Primm Valley
Located on the border of Nevada and California, 25 minutes south of Las Vegas on I-15, is Primm Valley. Depending on what direction you’re driving, this either serves as an immediate stop on the way to Las Vegas to feed the gambling fix or one final opportunity for some Las Vegas-type fun before heading back to Southern California and the “real world.”
The Primm Valley Resort has two nice golf courses to enjoy, and the Sandy Valley Ranch has an enjoyable equestrian adventure. There are numerous exciting ATV and dirt-bike tours available in the area.
Primm Valley Hotels & Resorts
Primm’s hotels, like many casino resorts in Las Vegas, have something for everyone. Spa-goers love The Spa at Primm inside Primm Valley Resort & Casino for its affordable services, while adrenaline junkies flock to Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino to ride the Desperado, a 209-foot roller coaster. The Travel Channel named it one of the top ten coasters in the country, and it’s one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in North America!
The Terrible’s Primm Valley Casino Resorts consist of three properties—Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino, Primm Valley Resort & Casino, and Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino. Each of these resorts offers lodging, casino gambling, dining, and limited entertainment. There is also an outlet mall with discounted prices at name-brand stores and a roller coaster that has been ranked as one of the best in the United States.
Primm Valley Resort
Primm Valley Resort is the classiest of the three properties with white lattice trim and large chandeliers throughout the property. There are 624 rooms at this resort as well as a full-service spa offering a variety of treatments and nail, hair, and skincare treatments.
Primm Valley Resort and Casino, 31900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Primm, NV 89019; Phone: (702) 386-7867
Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino
Buffalo Bill’s is the largest property with two towers housing 1,242 guest rooms. The Old West-themed resort is consistent throughout and is the atmosphere is the most energetic of the three resorts. It has a large pool in a central courtyard, which is particularly popular with guests.
Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino, 31700 S Las Vegas Blvd, Primm, NV 89019; Phone: (702) 386-7867
Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino
Whiskey Pete’s is definitely the resort in Primm Valley that doesn’t get as much attention as the other two. It is much quieter than both Primm Valley Resort and Buffalo Bill’s (in part because it is located across the street from them) and doesn’t have a whole lot to offer beyond its casino floor, which is more reminiscent of a local’s hangout. There are 777 guest rooms on-site as well as a guest pool with a waterslide and an arcade.
Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino, 100 W Primm Blvd, Primm, NV 89019; Phone: (702) 386-7867
Golf
Primm’s two Tom Fazio-designed pro-style courses, which challenge players while showcasing the desert’s stunning scenery, are a hole-in-one for golfers. The 6,945-yard Lakes Course features dense groves of tall pines, acres of lakes and river systems, and rolling green fairways that go on forever. The par-72, 7,131-yard Desert Course, on the other hand, provides a completely different environment, with desert landscaping, cacti, and narrow fairways.
Gambling
The reason the Primm Valley Resorts even exist is that it is right inside the Nevada state border. This is the first place where people coming out of California can drop coins into a slot machine or play a hand of poker. Though the gaming selection in Primm Valley isn’t nearly as robust as what visitors will find in Las Vegas, there are still 2,900 slot machines and 98 gaming tables among the three resorts.
Weekdays in Primm Valley can be a bit slow, so many of the gaming tables are closed, especially at Whiskey Pete’s. For the most robust selection of table games during the week, head to Primm Valley Resort or Buffalo Bill’s. Slot machines at all resorts are open around the clock, as expected.
Entertainment
Primm Valley does not have permanent shows like Las Vegas does, but the occasional act makes its way out to the area. In fact, Buffalo Bill’s is the home of the Star of the Desert Arena, a 6,500-seat arena, where visitors will find concerts, rodeos, and fights held. There have been a number of impressive headliners in Primm Valley, and it’s during these major events that people make their way out to this border town and the area comes to life.
Visitors will also find a selection of several rides at Buffalo Bill’s which include the Desperado, a roller coaster that is considered by many to be one of the best in the United States, log flume, tower drop and other rides geared toward adults and one designed specifically for children. You can pay per ride or buy a wristband that provides unlimited access for a single day. There is also a movie theatre on site. If you wander over to Whiskey Pete’s check out the car on display, which was used by the Capone gangway back in the day.
Finally, if you’re into shopping, take the time to wander through the fashion outlets, which are similar to those found in Las Vegas. There are dozens of brand-name retailers in this popular shopping mall including Old Navy, William Sonoma, BCBG, and Fossil.
>>More information about the rides at Primm Valley Resorts.
Dining
Like most resort casinos, all three properties in Primm Valley feature buffets. In addition, guests will find a smattering of coffee shops, fast food joints, cafes, and steakhouses throughout the area. There aren’t any celebrity chefs in residence in Primm Valley, but there are several places to grab some grub.
Travel Tips
- Primm Valley is busiest during the weekends. That doesn’t mean you should avoid it then. In fact, it is so slow during the week that some of the rides a Buffalo Bill’s, restaurants throughout several of the resorts and other facilities may be closed—simply because there isn’t enough staff to run everything. For the complete Primm experience, a weekend visit is a must.
- There is a free monorail that connects the properties, making it much easier to travel between them. However, if it is particularly windy, the monorail may be shut down. The walk isn’t too far between the resorts, and there is adequate parking as well.
- Check for specials before traveling to Primm Valley. It is common for there to be discounts and coupons for certain holidays or Nevada residents.
- Sign up for the player’s card. When you gamble, dine or stay, you earn points that add up quickly and can be used at any of the three properties in Primm Valley.
Photo credit: Primm Valley Resorts