London Bridge Resort: A great place to experience Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

For most people who aren’t familiar with Arizona, Lake Havasu City is known for two things: the London Bridge and its early 2000s spring break party scene. Located on a man-made lake on the Colorado River on Arizona’s western border with California, the city attracts boat and water enthusiasts from across the Southwest. And one of the top accommodations is the London Bridge Resort.

A panoramic view from a London Bridge Resort room balcony overlooks swimming pools, the lake, and the London Bridge

A Waterfront Retreat

I recently stayed at the resort during one of Lake Havasu City’s other big draws: the annual balloon festival. Each January, more than 70 hot air balloons fill the air each morning and afternoon. The London Bridge Resort is always a popular stay for balloon pilots and festival attendees.

Situated on the shores of Lake Havasu in the shadows of the London Bridge, the resort got its start in 1984 when Mike Harrah of Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos developed the property with plans to open a casino and bring gambling down the Colorado River from Nevada. By the time the ’90s rolled around, the Flatley family had purchased the hotel and rebranded it as a Ramada. At the time, the hotel had 200 traditional rooms.

In 1992, the Flatleys remodeled the hotel, combining rooms and adding kitchens, effectively turning them into suites. And they gave the resort its new and current name. The Flatleys still own the resort today.

The resort also includes an English Village to its north, a small collection of souvenir shops, a pizza joint, a coffee shop, and a golf course to the south. There’s a convention center, banquet and meeting space, fitness center, spa, three swimming pools, two restaurants, and a marina.

In keeping with the British theme that permeates the city, in honor of the bridge, the resort’s exterior showcases a castle-like design, with stone cladding, shingled roofing, and turrets. But step inside, and you’re greeted with the ultimate English surprise: a full-size replica — and the world’s only replica — of England’s Gold Stage Coach. The original, built in 1762, has carried every British monarch to their coronation. The replica was designed for a British home show and made its way to Lake Havasu to be displayed in a now-defunct museum.  

A golden coach with ornate decorations and paintings on the side

Staying at the London Bridge Resort

The three-story London Bridge Resort offers 122 rooms. Because the property is an all-suite resort, every room includes living quarters and a kitchen. About 75 are one-bedroom suites. Another 40 are two-bedroom. Additional options include the studio suite, a compact space with a Murphy bed in the living room, and the two-bedroom Bridge View suite.

The 610-square-foot Bridge View suites are the most in-demand accommodations, according to Assistant General Manager Kristina Gallo. “Everyone wants one of these,” she says. The rooms include a large patio off the living room and a spiral staircase that leads to a private rooftop patio with panoramic views of the water, bridge, and surrounding landscape.

The bedroom at London Bridge Resort features a color palette of browns, rusts, taupes, and greens.A jacuzzi tub and separate shower are features in the bathroom

I stayed in a one-bedroom deluxe suite. The room includes a separate bedroom, a sleeper sofa, two 40-inch TVs, and a kitchen, complete with stove top, microwave, full-size fridge, coffee maker, and dishware and utensils. Sliding doors lead to a small outdoor sitting space off the living room.

The spacious travertine-tiled bathroom features a deep, oversized soaking/jacuzzi tub and separate shower. An expansive vanity offers plenty of room for storing toiletries and other personal needs.

The entire suite is very spacious, comfortable, and clean, with a dark color palette of browns, rusts, mossy greens, and taupes. The kitchen includes dark brown cabinetry, black appliances, and a travertine backsplash. But even though the decor isn’t trendy, everything is in tip-top shape. And to be honest, you’re not meant to be indoors. You’re supposed to be outside enjoying the blue skies and water.

A hotel living room with beige walls, rust curtains, and green seating and carpeting.

Dining Options

While there are plenty of restaurants, chains, and fast-food eateries within walking distance of the resort, I highly recommend splurging on at least one meal at the on-property Martini Bay Bar and Grill. Open every evening at 4 p.m., it’s the perfect blend of casual and upscale. Diners wear everything from shorts and Carhartt work clothes to dressy evening wear.

Chef Sarah Freick’s menu includes classic American favorites, such as steak, seafood, and pasta, as well as some internationally inspired delights.

For an appetizer, I had the Thai Filet Mignon Bites. The tender chunks of marinated filet are tender and juicy and served and Thai peanut sauce. If the appetizer meats are cooked so perfectly, I can only imagine how fabulous the steak entrees are. I decided to forego the steak and instead tried the Manicotti. The cheese-filled pasta served in a vodka sauce is topped with slices of grilled Italian sausage and a large cheese crisp. It’s a good thing I had a fridge in my room because I didn’t want to leave a single bite behind.

A bowl of manicotti drenched in vodka sauce and topped with a large wheel of cheese crisp

Also on site is the Kokomo Beach Club. Here, guests can go swimming or play water volleyball, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, or play pool or one of the many life-size games, such as Jenga and Twister. Light bites, such as wings, sandwiches, and pizzas, are available here through Papa Leone’s, the resort’s English Village pizza parlor. Guests also can have pizza delivered directly to their rooms.

Lake Havasu City

One of Arizona’s younger cities, Lake Havasu City, was incorporated in 1978. Because of its location on the water, it’s a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports. Its main claim to fame is that it’s the home of the original London Bridge. The city’s founder purchased the bridge from England and had it shipped over and reassembled. It now spans the man-made lake, connecting the city with Grand Island.

The Lake Havasu Balloon Festival celebrated its 14th year in 2025. The four-day event takes place in January. In addition to morning and afternoon mass ascensions, the festival includes a carnival with rides and games, food and art vendors, and live entertainment.

“It’s our No. 1 draw in the winter,” Gallo says.

The balloons launch from the southern end of Lake Havasu State Park and fly over the London Bridge. Resort guests get a front-row seat to the action. During the ascensions, many visitors and residents alike line the bridge to watch the spectacular. And because the bridge is just steps away from the resort’s front doors, hotel guests can grab their morning coffee and wander over for a quick glance and a photo or two, or they can watch the entire event and then head back inside for a hot breakfast.

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The front entrance of the London Bridge Resort showcases stone and castle turrets

If You Go

Rooms at the London Bridge Resort typically start at about $199 per night, although mid-week winter rates can go as low as $150 per night. Two-bedroom suites start at $299 per night. Taxes and fees add an additional $50+ per night, depending on the room. The property’s large parking lot is self-park only and can accommodate oversized vehicles, trailers, and RVs.  

Check rates online for the London Bridge Resort at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

For more Arizona properties, check out our reviews.

 

Drone photography courtesy of London Bridge Resort. All other photos by Rebecca L. Rhoades.

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