In Las Vegas, there are two types of casinos-tourist casinos and local's casinos. The local's casinos provide a great atmosphere and usually have great deals on food, gaming, etc. Since more tourists head right for the Las Vegas Strip and never leave, they miss out on some of the fun to be had at local's casinos. On of these casinos is the Palace Station.

Now, if you want glitzy shows and stuff, this isn't the place to go. But if you want good food, good prices and fun gaming, it may be worth a look. It's right off of the I-15 freeway, so if you're staying downtown or on the Las Vegas Strip, you can be here in about 10-15 minutes. No big deal.

The Palace Station is known by locals as a place for good food and fun times. Another plus is the room costs. You can stay here for a lot less than "prime" casinos and you're just minutes from the Strip anyway. If you love to eat and love buffets, the Palace Station is a good place for you. Buffets in Vegas used to be inexpensive, but today many are ridiculous. You'll pay $25 at many. Why? At the Palace Station, their dinner buffet prices are a budget-friendly $7.99. Heck, that's a McDonald's meal and their food is so much better. Lots of variety too.

Their Gourmet Feast-the buffet-has culinary delights from the world over. One of my favorite sections is the Tuscan Trattoria. You guessed it. This section features Italian food. I won't lie. Some $25 are well worth it, but many aren't. I've eaten at some $20ish buffets that didn't come close to this one.

Unless there's a major convention or event in town, the Palace Station usually has rooms. At last look, they had over 1,000 rooms that ranged from the simple to the spectacular. The simple rooms are clean and nice. If you need a little more, try out the tower suites which offer amazing views of Las Vegas, including the Strip. While you could spend hundreds a night at some top-of-the-line Strip hotels during the summer, an average rate at the Palace Station is about $99 a night.

The best thing is to look ahead of time and book early. Remember, Las Vegas is a jumping city that fills with hordes of tourists daily. People from all over the world come to play, so don't wait until the last minute to book a room.

The Palace Station provides a nice alternative for those wanting a great room and experience, but want to head out to the Strip or downtown during their stay. It's right off the freeway, so you're all set.