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Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort Review: Room, Pool & Casino Stay

February 2, 2025 / Sandtastic Travels / Hotels & Suites, Travel Blog

Experience Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort in Maricopa, AZ! Get a full room tour, pool review, dining options, and casino highlights. Is it worth the stay? Maricopa, Arizona may not be the first place that comes to mind for a resort getaway, but just 30 minutes south of Phoenix, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino offers a tropical oasis in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. With its spacious rooms, vibrant casino, and a surprisingly large pool area, this Caesars Rewards property is a solid choice for travelers looking for a mix of relaxation, gaming, and Arizona’s natural beauty. In this review, we’ll give you a full breakdown of our stay, including: ✅ A detailed tour of the Resort Premium Pool View King Room✅ A look at the massive pool area & night swimming experience✅ Dining options, amenities, and casino highlights✅ The one MAJOR issue we encountered during our stay✅ Why this resort is (or isn’t) worth booking for your next trip 🏨 First Impressions: Check-In & Resort Atmosphere From the moment you enter Harrah’s Ak-Chin, the open and spacious lobby sets the tone. On one side, you’ll find the casino buzzing with excitement, and on the other, the hotel check-in area, where friendly staff make the process smooth and hassle-free. Over the years, we’ve stayed here multiple times, and the resort has maintained its reputation as a laid-back, comfortable getaway in Arizona. But is it still worth it? Let’s dive into the details. 🛏️ Room Tour: Resort Premium Pool View 1 King – 450 Sq. Ft. For this visit, we stayed in the Resort Premium Pool View 1 King room, located on the second floor with a private balcony overlooking the pool. 📌 What You Get in This Room: ✅ Spacious 450 sq. ft. layout – Plenty of room to move around✅ Comfortable King bed with plush pillows✅ Large cozy chair & footrest for lounging✅ Mini fridge & in-room safe for added convenience✅ Separate tub & shower area in the bathroom✅ Work desk & small closet space The room is clean, modern, and functional, offering everything you need for a comfortable stay. One of the biggest perks is the large balcony, which has two chairs and a coffee table—perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or an evening drink. The Balcony View – A Hit or Miss? We’ve stayed in this exact room type three times now, and while the balcony is great, the view can be hit or miss. This time, unfortunately, we got one of the worst views we’ve had from this room category. So, if you’re booking a Premium Pool View Room, know that some balconies have better vantage points than others. 🏊 Pool Area & The WORST Towel Policy We’ve Ever Seen One of the standout features of Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the pool area. It’s surprisingly large, well-maintained, and has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind. 💦 Pool Highlights:✔️ Plenty of seating & cabanas (which are surprisingly affordable!)✔️ Long hours – Open 8 AM to 8 PM, with night swimming available!✔️ Great atmosphere for both families and adults✔️ Swim Up Bar Convenient and a nice touch for atmosphere However, our BIGGEST complaint about this resort has to be their strict 1-towel policy. 🛑 What’s the Deal with the Towel Policy? Honestly, the towels are rough and low-quality anyway, so it’s baffling why they make such a big deal about limiting guests to just one. It soured the experience a bit, but aside from that, the pool itself is fantastic. 🍽️ Dining Options: From Quick Bites to Upscale Eats Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a quick snack, Harrah’s Ak-Chin has a variety of options: 🍷 Chop Block & Brew – The resort’s high-end steakhouse. Great service, craft beer selection, and fantastic steaks. 🍩 The Café – Perfect for morning coffee & pastries. Try the doughnuts! 🌮 Agave’s Restaurant – Casual Mexican/American fare. The variety is good for a mid-sized resort, and there are plenty of options in all price ranges, you won’t go hungry here. 🎰 Casino & Resort Atmosphere Harrah’s Ak-Chin has a solid casino floor, featuring slots, table games, and a Caesars Sportsbook area. Since it’s a tribal casino, don’t expect Vegas-style rules, but the atmosphere is lively and fun for a weekend getaway. 🌅 Exploring the Resort & Stunning Arizona Sunsets Beyond the casino and pool, the surrounding landscape is beautiful. One of the best things about staying here is the chance to experience Arizona’s breathtaking sunsets. 🌅 During our visit, we were lucky enough to catch a rare desert rainstorm, which added a magical touch to the trip. 💭 Final Thoughts – Is Harrah’s Ak-Chin Worth It? Overall, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino is a solid choice for a quick getaway from Phoenix. It’s a comfortable, clean, and relaxing resort with a great pool, solid dining options, and a fun casino. ✅ What We Loved: ✔️ Spacious, well-appointed rooms✔️ Beautiful pool area & long swim hours✔️ Affordable cabanas✔️ Good mix of dining options✔️ Casino & sportsbook on-site ❌ What We Didn’t Love: ❌ Terrible towel policy (seriously, just let guests have an extra towel)❌ Balcony view varies – some are great, others not so much ⭐ Final Rating: 4/5 Would we stay here again? Yes.Would we pack our own towels next time? Absolutely. 📺 Watch Our Full Video Tour! 🎥 Want to see the full room tour, pool, and more? Watch our YouTube video here → https://youtu.be/QgcugLbJ3Xg 📌 Planning a trip to Arizona? Check out our other guides: 🚗 Tombstone Travel Guide – A Wild West adventure! 🌆 Phoenix & Scottsdale Driving Tour – The best city sights! 🏜️ Sedona’s Red Rocks – Must-visit Arizona landscapes! 🔔 Subscribe for More Travel Adventures! → https://www.youtube.com/@SandtasticTravels?sub_confirmation=1

