Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa

Kayaking, mountain biking and horseback riding are not the typical activities one associates with a trip to Las Vegas. Then again, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa is not the typical Las Vegas hotel.

Just minutes from the dramatic red cliffs of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, as well as the exciting action of the Las Vegas Strip, no other resort in Las Vegas capitalizes on its location quite like this one. Along with all the amenities of a highly-rated hotel and casino, this contemporary desert retreat also offers an Adventure Spa program with outdoor activities including river rafting and guided hikes.

This is a high-end, boutique-style property, similar to its sister property, Green Valley Ranch. From its flowing design and unique architecture to its flawless incorporation of state-of-the-art technology, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning resort rivals many of the major resorts on the Strip, while also maintaining its local appeal.

LCD screens scattered throughout Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa display ads and restaurant menus, while modern light fixtures brighten the 87,000-square-foot casino floor. Tiled pathways surrounding the gaming areas provide a clear cut route to the many hot spots within this red-hot spot. The design also reflects the natural beauty of the area, incorporating materials like marble, onyx, wood, red patent crocodile leather and red sandstone indigenous to Red Rock Canyon. There are more than 3.1 million Swarovski and Preciosa crystals (measuring 99 miles) throughout the resort.

The property features 800 guest rooms and suites, as well as seven penthouse-level suites. Even the standard guest room here is anything but. Every room boasts breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows, either of the city or Red Rock Canyon. Luxury linens, two flat-screen televisions, wireless internet access and an iPod docking station are among the conveniences available to guests, while the marble bathrooms include both a deep soaking tub and a separate shower.

Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa's separate resort entrance allows those staying at the hotel to avoid dragging their suitcases through the busy casino. Tinted red glass doors add a glamorous hue to the lobby, where there's a 32-foot-long crystal chandelier.

The centerpiece of the property is the three-acre pool complex, which was designed like a theater-in-the-round. Its central location allows for balcony views from several of the property's restaurants and even the convention space.

Guests can grab a drink at the Onyx or Lucky bars and listen to live music in Rocks Lounge. Dining spans the globe with more than 10 restaurants, including the Italian food of Terra Rossa, the Japanese fusion cuisine of Hachi, the fine steaks at the T-bones Chophouse and Lounge or a bit of everything at the Feast Buffet. Great burgers and other popular American fare is on the menu in the Yard House and LBS: A Burger Joint. Plus, Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que will bring huge portions of its delicious Southern-style barbecue here in summer 2013.

Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa is also family-friendly, with several options for young tourists, such as a 16-screen movie theater and an arcade. The 72-lane bowling center, Red Rock Lanes, features state-of-the-art equipment and a contemporary design, including a special VIP area and carpet that glows in the dark when it's time for Cosmic Bowling.

For those who want a little rest and relaxation, take an intimate retreat with a body treatment at The Spa and Salon at Red Rock. The spa offers a full-service salon, fitness center, lap pool, movement studio and boxing rings, as well as the adventure spa program.

Overall, this is a sophisticated property for discriminating guests who want something a bit different, but still want everything Las Vegas has to offer. At Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, you'll enjoy a relaxing and exhilarating retreat.

Amenities

Attractions: Yes, Red Rock Lanes, a 72-lane bowling center.

Business Center: Yes.

Casino: Yes, an 87,000-square-foot casino. There are 60 table games offering blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps as well as 3,000 slot and video poker machines. Other amenities include a keno lounge, a high-limit room, a 20-table smoke-free poker room and a 600-seat bingo room.

Check-in Time: 3 p.m.

Check-out Time: 11 a.m.

Convention Rooms: Yes. There's a 94,00-square-foot facility offering meeting, convention and banquet space to accommodate groups from 15 to 1,500 people.

Entertainment: Entertainment includes concerts and events at the Sandbar Pool Backyard outdoor venue, performers like Zowie Bowie in Rocks Lounge and movies in a 16-screen cinema.

Health Club or Fitness Equipment: Yes.

Hotel Amenities: Concierge, currency exchange, laundry and luggage services, maid service, room service, wake-up calls and safety deposit boxes.

In-Room Internet Access: Yes, for an additional fee.

Incidental Charges: Hotel requires a credit card upon check-in for incidental charges.

Minimum Age to Reserve a Room: 21 years.

Nightlife: Yes. Along with the Rocks Lounge, bars include the Onyx Bar and Lucky Bar.

Number of Rooms: 816 rooms and suites.

Parking Garage: Yes.

Pets Allowed: No.

Policies: Children 11 and under stay free with an adult. The maximum total number of guests (adults and children) in a room is four. Red Rock Resort does not permit any bulk beverage or beverage containers on property.

Pool: Yes, a three-acre complex featuring private poolside cabanas, two poolside bars, a poolside cafe and the adult-only Cabana Club.

Race & Sports Book: Yes. The 206-seat race and sports book boasts a 96-foot video wall.

Resort Fee: 24.99

Restaurants: Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa has the following dining options: Grand Café, Feast Buffet, The Bagel Cafe, Hachi, LBS: A Burger Joint, Pink's Hot Dogs, T-Bones Chophouse, Terra Rossa Italian Restaurant, Yard House, a food court and the seasonal Sandbar Poolside Café. Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que will open in summer 2013.

Room Service: Yes, restrictions apply. There is a refundable deposit and a non-refundable daily fee.

RV Park: Yes.

Shops: Yes.

Shuttle Service to the airport: Yes. The resort offers guests a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. The airport shuttle picks up and drops off outside of baggage claim. Contact Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa for the shuttle's exact drop-off and pick-up times.

Shuttle Service to the Strip: Yes. The resort offers guests a complimentary shuttle to and from the Las Vegas Strip. Contact Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa for the shuttle's exact drop-off and pick-up times.

Spa: The Spa and Salon at Red Rock offers treatments from around the world in 23 serene treatment rooms. Indoor/outdoor couples suites are available. The facility also has a full-service salon, a state-of-the-art fitness area, a movement studio, a boxing ring, and a lap pool with three outdoor cabanas. Outdoor recreational activities are offered through its Adventure Spa.

Standard Room Amenities: Upscale linens and down duvets, plush robes and slippers, designer in-room toiletries, two flat-screen TVs, iPod docking station, high speed internet/wireless internet, functional work desk, CD player, AM/FM radio, alarm clock, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, newspaper delivered daily, twice daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service.

Wedding Services: Yes. Wedding-planning specialists are available to help design unique and wonderful ceremonies, receptions and honeymoons.

Wheelchair Accessible Rooms: Yes.