Sunset Station

THE VIBE: : The city of Henderson, with its neighborhood charm and city limits on which not even locals can always agree, is home to some of the more likable properties in the Las Vegas Valley. Among them is the refreshing Sunset Station. This resort, which primarily caters to locals, is also an affordable hotel for leisure, family and business travelers. WHAT WE LOVE:: Perhaps the biggest appeal of Sunset Station is its proximity to shopping, outlying attractions and chocolate — yes, chocolate. Ethel M Chocolate Factory is just a short drive up Sunset and is full of everything a chocolate lover could imagine, assuming their imagination is pretty chocolate-centric. Galleria at Sunset mall is just across the street featuring a wide variety of stores from department to demented. Just be careful crossing Sunset Road; it’s full of Las Vegas drivers. And Sunset Station also makes for a good base when exploring Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as it’s further east than most properties and has easy access to the 95 (U.S. Highway 95). GOOD TO KNOW:: If you’re more the stay in the hotel type, Sunset Station makes up for its distance from the Strip with a variety of entertainment options like Club Madrid, a state-of-the-art lounge that seats 500 people, or the beautiful outdoor Sunset Amphitheater. Sunset Station also boasts a 13-screen cinema with an IMAX theater, the stylish Strike Zone Bowling Center with 72 lanes and featuring cosmic bowling at night and the Kingpin Lounge (where you can play pool) and a seasonal outdoor pool with a hot tub and cabanas. For the little ones, Kids Quest provides a safe, professionally supervised facility for children with indoor play areas, interactive games, quiet zones and a variety of activities. Kids Quest gives the adults the opportunity to indulge in some fine dining or drinks. The Sonoma Cellar Steakhouse is known for both its aged, prime cuts of beef and its modern California cuisine. At Pasta Cucina, you can enjoy old-style Italian classics in a spectacular garden setting. For a casual meal at any time of day, there’s the Grand Café. It’s easy to find — just look for the restored Orenstein & Koppel #791 locomotive. Plus, guests can indulge in fresh seafood at the hip Oyster Bar. And if the kids are in tow, try the Feast Buffet or the food court.   The hotel’s artfully designed center bar, called the Gaudi Bar, has a light and airy space with a laid-back vibe. Surrounded by stained glass in interesting curves, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to one of famed architect Antoni Gaudí’s buildings in Spain. There are plenty of other places to sip on cocktails and converse at Sunset Station — including the Martini Bar, Rosalita’s Cantina, the Seville Bar and the Bullfighter’s Bar. INSIDER TIP:: If you’re looking to be in the center of the excitement, the Strip might be a better bet. But if you’re looking for a great hotel that reminds you Las Vegas, or at least Henderson, is a real city with real people, Sunset Station is a welcome example of how interesting the whole city can be.