Trip report: 3/29-4/2

Stayed at the Tropicana since the Belle didn%26#39;t want to comp us a riverview room at a reasonable upgrade. Their loss since we found a new place to stay.

The room was nice, about same square footage but more open and brighter. Was able to comfortably read in the room which is hard to do at CB. Definitely more room in the bathroom. And the bed was really, really, really nice. The parking garage is a big plus. Now if they ever added a workout room, I would be a happy camper.

Gambling wise, the Tropicana is a little more upscale. No $5 blackjack tables on Sunday night although there were at least 1 the rest of the week (M-W). The craps table was rarely crowded (night or day). The casino floor didnt%26#39; seem to be as worn and tired as the Belle and neither did the cocktail waitresses and dealers.

Tried different dining based on reviews. Seafood buffet at River Palms was ok, good for the price ($10) but I doubt if we%26#39;ll go back (2 stars). Breakfast at the Pioneer was a big disappointment (1 star).

Papa Franchesco%26#39;s definitely gets at least 4/5 stars -- it%26#39;s a great place for pizza. This definitely goes on our ';must'; list for Laughlin. Grif, Mr Hollywood said he hasn%26#39;t seen you in a while. He got a big kick out of the fact that we went there based on reviews from Trip Advisor.

Grif, sorry to hear about your bad experience at the Prime Rib Room at the Riverside. Sounds like you were there the same day we were (4/1). But our experience was much different. We both loved the prime rib, it was so tender and tasty, just sort of melted in your mouth. The service was ok, not bad, not excellent but definitely not close to what you experienced. So this also gets 4/5 stars and goes on our ';must'; list.

Had the $10 T-bone special at the Tropicana. Food was ok but the 12-oz cup of Bud Lite was disappointing (sorry, I%26#39;m a beer snob). Also had the $5 build-your-own-omelet at the Tropicana which we enjoyed - not spectacular but decent. Both get 3 stars.

Didn%26#39;t have a chance to make it to the Mohave Steak House but hopefully, it will still be around when we return later this year.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Trip report: 3/29-4/2

At one time Tropicana guests could use the River Palms fitness center (same ownership). That option is probably still available, but I don%26#39;t know for certain. You can ask the Tropicana staff for details about the process on your next stay.

Trip report: 3/29-4/2

Glad your experiences were generally good. People we have recommended the Trop to have also rated it as a great place to stay. Also glad we can add you to Mr. Hollywood%26#39;s pizza lovers list. He%26#39;s right....we haven%26#39;t been in to eat there for a couple of months. My wife has picked up the pizza a few times. We are going to head down there this evening.

Hal, or JoeBob sorry, 5 bucks is a great price for the ';build your own omelette'; at the Trop!! Hard to find an omelette breakfast under $7.00. It includes hashbrowns and toast (the marbled rye is delicious) and is generous in portions.

It%26#39;s not too easy to make the 8AM cut off when you get to bed at 5.