Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

Way out on the western edge of the Las Vegas suburbs, this swanky golden-age Vegas property looks out on the ochre-red Spring Mountains, just a stone's throw from Red Rock National Conservation Area. Inside, dozens of crystal chandeliers contrast with earthy sandstone walls and teak-marble floors. Red Rock has a large pool area, a 16-screen movie theater, a bowling alley, a vast selection of excellent restaurants (some with outdoor patios), and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Even the gaming area is exquisite; the sports book has its own VIP area and three video walls that can combine into one huge screen. There's also a poker room.

room

With your choice of Red Rock Canyon or Las Vegas Strip views, the rooms at Red Rock Casino are true getaways. King resort rooms range in size from 515 to 615 square feet and feature plush down duvets and 320-thread count Egyptian cotton linens, as well as a 42-inch high-def TV and a fully stocked minibar,

The Strip is about 20 minutes away, so if you’re looking to experience that part of Las Vegas, it’ll take some effort to get there. But the trade-off is your proximity to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area, in itself a unique Las Vegas experience. `

bathroom

The Calcutta marble bathroom has a deep soaking tub, separate showers, lighted makeup mirrors and dual sinks.

lobby

Red Rock Resort complements its natural surroundings with desert-inspired architecture featuring materials such as crystals, exoic woods and red sandstone. Water features in front of the property provides a calming aural background. Inside, the hum of the casino floor does not overwhelm, while Lucky Bar provides a welcoming introduction to the resort.

pool

The Sandbar Pool, though seasonal, is expansive and well-maintained. The main pool is centrally located with a fountain in the center, and it is surrounded by eight smaller wading pools as well as lounge chairs, daybeds and cabanas. In the summer, there are also outdoor concerts.

spa

The spa here is top-notch, offering a variety of body treatments and massages. The salon component offers hair services as well as manicures and pedicures.

gym

There is a fitness center, but you probably won’t need it given how close Red Rock Canyon is.

For the truly outdoorsy, the resort offers customized recreation programs that involve hiking, kayaking, rock climbing and bike riding.

dining

Red Rock’s portfolio of restaurants rivals any on the Strip. Hearthstone’s “living room” atmosphere encourages the happiest of hours, while T-Bones Chophouse serves up delectable dry-aged prime steaks and bone-in cuts. There’s also the stalwarts Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que and Yard House, and those are just the stand-alone restaurants. There’s also a food court and the Feast Buffet.

drinking

In addition to Lucky Bar in the center of the casino, every restaurant offers some type of happy hour. There’s no shortage of watering holes here.