.

Overall, American Casino & Entertainment Properties cash flow grew to 22.2 million (up 18.7%).

VISIT OUR MAIN PAGE AT:

LAUGHLINBUZZ.COM

See the "Best of Laughlin" Winners 

Aquarius at Night - Credit:  Aquarius Casino

Statistics were taken from the American Casino & Entertainment Properties quarterly press release of March 26, 2015 and can be viewed at:

http://www.acepllc.com/InvestorRelations/Investor/PressReleases

All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes. Time, events, data, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them. Number are quoted and taken from ACEP Press release referenced. We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.