We’ve all been to Vegas before (and if you haven’t, what exactly are you waiting for?). When we come here, we tend to search out a hotel on the Vegas Strip. The action is irresistible. The allure is mesmerizing. We get it. But with all of that comes crowds, parking nightmares, rising costs and expenses, and plenty of other hassles that are sometimes too much to handle on what is supposed to be a vacation.
You might not be aware, though, that minutes from the Vegas Strip are hotels and casinos around the city, and some of them don’t sacrifice any of the quality, service, and amenities that their Strip counterparts do. In fact, many say they are better.
We’ve broken out four of the best off-strip casinos in Las Vegas that you probably should consider for your next trip. Trust us: the Strip is only a short ride away if you really want to visit.
Red Rock Casino: Summerlin’s Award-Winning Icon
“A room with a view.” In Vegas, that usually means a view of the Strip. At Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Summerlin, that means the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Red Rock sits on the northwest side of town in Summerlin where the edge of town meets the beginning of the mountains. It’s roughly ten miles west of the Strip.
If you’re a nature lover, a ten-minute drive takes you to serenity. What better way to wake up than to walk off your one-too-many drinks in the fresh air, surrounded by mountains?
Red Rock’s actual casino embraces their surroundings. You’ll find fountains and rock structures greeting you at the front entrance. The color scheme even reflects the red tints of the mountains, glowing from the reflection of the surrounding 3,000 slot and video poker machines on the casino floor.
Red Rock is also one of Summerlin’s best foodie destinations. The iconic Blue Ribbon Sushi has an indoor-outdoor location that we can’t recommend enough during the cooler spring and fall seasons.
And speaking of patios, T-Bones Chophouse has, in our humble opinion, one of the best patios in the city. Consider arriving early to your reservation and having a cocktail by their fireplace with the Red Rock Pool in the background.
Red Rock’s Iconic Pool Area
Which brings us to potentially the most iconic place at Red Rock: their pool. An Instagrammer’s paradise, the Red Rock pool boasts a four-acre oasis with fountains, cabanas, and poolside blackjack, if you get the itch.
This hotel and casino is no secret, though. It is a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award consecutively since opening. It’s also been named one of the world’s best new hotels by Condé Nast magazine on its prestigious “Hot List.”
Lastly, the Downtown Summerlin area next to Red Rock is booming. Get your shopping fix in, grab a bite, or hop across the street to Las Vegas Ballpark and watch a Las Vegas Aviators minor league baseball game. The ballpark is a visit in itself as it opened in 2019 and won awards including Minor League Ballpark of the Year.
Red Rock is undoubtedly the best hotel and casino in Summerlin and stacks up to any casinos on the Vegas Strip.
Palace Station: Brand New Everything, Minutes From the Strip
Vegas locals know Palace Station. That’s because, in 1976, it opened as “The Casino” and was positioned as the first casino catering to Las Vegas locals. Located on more than 38 acres just west of the Las Vegas Strip, Palace Station now caters to locals and visitors alike after a full $192 million renovation was undertaken in 2016 and completed in 2019.
You could almost say it’s one of the newest casinos in Vegas. Top to bottom, Palace Station is new. Here are just some of the recent renovations:
- Gaming area
- Cinebarre Movie Theaters
- Bingo room
- Poker room
- Pool area
- Hotel rooms
- Sports book
- Buffet, cafe, and other restaurants
What stayed the same? The quality of gaming offerings. Palace offers than 1,800 slot/video poker machines, 43 table games, a dedicated Asian Table Games Pit, and a 200-seat Race & Sports Book.
Palace Station: A Foodie Paradise
If you work up an appetite winning all that money, Palace Station is a foodie paradise.
New arrival is Boathouse. The casual Asian eatery offers an eclectic mix of Japanese and East Asian cuisine. They undoubtedly have one of the best happy hours in Vegas, too.
Palace Station Buffet offers an elevated buffet dining experience (check the reviews!) and the only overnight buffet in Las Vegas, perfect for those late-night munchies.
Some things were just too good to change, though. The intimate Charcoal Room stacks up to any Strip steakhouse. Little Tony’s offers quality Italian food and pizza at a great value. And locals and tourists alike will tell you that any visit to Vegas is not complete without waiting in line and experiencing Palace Station’s Oyster Bar. For the uninitiated: It’s not just about the oysters. Order the combo pan roast and thank us later.
