Accommodation Review - Ellis Island Hotel Super 8 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas, Baby! A Hidden Gem Just Off the Strip
Address: 4250 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV
Dates of stay: 25–26 July 2018
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.8/5
Ah, Las Vegas! The city of bright lights, big dreams, questionable decisions and enough neon to be seen from space. When you’re visiting Sin City, you could splash out on one of the big-name hotels on the Strip, but sometimes the best finds are tucked away just around the corner.
The Ellis Island Hotel Super 8 was a bit of a hidden gem for us. This renovated, off-Strip casino offered excellent value, a great selection of food and beer, and rooms that were surprisingly well appointed for the price.
I’d stayed here back in 2013, so returning in 2018 gave me a chance to see what had changed. The renovations had certainly made a difference, and the rooms were much better presented than you might expect from budget accommodation in Las Vegas.
One of the biggest attractions is the location. You’re close enough to the Strip to walk there without paying Strip hotel prices. That means more money left over for sightseeing, meals and, naturally, a few refreshments. It’s a win for the holiday budget!
But let’s get to the really important stuff: the beer!
On arrival, you’re given an empty growler to take to the bar and fill with a complimentary beer. Now, that’s the sort of welcome we can get behind! Forget the fancy chocolates on the pillow; give us a free beer and we’re already feeling at home.
The food and beer selection were another big plus, making Ellis Island a handy spot to enjoy a meal and a drink without having to venture far. For travellers looking for value in Las Vegas, it’s definitely worth considering.
There was, however, one disappointment. The hotel didn’t have an in-house laundry, which was a nuisance when travelling light on a motorcycle. When you’re living out of limited luggage, being able to wash a few clothes along the way is rather handy. For that shortfall, we gave the service side of things a score of three.
It’s a small detail, perhaps, but when you’re touring for weeks, laundry facilities can make a real difference. Nobody wants to pack half their wardrobe just to avoid running out of clean shirts!
The Thirsty Tourists verdict: A great-value option just off the Strip, with comfortable, renovated rooms, a good food and beer offering, and that wonderful complimentary growler of beer. The lack of laundry facilities was a let-down, but it didn’t spoil what was otherwise a very enjoyable stay.
With an overall score of 3.8 out of 5, we’d happily suggest Ellis Island to anyone looking for an alternative to the big Strip hotels.
Our tip: If you’re heading to Vegas and don’t need all the glitz and glamour of a major casino resort, put Ellis Island on your shortlist. You might save a few dollars — and get a free beer for your trouble!
Because in Las Vegas, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas… but a free beer is definitely worth telling everyone about!
The Thirsty Tourists – Touring is thirsty work! 🍻