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Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide: Must-See Stops Along Highway 101

November 18, 2024 / Sandtastic Travels / Roadtrip Driving Tour, Travel Blog

The Oregon Coast is one of the most scenic road trip destinations in the United States, offering breathtaking ocean views, charming coastal towns, and countless attractions along Highway 101. This guide takes you on an unforgettable journey from Lincoln City to Crescent City, highlighting the top stops, hidden gems, and natural wonders that make the Oregon Coast road trip a bucket-list adventure. Part 1: Lincoln City to Depoe Bay to Devil’s Punch Bowl | Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Our journey begins in Lincoln City, a bustling town known for its sprawling beaches, vibrant arts scene, and local charm. This stretch of Highway 101 showcases some of the coast’s most dramatic ocean vistas, interspersed with lush forested landscapes. Part 2: Yachats to Florence to Reedsport | Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Continuing south, the drive leads to Yachats, a quaint coastal village often called the “Gem of the Oregon Coast.” Here, dramatic rocky shores meet the forest, creating a unique and serene atmosphere. Part 3: Reedsport to North Bend to Bandon | Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip As you journey further south along Highway 101, the coast becomes even more enchanting. This segment offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions. Part 4: Port Orford to Gold Beach | Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip South of Bandon, the drive grows more remote and wild, with fewer towns and more opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Port Orford marks the beginning of this rugged stretch. Part 5: Gold Beach to Crescent City | Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip The final stretch of the Oregon Coast road trip leads you into Crescent City, California, blending Oregon’s rugged coastline with the grandeur of the redwood forests. Don’t Miss the Redwood Forest! Tips for Your Oregon Coast Road Trip Watch the Journey Want to see the beauty of the Oregon Coast firsthand? Check out our full video playlist for a detailed look at each leg of the drive. From Lincoln City to Crescent City, this road trip along Highway 101 is a journey you’ll never forget. Once you are done exploring all the amazing things that the Oregon Coast has to offer, check out The Reno/Tahoe area with our ultimate guide Historic Downtowns: Reno, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Truckee Oregon Coast 4K Video Playlist Oregon Coast #shorts Video Playlist All Oregon Coast Video Playlist

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Google Travel Flights Find Cheap Flight Options & Track Prices

