We usually focus on the Vegas Strip area because that’s where most people stay and play. It typically makes the most sense to give you information and news about the part of Las Vegas you’re spending most of the time in.
Today, we’re going off-strip for a change of pace.
It’s on my mind a lot lately because there’s been a lot happening over the past few years between Boyd Gaming, Station Casinos, M Resort and more. The bulk of the off-strip info is usually shared as a quick hit in Vegas News so the minority of readers interested can get more info.
Nobody will blame most of you for staying in the areas of town you’re most familiar with. However, the improvements off-strip are notable and could be an option for people looking for something new.
Off-Strip Luxury
When I first started visiting Las Vegas, the off-strip casinos were mostly smoky dumps. Their casinos have been updated, and they’re not all dumps. Unfortunately, the smoke is still around many of the properties.
Since moving to Las Vegas, Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, M Resort, and Durango have won awards with various mainstream travel outlets for everything from the hotel rooms to the spas. These are the same awards Caesars, MGM, and Wynn tout.
These are all legitimate destinations with good restaurants, fair gambling rules and odds, pool complexes, and more.
I’m not saying they’re all on the same level as the true luxury resorts on the Strip, but you can do a lot worse than some of the best away from Las Vegas Blvd.
Comparing off-strip properties is similar to the Strip. Encore and Luxor have as much in common as Durango and Arizona Charlie’s. Different strokes for different folks.
Some of you had a chance to see the renovations and expansion at M Resort during Zorkfest last year. BAM! They just opened a new Emeril Lagasse restaurant if you like water animals.
Durango is expanding again, GVR is still bringing upgrades, and different parts of Red Rock have already been renovated. Note to self, I still have to check out the new food court restaurants.
Rewards are always on our mind. While Station Casinos is a Las Vegas operator, Boyd Gaming and Penn Entertainment (M Resort) have properties around the country to earn and use rewards.
Marriott Bonvoy members can use rewards to book rooms at The Resort at Summerlin (FKA Rampart Casino). Similar to its neighbor Suncoast, the property has seen a slew of updates over the past couple of years.
Big Boyd Upgrades
This week, Boyd reported earnings. I don’t care much about the financials unless they explain the companies operation decicies that impact your stay or rewards.
There was a lot of news about Boyd’s properties during this earnings call. That inspired me to share some details about the improvements beyond the earnings press release here if that’s your thing.
The multi-year renovation of Suncoast should be finished by the end of the third quarter.
The property looks great. Most of the casino has a light and bright design like most recent upgrades off the strip.
The sportsbook that opened in 2024 is perfectly dark, so the video wall is crisp and easy on the eyes.
Suncoast is unrecognizable if you haven’t been in a few years.
The company says the Orleans will receive a similar casino floor upgrade. The company is still creating the new concept and plans to start work during the first half of 2027.
Boyd is currently renovating the rooms at the Orleans and Suncoast. These upgrades should be completed before the end of the year.
The company finished Gold Coast room renovations earlier this year. There’s also a new tavern and a couple of new quick-serve restaurants.
I was surprised to hear that the company is renovating the sportsbooks at Aliante and Sam’s Town. Those should be completed in time for football season. The Aliante sportsbook was built by Station Casinos and looks just like Red Rock. I’m curious to see what the new space looks like.
While I’m mentally still a tourist, I spend more time in locals casinos. They’re more interesting because of all the upgrades. There are better restaurants than ever. The gambling rules and odds are better than the Strip, while minimum bets are lower.
I’ll never be anti-Strip, but I like shiny new things, and most of that has been happening away from the tourist corridor. In fact, my next trip to a casino will likely be to Palace Station, where Master Kim’s Wagyu House opens in a few days.
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Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. He learned about gambling at a young age working down the street from a bookie who took action on anything from the mainstream sports to the last three digits of the purse for certain horse races. Yeah, that's a thing. Today Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant which allows him to work anywhere there's a wifi signal. This allows him to work from the sportsbook at Red Rock Resort or the food court at The Venetian where you’ll find fast and free wifi. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.