Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa

THE VIBE:: A diamond in the rough, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa is a local favorite on the northwest side of Las Vegas. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the resort is located only 10 miles west of the Strip on Charleston Boulevard, just off the Las Vegas Beltway in Summerlin. WHY WE LOVE IT:: Masterfully combining sophistication, exuberance and class with the highly-sought after Las Vegas party vibe, Red Rock is far more than a hotel and casino — it’s a tucked away oasis equipped to cater to the beckoning call of Las Vegas locals and visitors alike. Aesthetically complimentary to its natural surroundings, the 800-room property boasts desert-inspired architecture and features materials like stunning crystals, exotic woods, red sandstone as well as lovely water features that trickle to your heart’s content year-round. GOOD TO KNOW:: And while the pools are not open year-round, when the summer months begin, The Sandbar Pool — located atop the resort’s four-acre deck — is the place to be. Configured in a circular pattern, the main pool is centrally located on the deck with a stunning fountain bursting from its center, while its outskirts are occupied with eight smaller wading pools as well as lounge chairs, daybeds and cabanas. On the wet deck, you’ll also find poolside gaming and a café and in the evenings, this area is often converted into an open-air nightclub that hosts concerts and special events. And yes, while it’s true that you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you have absolute permission to judge Red Rock by its dining selection (because it’s really great). Brimming with delicious offerings from the restaurants that cover just about every craving, the restaurants within the resort are frequented by locals who aren’t even staying at the hotel. Yes, they are that good. The upscale steakhouse T-Bones Chophouse cooks delicious dry-aged prime steaks and bone-in meats and Yard House dishes incredible contemporary American fare, with more than 130 beers on tap… yep, 130 bubbly drafts. You can also savor heaps of old-fashioned barbecue at Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que. Additionally, Hearthstone offers rustic American restaurant kitchen meals by Chef Brian Massie of The Light Group. 8 Noodle Bar (known for its steamed buns and ramen noodles) features a menu with touches of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine influences. And yes, we understand the pain of enduring the  indecisiveness of that one person in your group (we all know who this person is in our circle of people) so we are happy to let you know that Red Rock is also home to The Feast Buffet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a selection featuring a variety of globally-inspired dishes (a.k.a. something for everyone).  But for the night owls and early birds, the Grand Café is open around the clock and ready to serve you everything from breakfast skillets to prime rib whenever hunger strikes. And lastly, for quick bites, the food court is always solid options if you’re running late for your movie or cosmic bowling date. Located right next to the food court is Red Rock Resort’s 16-screen Regal Cinemas and IMAX complex as well as the Red Rock Lanes — a 60-lane bowling center with a state-of-the-art audio and visual system so the venue can be transformed into a nighttime party atmosphere with glowing lights, strobes and fog. But if you’re more into the relaxing atmosphere, take it from us that we know why the resort’s spa is mentioned in the full resort name – Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa. The spa and salon at Red Rock offers everything from sumptuous body treatments and massages to a top-of-the-line hair salon as well as manicures and pedicures. There’s also a variety of customized outdoor recreation programs that involve hiking, kayaking, rock climbing and bike riding through the Adventure Spa. And if your idea of a day at the spa has simply become a break from the broken record, “mom, mom, mom?” soundtrack of your life for an hour or two (or three…four?), parents will appreciate Kids Quest — an indoor recreation area for children between six weeks and 12 years of age to play and learn with a daily array of fun and educational activities while parents enjoy some grown-up playtime.   Speaking of playtime (for grown-ups, that is), in the evenings there is no shortage of entertainment and drinks. Elvis Monroe, Zowie Bowie in addition to other bands can be found regularly in Rocks Lounge and the Onyx Bar. You can also relax with a cocktail in the Lucky Bar and the Cabana Club. The casino is also filled with glitz, glamour and action. There are 3,000 of the latest slot and video poker machines and 60 table games to choose from. In addition to a high-limit room, gamblers will discover a 206-seat race and sports book, a smoke-free poker room, a sprawling bingo hall (with smoking and non-smoking sections) and a keno lounge. However, even with all of the activities inside of the resort, there is plenty to do just outside of the hotel’s doors as well. Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa has an outdoor pedestrian walkway that links to Downtown Summerlin, a 1.6 million-square-foot shopping and entertainment destination across the street. Also, the Las Vegas Strip, which offers an assortment of world-class entertainers, shops, restaurants and thriving nightlife, is only a 20-minute drive away.   INSIDER TIP:: Red Rock Resort is just minutes to the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a gorgeous natural desert land scape filled places to go hiking, biking and tour.