Just got back for my first and last Laughlin River Run. First, as one might expect, there where some beautiful bikes on displayed. It is amazing what some can do to customize a Harley. And, there where some great vendors with items one can truly use. Of course, there where the typical T shirt, ponytail holders, leather items, etc. all of which one can find at most any motorcycle rally. But here is what really bugged me. The hotels really take advantage of the bikers. Rooms tripled in price. Rates jump from the normal weekend from $ 100 to well of $ 300. If you wanted to park your bike near the hotel entrance, that was another $ 60. Early check in fee another $ 15. Use of Wi Fi, that’s $ 10 a night. Maybe I am getting old but the bikers bring a lot of money into the town and promote Laughlin big time and what they get in return is a jar of Vaseline when they check in. We had a fun ride over, met some great people and enjoyed the rally but walked away with a bad taste in my mouth from all the overpricing. I suppose it is the price we all pay but still, it bugs the heck out of me.

 

Most biker rallys are geared towards rich urban bikers. Very few real down to earth rallys exist anymore.

 

Remember that most of the rooms were bought up by the SoCal Dealers and they are the ones that caused the jump in prices.

 

It is supply and demand. Hotels will charge more when they know there is a big event coming into town. It has always been that way because they have something and you want it. And depends on how bad you want it that equates the cost.

Sturgis is the same way. If it wasn't for the fact that I get all the hotel points from traveling I couldn't afford to go. For a simple two star hotel it can be 300 a night.

Europe is worse on the hotel front. You want late check out $20. You want internet for email $10 oh wait you want movies $20 per night. Breakfast $20 per day...Parking not by us so that is $20 per day.

 

That IS Why I stay away. Motels gets Bad enough in Kingman, a short hop and skip away. I do like that much better as the ride Down to the High Dollar LOSS area is nice. Some (i've never done it) Park on the Az. side and Boat across.

I might try that next year.

signed....REDHEAD

 

I stay in Bullhead it's a lot less expensive and user friendly.

 

Went on the River Run around 1990 and was the same thing, high room prices and cops with radar guns at 10-15 foot intervals, felt I could find better ways to spend my money so that was the last time I attended such an event, although the parking was free then.

 

Was there in 2006. Same high prices as other rallys but what really irked me was the police presence. They were everywhere and pulling people over for any reason and lots of time for no reason. I suppose the club shootings were at the root of it but it was a one and done for me.

 

It's called: Capitalism. I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

The police presence is no doubt due to the infamous shootout between the Hell's Angels and Mongols at Harrah's Casino in 2002.