Best Hotels in Jackpot, NV: 2023 Traveler Reviews & Complete Guide

Jackpot, Nevada, sits just across the Idaho border and has become an unexpected destination for travelers seeking gaming, dining, and hospitality experiences in a remote high-desert setting. This small town of roughly 1,200 residents punches well above its weight when it comes to accommodations and entertainment options. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler, a road tripper exploring the American West, or someone looking for a quiet getaway with surprising amenities, Jackpot offers several hotel properties that cater to different preferences and budgets.

The town’s hotel landscape has evolved significantly, with properties offering everything from basic budget rooms to more upscale accommodations. In 2023, travelers have shared valuable insights about their stays, helping prospective visitors make informed decisions. This guide compiles the best information about Jackpot’s hotel scene, including detailed reviews, amenities, pricing, and practical tips for booking your stay.

Jackpot Hotel Overview & Location Benefits

Jackpot occupies a unique position in the Nevada gaming landscape. Located in Owyhee County, approximately 40 miles north of Elko, Nevada, and just 10 miles south of the Idaho border, the town has positioned itself as a convenient alternative to larger Nevada casino destinations. The remote location actually works in its favor—it offers travelers a quieter, more intimate hospitality experience compared to the crowded corridors of Las Vegas or Reno.

The town’s hotel properties primarily serve the gaming community, but increasingly attract visitors interested in the region’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and the novelty of a small-town Nevada experience. Most hotels in Jackpot feature integrated casinos, making them one-stop destinations for entertainment. The properties here tend to be smaller, more personable establishments where staff often remember repeat guests.

When considering cheap hotels near you under $50, Jackpot consistently delivers value compared to larger Nevada markets. Room rates here typically range from $40 to $120 per night depending on the property and season, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious travelers. The lack of major chains also means rates don’t inflate as dramatically during peak seasons.

Top-Rated Hotels in Jackpot

Jackpot Gaming Resort stands as the town’s largest and most comprehensive property. The resort features over 100 rooms, a full-service casino with slots and table games, multiple dining options, and a sports bar with live entertainment. 2023 reviews consistently praise the property’s cleanliness, friendly staff, and recent renovations. Rooms are spacious with modern furnishings, flat-screen televisions, and comfortable bedding. The resort’s restaurant serves buffet-style meals, and the casino atmosphere remains relaxed compared to larger Nevada properties. Room rates typically range from $50 to $90 per night.

Mizpah Hotel Casino represents the classic small-town Nevada gaming hotel experience. This historic property has operated since the 1970s and maintains considerable charm despite its age. Travelers in 2023 highlighted the property’s character, affordable rates, and convenient location within walking distance of other Jackpot businesses. The casino is intimate, and staff members are notably helpful with travel recommendations. Rooms are basic but clean, and rates often fall in the $40 to $70 range. This property appeals especially to visitors seeking authentic Nevada gaming culture.

Crest Hotel & Casino offers another solid mid-range option with approximately 80 rooms. Recent guest reviews note good value for money, responsive management, and a pleasant casino environment. The property underwent some upgrades in 2022-2023, improving room quality noticeably. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, and gaming floor with modern slot machines. Rates typically range from $45 to $85 per night, making it competitive with other Jackpot properties.

For travelers seeking hotels with airport shuttle services, note that Jackpot properties generally don’t offer traditional airport shuttles due to the remote location. However, several properties can arrange transportation from Elko Regional Airport (approximately 45 minutes away) with advance notice.

Budget-Friendly Options Under $100

All of Jackpot’s primary hotel properties maintain rates under $100 per night for standard rooms, making the entire town exceptionally budget-friendly. However, certain times and booking strategies can yield even better value.

The Jackpot Gaming Resort frequently offers package deals combining room nights with dining credits or casino chips. These packages typically represent 15-25% savings compared to room-only bookings. Weekday visits (Sunday through Thursday) consistently show lower rates, with some nights available for $40-$60 per room.

Seasonal pricing affects rates significantly. Summer months (June-August) see slightly higher prices due to increased tourism and outdoor recreation interest. Winter months (December-February) can be cheaper but may feature occasional road closures due to snow. Spring and fall represent sweet spots for budget travelers, offering moderate prices and excellent weather.

When evaluating budget accommodations, consider that Jackpot’s smaller properties often provide better value than larger Nevada destinations while maintaining comparable quality. The Mizpah Hotel Casino consistently offers the lowest rates, frequently advertising rooms for $35-$55, though these rates may exclude weekends and special events.

Loyalty programs offered by individual properties provide additional savings. The Jackpot Gaming Resort’s rewards program offers discounts on future stays, free play credits, and dining specials. Signing up before your stay can reduce effective room costs by 10-15%.

Amenities & Services Comparison

Understanding amenities differences helps match your needs with the right property. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:

• Jackpot Gaming Resort: Full restaurant, sports bar, casino with table games, modern rooms with premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, fitness center access (limited), free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, room service
• Mizpah Hotel Casino: Restaurant, bar, casino with slots and limited table games, basic but comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, casino-adjacent convenience store
• Crest Hotel & Casino: Restaurant, bar, casino floor, recently updated rooms, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, limited room service

None of Jackpot’s hotels feature swimming pools, spas, or extensive fitness facilities. Travelers seeking these amenities should plan accordingly. However, all properties provide essential services and comfortable stays for the price point.

