Where: 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89183
702-796-7111
866-791-7626
Website: www.southpointcasino.com
Don't let the address fool you. Although the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa is on Las Vegas Boulevard, it's still about five miles from the south end of the Strip. That's not a bad distance if you want to stay away from the action, but if you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle, you might be disappointed. It's a small trek.
The South Point is owned by Michael Gaughan, son of casino aficionado Jackie Gaughan, who owned several casinos in downtown Las Vegas, including El Cortez. Michael was the former CEO of Boyd Gaming's Coast Casinos, for which he built Barbary Coast, Gold Coast, Sun Coast and South Coast (now dubbed South Point). He parted ways with Boyd Gaming in 2006, exchanging his interest in Coast Casinos for South Point, which is now his sole focus.
This gaming venue is generally a "locals" casino, meaning it caters largely to Las Vegas residents by offering competitive prices and extensive food and entertainment options in addition to its casino and hotel. Of course, tourists are still welcome and often found checking in, but generally it's tourists-in-the-know who book their stays because rates are lower and rooms are bigger on this 60-acre property. It's also one of the first large casinos on the way into town from California, giving it an edge on the competition. Although the property is new and clean and draws an eclectic mix of guests, it does lack a bit in glitz and glamour.
South Point's most unusual characteristic is its South Point Equestrian Center and Events Arena. This 4,400-seat arena boasts 1,200 climate-controlled horse stalls and hosts equestrian and other riding events year-round, including cattle auctions, cutting competitions and barrel racing. The shows and competitions are a fun and inexpensive, albeit dusty, way to spend an evening, even for non-cowboys.
But if the Old West isn't for you, other entertainment options abound. South Point is also home to a 64-lane bowling center, a 16-screen movie theater and a video arcade. And, of course, there's the casino, which offers a wide variety of slots and table games and a 640-seat bingo room. For your pampering needs, there's the Costa del Sur Spa and Salon (where locals receive 20 percent off).
Foodies also have an array of dining choices. For an elegant, memorable meal, visit Michael's gourmet room, which Zagat named one of the top five restaurants in Las Vegas. It also received the AAA Four-Diamond Award for its cuisine, service and atmosphere. Other dining options include Don Vito's Italian Restaurant, Big Sur Oyster Bar, Silverado Steakhouse, Baja Miguel's Mexican, Primarily Prime Rib, a café and a buffet.
Getting there: From Interstate 15 take Exit 31 (Silverado Ranch Boulevard) heading east. Take your first right into South Point's parking area.
