I have been going to Sam's Town for many years. Because of the location, on Boulder Highway, away from downtown and the strip you used to get great deals on room. Over the past 2 - 3 years those deals have become sparse or non-existent. Having gone with a large group of friends twice a year for at least the past 8 years it's been really sad to see the priorities of the hotel/casino change.
Weekend rates unfortunately have become too high for the location. Last March we were quoted $265 per night for Friday/Saturday. Maybe for the strip this would be good but for Boulder Highway...no thanks. Being members of their slot club used to have it's benefits, like getting "Casino" rates, sometimes $85 per night but no longer. Now you have to beg the host. We're now looking at a weekend in mid-September but again, rates are high and no casino rates available. We've now made other arrangements.
But, to talk about the property....First of all, the rooms are nothing to speak of. Basic, not large, and not always that clean. The beds are rather uncomfortable. The bathrooms were remodeled recently but all I can tell that was done was to upgrade the bathtub to a slightly larger, more oval shape unit. If you like to sleep in a little later than mid-morning you run the risk of housekeeping skipping your room. More than once I had to call down and have them bring up fresh towels.
The restaurants though are good. As with most Hotel/Casino "Resort" locations you have some good choices. The Buffet has a good selection but is expensive on weekends. The Fresh Harvest Cafe has some great breakfast specials, like Steak-&-eggs for $4.99. Felini's is an above average Italian restaurant . Billy Bobs (Steakhouse) was outstanding but quality of food and service has gone downhill. Now, average at best. Willy & Jose's (Mexican) is great. Large portions, huge margaritas, and decent pricing.
Gambling has tighten up over the past few years as well. This was a great "locals" spot for many years, meaning loose gaming. You may not have won often but you had the opportunity to play for awhile. Now, as they bring in newer machines the ability to have an enjoyable evening of gaming has really diminished. Also, cocktail watresses seem to have been downsized as well. Last time there took us over 40 minutes to get a runner over to us and for her to return with the drinks. Way too long!
I am not a bingo player but I have heard great things about their newly remodeled bingo room. Also, the new Sports Book is amazing. One of the best I've been in. When we were there last they were also building a non-smoking area for the casino. I would be interested in seeing that once completed.
Other entertainment options: Bowling, a multi-screen cinema, and a video game room for the under age crowd. They have a decent stage for big-name acts but it's been years since anyone has been booked in there. Now it's only use seems to be for a Friday radio program that originates from Sam's. Very Sad. There is also a small pool area, which is almost always empty. Not even sure if most people know it's there.
Overall, I've enjoyed going there for many years. But I just can not get past the higher weekend rates, especially when you can get $99 per night downtown. And to have to beg the host for casino rates has become too much of a bother. In today's economic environment you would think they would want to keep the large parties coming in. But I guess not. Again, just a misplacement of priorities.