Google Travel Flights | Find Cheap Flights Options & Track Prices

October 2, 2024 / Sandtastic Travels / Travel Blog, Travel Hacks

When it comes to finding cheap flights, Google Flights is an absolute game changer. It’s fast, easy to use, and packed with features to help you score great deals. But beyond the basics, some not-so-obvious tricks and strategies can ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck and allow you and your family to budget travel. Let’s dive into how to use Google Flights like a pro! Need Travel Inspiration? See our Travel Blog and Videos for top Locations! Most Airline tools charge you for a flight price guarantee. There is a new feature in Google Flights called Google’s free price guarantee – Book a flight with the price guarantee badge, Google watches the price and notifies you by email if it drops. Confirm that you booked to get the difference back in Google Pay after takeoff Full Details about Price Guarantee There is also a handy “Travel Help” webpage by Google 1. Be Flexible with Your Dates and Airports One of the key ways to save on airfare is flexibility. Google Flights has some awesome tools that compare prices across multiple airports and dates. You can even search up to 5 different airports at once, both for where you’re leaving from and where you’re heading! This is also a good way to see new places you wouldn’t have considered visiting. If you’re open to departing from different nearby airports or flying on slightly different days, you can often snag a better deal. Use Date Grid and Price Graph tools to check out prices on different days and price trends. Pro Tip: Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) tends to be cheaper, while weekends, especially Sunday, often see a spike in prices. 2. Use the Price Alerts for Secret Cheap Flights Deals If you’re not ready to book just yet, you can set up price alerts that notify you when a flight’s price drops. This is especially useful because some airline sales aren’t widely advertised. Just turn on the tracking, and Google will email you when the price goes down—perfect for grabbing a last-minute deal Plus, with Google Flights’ price insights, you can also see how the current price compares to past trends, so you’ll know if you’re getting a steal or if it’s better to wait. 3. Look Beyond Round Trips—Try One-Way Tickets Sometimes, booking two one-way flights can be cheaper than a round trip. Google Flights makes it super easy to mix and match airlines, so you can compare prices for flying out with one carrier and coming back with another( This flexibility could lead to more savings than sticking with a single round-trip ticket. It also lets you book flights with more ideal times or better connections, depending on your needs. 4. Explore Destinations for Spontaneous Getaways If you’re not sure where you want to go but are open to new places, Google’s Explore feature is your best friend. Just type in your departure city, and it will show you a map with all the destinations you can fly to within your budget. It’s a great way to find inspiration for spontaneous trips without breaking the bank. And if you’ve got flexible dates, the Date Grid shows you at-a-glance which days are cheaper to fly, making planning even easier. 5. Keep an Eye on Hidden Fees The cheapest ticket isn’t always the best deal. Some budget airlines come with hidden fees for things like carry-on baggage or seat selection, which can add up fast. Google Flights helps by showing whether these extras are included in the price Always check the fine print before you book to avoid any surprises later on. Sometimes the budget flights with fee’s included are the same price as nonbudget airlines. Be sure to do your research on what airlines allow free carry-ons and checked bags. If you have a credit card for some of the airlines, it will come with free checked bags, like the Alaska Airlines card. 6. Search in Incognito Mode You’ve probably heard this tip before, but it’s still worth mentioning: search for flights in incognito mode. Some websites use cookies to track your searches and may raise prices based on repeated interest in a specific route. Incognito mode can help prevent this, keeping your searches clean and your prices low. 7. Book Directly with Airlines Once you find your flight, it’s usually best to book directly with the airline. Google Flights lets you see all available booking options, and booking directly can sometimes come with benefits, like earning loyalty points or having more flexibility if you need to make changes. Plus, if something goes wrong—like a delay or cancellation—it’s easier to deal directly with the airline rather than a third-party booking site. 8. Explore Other Flight Search Tools: Skyscanner, Hopper, and Kayak While Google Flights is a fantastic tool for finding deals, it’s always good to compare across different platforms. Other flight search engines offer unique features that can help you find even better deals or more convenient flights. By using these platforms alongside Google Flights, you can increase your chances of finding the best possible deal. Each tool offers its own unique benefits, so it’s worth spending a few extra minutes comparing prices across different sites before making your final decision. Find cheap flights on popular routes

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