Arizona Charlie's Decatur

Hotel Review

Arizona Charlie's Decatur is primarily known as a locals' spot because of its location. It's not on the Las Vegas Strip or in downtown -- but it's also not situated too far away from them, via the nearby I-95.

Small in size, housing just under 260 rooms, the resort is personable with a Wild West attitude. It's a great value for visitors who are watching their budgets as well. So round up the family, put on your cowboy hat and check into Arizona Charlie's Decatur.

There's no garage, but self-parking lots can be found in front and on both sides of the resort. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with one queen or two double beds. They have all the basic amenities -- like color TVs, irons and ironing boards, air conditioning and hair dryers.

The casino at Arizona Charlie's Decatur is always bustling with gamblers and excitement. The table games pit lies just within the front doors, spread out beneath an intricate wood-carved ceiling. Huge chandeliers add to the frontier-like experience.

Attention non-smokers! This little neighborhood casino boasts the an all-enclosed, smoke-free slot room. Another highlight here is the sprawling bingo parlor. Located on the second floor, it has 300 seats, and sessions are held around the clock at every odd hour of the day. In addition, the casino is home to a 12-seat keno lounge, a three-table poker room and a lively race and sports book ... not to mention boundless banks of slot and video poker machines.

There are a variety of dining options at Arizona Charlie's Decatur designed to please even the most finicky eater. Ron's Steakhouse, named for former Las Vegas mayor Ron Lurie, can hold its own against any gourmet venue in town. The restaurant with contemporary décor is devoted to the sublime pleasures found in fine cuts of meat. For a more casual atmosphere, try the 24-hour Sourdough Cafe, where you can enjoy your favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- including delicious late-night eats like sirloin steak and eggs. The Frisco Market Buffet is a great eating experience -- one that takes buffets up a notch by featuring a baked potato bar as well as a carving station serving juicy prime rib. You'll also find items like sushi, peel and eat shrimp, osso buco and much more. And if time is of the essence, pop into Noble Roman's pizzeria or Subway for a quick bite.

Enjoy live music as well as a thirst-quenching drink in the Naughty Ladies' Saloon. Or you can relax with a cocktail at the resort's two other watering holes -- the Elbow Creek Bar and Jake's Bar.

Among the other facilities at the resort is a small arcade for kids, a swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and meeting space. Plus, you can bring something back for those you left at home by stopping at the General Store Gift Shop.

What Arizona Charlie's Decatur lacks in size, it makes up for in character. A stay here is an affordable, fun-filled vacation.

-- By Renée LiButti