For those interested in early check-in options, Jackpot hotels generally accommodate early arrivals when rooms are available, though guaranteed early check-in typically requires advance arrangement. Calling your chosen property 24-48 hours before arrival increases the likelihood of securing an early room.

Booking Tips & Best Times to Visit

Direct booking advantages: Calling Jackpot hotels directly often yields better rates than online travel platforms. Properties frequently offer phone-exclusive deals or room upgrades. The trade-off is slightly less convenience compared to online platforms.

Package deals: Many Jackpot properties bundle accommodations with dining credits, gaming chips, or entertainment tickets. These packages represent genuine savings compared to purchasing components separately.

Weekday stays: Rooms are consistently $15-$30 cheaper Sunday through Thursday compared to Friday-Saturday. If flexibility exists in your schedule, weekday visits provide superior value.

Advance booking: Unlike major Las Vegas properties, Jackpot hotels don’t require booking months ahead. However, booking 2-3 weeks in advance typically ensures better selection and potentially improved rates.

Best times to visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions—pleasant weather, moderate crowds, and competitive pricing. Winter visits (December-February) can be economical but may involve weather-related road conditions. Summer (June-August) brings higher rates and more visitors.

Dining & Entertainment

Jackpot’s hotel restaurants provide the primary dining options in town. The Jackpot Gaming Resort operates the most extensive food service, with a buffet-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The buffet typically costs $8-$15 per person and offers decent variety including American staples, some Asian options, and salad bars. Quality is good for the price point, though it doesn’t match upscale Nevada resort dining.

The Mizpah and Crest hotels operate smaller restaurants serving breakfast and dinner. Menus focus on classic American fare—burgers, steaks, pasta, and sandwiches. Prices range from $10-$25 per entree, making these reasonable options for casual dining.

Casino gaming represents the primary entertainment activity. All three major properties feature slot machines, and the Jackpot Gaming Resort offers table games including blackjack, poker, and roulette. The gaming atmosphere remains relaxed and social—dealers and staff engage with players in ways that larger casinos don’t.

Sports bars at each property show televised events and serve drinks and casual food. The Jackpot Gaming Resort occasionally hosts live entertainment or special events, particularly on weekends.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

While Jackpot itself is small, the surrounding region offers outdoor recreation and cultural attractions worth exploring. Ruby Mountains, approximately 50 miles south, provide spectacular hiking, fishing, and scenic drives. The range features dramatic granite peaks and pristine alpine lakes.

Jarbidge Wilderness, about 40 miles northwest, offers remote hiking and backcountry experiences. This rugged area attracts serious outdoor enthusiasts and provides stark desert-mountain landscape photography opportunities.

Elko, Nevada, 40 miles south, is a larger town with additional restaurants, shopping, and the Western Folklife Center. The town maintains significant cowboy culture and hosts the National Basque Festival annually.

Jordan Valley, Oregon, approximately 50 miles north, provides an authentic small-town Oregon experience with local ranching culture and historic buildings.

The region’s remoteness means limited immediate attractions, but this isolation is precisely what appeals to many visitors. The wide-open high-desert landscape, star-filled night skies, and peaceful atmosphere provide restorative experiences increasingly difficult to find in developed areas.

FAQ

What is the average hotel rate in Jackpot, Nevada?

Average rates range from $45-$85 per night depending on the property and season. Weekday rates are typically $15-$30 cheaper than weekend rates. Package deals can provide additional value by bundling rooms with dining or gaming credits.

Do Jackpot hotels offer airport shuttle services?

Standard airport shuttles aren’t available due to Jackpot’s remote location. However, properties can arrange transportation from Elko Regional Airport with advance notice. Rental cars are recommended for visitors planning to explore the surrounding region.

What is the best time to visit Jackpot?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowds. Summer brings higher rates, while winter may involve weather-related road conditions, though rates can be lower.

Are there non-gaming entertainment options?

Gaming dominates Jackpot’s entertainment scene, but nearby attractions include Ruby Mountains hiking, Jarbidge Wilderness exploration, and day trips to Elko or Jordan Valley. The region’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere appeal to non-gamblers seeking quiet getaways.

Can I book rooms online or should I call directly?

Both methods work, but direct phone booking often yields better rates or room upgrades. Calling properties 24-48 hours before arrival increases chances of securing early check-in if needed.

What dining options exist in Jackpot?

Hotel restaurants provide the primary dining. The Jackpot Gaming Resort operates a buffet, while Mizpah and Crest hotels offer casual American fare. Prices range from budget-friendly to moderate. Limited options exist outside hotels.

Is Jackpot suitable for families?

Jackpot is primarily a gaming-focused destination. While families are welcome and hotels accommodate them, limited family-specific entertainment exists. The region’s outdoor recreation appeals to adventure-oriented families, but young children might find limited activities.

How far is Jackpot from major Nevada destinations?

Jackpot is approximately 120 miles from Reno and 250 miles from Las Vegas. The remote location makes it ideal for travelers seeking quieter experiences but less convenient for those wanting access to major entertainment hubs.