Casino Royale: Great deal on central Strip

By Rob Ponte

Monday, March 31, 2008 | 7:06 p.m.

Wedged between Harrah's and the Venetian, the Casino Royale and Hotel shines as a beacon of thrift on a crowded, overpriced tract of the Las Vegas Strip.

Tourists and locals alike pass through the bar's semi-permanent line to pick up refreshments while en route to other Strip attractions. All of this bustling can make the casino less than ideal for hanging out and talking with friends but that's not really the reason people choose the place.

The dozen or so seats at the bar are usually filled up, so don't expect to sit down. Cocktail waitresses tend to be efficient, even on busy weekends, but if waiting at a penny machine or table game for a small beverage is not your style then you may want to get in line.

There are a few drink specials, like 12 oz. Michelobs and small frozen margaritas for a dollar, but most other drafts and bottles will only run you 50 cents more. Mixed drinks run between $3 and $5 and hard liquor is $2.50 and $3.50 for well and call shots, respectively.

There are plenty of food options nearby and inside the casino but you won't find the same cheap options as you will at the bar. There is an Outback Steakhouse upstairs and a Subway and cafeteria-style pizza shop on the casino floor. Denny's is just a few steps away with its own Strip-facing entrance. Next door at Harrah's you will find an assortment of fast food options like McDonald's and Chipotle.

The players club offers a drink coupon, some gaming bonuses and free play on special promotional machines. So, if you plan to spend any length of time at the Royale it's worth checking out.

While the best feature of the Royale is its central location, its low prices, wide assortment of food and drink options and friendly, although sometimes assembly-line style service, make it a rare, economical Las Vegas Strip option.

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