We are planning a trip to Las Vegas this summer, and are thinking of splitting a week between Vegas and a dude ranch. Am looking for tips on decent hotel with great pool for myself, husband, and 2 teenage boys (14 & 17.) Not much on gambling, but want to do some shows and sight-seeing.

Hotel suggestions?
Dude ranch suggestions?

Wow 2 teenage boys in Vegas. What a field trip for them that will be.

Check this out before you go:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Downtown/DailyNews/downtown_adultvegas_020424.html

The Mandalay Bay Hotel has one of the best pools. Venetian does too.

We stayed at the Mirage although it was too cold to swim. The pool area was very nice. It's in the middle of the strip and near alot. Mandalay has a phenominal pool area with a wave pool and lazy river. It's a lovely hotel but at the end of the strip. We took our kids (10&13) to see Mystere. We all enjoyed it.

Let me warn you, some people here attack others who bring kids to LV. We were there 3 days and my kids survived unscathed.

don`t pay any attention to those who are "downers"....my kid went to Vegas and had a good time doing things other than gamble..there is a dude ranch in Red Rock Canyon,not far from the strip...don`t know if you can stay but can ride horses there...Flamingo has a good pool too...kds might like Mandalay Bay though..

Howdy - the best pool is at Mirage. Don't bother with Mandalay. The wave pool is super lame. It makes for good advertising, but when you get there and see it, sho' nuff, it bites the big weenie.

there is te Sagebrush Horse Ranch in red Rock Canyon..1-702-641-5536..add.is 1200 west Ann Rd.--web is www.lasvegashorsebacktours.com--ck their website...there is all kinds of things to do there besides gambling..and do splurge and see Mystere!..

Andie,

I'm topping a thread for you called "Help with Vegas: Two days to see it all" in which i posted a 2 part list of cheap/free things to do with kids in Vegas.

For a first trip to Vegas, based upon your needs, i'd recommned The Mirage OR if more on a budget than the Flamingo. Both have great pools and great locations.