Staying in Laughlin isn't bad. There are many different options from there. I was in Laughlin a few weeks ago. We spent 1 day on the lake and 2 days on the river. Chose the river! Pirate cove is about an hr drive from Laughlin and is a great place to launch. If I remember correctly it's $15 for the day. You can also launch at Jack Smith in Needles which is a very nice facility. As far as hot spots you have Topock 66, Pirate cove, Lazy Harry's (which is near Big Bend and also another great spot to luanch the boat and close to Laughlin) If you stay at the AVI you are basically in the middle of everything and would be my choice to stay at. Nice casino great beach and that stretch of the river is one of my favorites. Have fun!