Texas Station is simply a great stay in Las Vegas if you’re counting pennies. Although the complex sprawls in all directions, the hotel component is a modest and manageable 200 rooms. Self parking is right outside the door. Rooms are moderately spacious and functionally equipped. Don’t expect breathtaking views of the skyline or the mountains; most windows face adjacent walls, with just enough space to let in real light. My king bed was clean and comfortable, with four normal-sized pillows. A four-drawer dresser is provided, as is a round corner table on which you can eat, read, or compute. There’s a standard-issue TV and cheap clock radio, reliable wireless internet access, and an iron and full-size ironing board. The bathroom is large and clean, albeit somewhat Spartan. I would recommend bringing a bar of your favorite soap...the hotel bar looked fancy but had zero cleaning power.
I’ve stayed in most of the large Strip hotels, and by comparison, Texas Station is amazingly quiet; generally it’s not the kind of place where loud mooks and their drunk girlfriends carouse up and down the halls and party in their rooms at all hours of the night.
The casino spans a length of several city blocks; you could get a day’s exercise just walking its length five or six times. It’s spotless and comfy. The mostly-townie clientele is a mix of retirees and working class average Joes/Jills. A large percentage of the several-thousand slots are electronic models that allow you to play as little as a penny a spin, or up to $15 if you’re feeling flush and lucky. Although the table game area is relatively small, you’ll find most of your favorites, including an always-lively craps table with reasonable minimum (usually $5 days and weeknights). There’s also big poker room and a spacious bingo hall.
The casino floor is ringed with a number of in-house restaurants and fast-food chains (Starbucks, Fattburger, Baja Fresh, Panda Express, Dairy Queen). There’s 24 hour dining and room service from 6am-11 pm daily. A particular value is the Feast Buffet, with multiple cuisines and good quality; usually maxing out at $11.99 ($9.99 if you’re a guest), it’s one of the best buffet bargains in town.
Because it’s a family destination, there’s an entire section called Kid’s Quest, where you can park the under-12 year olds in their own snazzy daycare play/dining area. The complex also houses an 18-screen cinema and 60-lane bowling center.
Located in North Las Vegas, Texas Station is a ten-minute ride to the center of the Strip most times except commuter rush hours (I’m including some handy driving directions in a separate comment). Unless you plan on staying in the facility your entire trip, you’ll need a rental car.
There’s nothing flashy or glamorous about Texas Station. Facing increasing competition for local dollars and riding the downside of a shaky economy, they provide terrific value. The staff is friendly and helpful. If you’re in town for business or relaxation, have a car, and don’t need to impress associates or the girlfriend, I highly recommend it.
PS: Search for online bargains. My three-night stay cost a total of $115.90!