Green Valley Ranch Casino: A Not-So-Hidden Gem in Henderson
Green Valley Ranch or “GVR” was the first boutique luxury resort built off the Las Vegas Strip. It’s the first to do off-strip luxury and do it well, with a AAA Four Diamond Award to its name. Many might know it as the “star” of the popular Discovery Channel reality program “American Casino” for three years. We just know it’s one impressive hotel and casino.
There’s plenty to see and do inside the casino but the real gem is GVR’s backyard. It’s a favorite spot of guests to grab the perfect photo by the pool or vineyard area. Take a walk outside; you’ll see what we mean.
Most of the 8-acre Backyard is taken up by the pool area, which features a true sand-bottom pool with 16 private outdoor cabanas and infinity-style pool edges. It’s as impressive as it sounds.
For those looking for a more luxurious hotel stay, there are more than 80 luxury suites in 10 styles. We personally like the Villa Suite, with a personal patio with a small pool that walks out into the even larger pool area in GVR’s backyard.
GVR: The Date Night Spot
GVR also features one of the best date night spots in Henderson. Hank’s Fine Steaks and Martinis is a four-diamond AAA rated steakhouse. It features live music in its bar area. And it is the only location in Henderson to serve the decadent Kobe beef.
If brunch is more your thing, Bottiglia Cucina is a bright and cheery spot for mimosas and shared plates. We can’t recommend the patio enough if the Vegas weather isn’t too warm.
With GVR being just minutes away from McCarran International Airport, it’s probably the most accessible hotel in Vegas for those flying in. It’s the perfect bet for those looking for a more relaxed Vegas Valley getaway.
Sunset Station: A Vacation Spot for Families to Do it All
Inspired by the look and feel of a Spanish Mediterranean village, Sunset Station Hotel & Casino is located on more than 98 acres in Henderson.
Families, this might be your spot. The AAA Three-Diamond rated hotel offers gaming, live concerts, special events, movie theaters, a bowling center and supervised childcare.
Of course, the main attraction at Sunset is gaming. More than 2,100 slot and video poker machines are at your disposal, along with 36 table games and a 300-seat Race & Sports Book.
Sonoma Cellar Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses in Henderson, with live music to play the soundtrack to your evening. We also recommend Pasta Cucina or Oyster Bar.
Families Get it All at Sunset Station
As we mentioned, this might be the best casino in Vegas to take the family. Between an outdoor pool area, a 13-screen multiplex and IMAX theater, a Kids’ Quest in indoor recreation area, and a 72-lane bowling facility, there is plenty to see and do with the little ones staying inside the casino.
When you finally decide to venture outside Sunset Station, we recommend checking out Galleria Mall nearby. Another option the flourishing “Booze District” featuring a few industrial-style breweries and distilleries for your local drinking pleasure.
Where is your next Vegas destination?
We would love to hear from you. Where are you looking to book your next Vegas stay? Let us know on Twitter @stationcasinos. We’re happy to provide recommendations or answer any questions you might have. After all, there’s so much to do in this city. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the action off the strip.
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@WhereVegasEats Palace Station Hotel Sweepstakes Rules – July 2020
Station Casinos LLC Official Sweepstakes Rules: @WhereVegasEats Palace Station July 2020 Sweepstakes
Eligibility: To enter, you must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (green card). You must also successfully complete the registration form on this web page. Employees and directors of Station Casinos LLC (“Sponsor”), its parent, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, and advertising, promotion, or production agencies associated with this offering (and the IRS dependents, immediate family members and individuals residing in the same household as any of the foregoing persons) are not eligible. All applicable federal, state and local laws apply. By participating, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules (“Rules”). Void where prohibited.
How To Enter: During the sweepstakes giveaway period, participants are required to provide their name, follow @wherevegaseats, and a minimum of one (1) friends in the comments of the giveaway post located at Instagram.com/wherevegaseats. Participants can acquire additional entries by:
- Submitting an additional entry via comment and tag. One entry per tag. Tags are unlimited.
- Sharing a promotional message from @wherevegaseats via Instagram Story.
One (1) winner will be selected at random from the valid entries.
All fields must be completed. Incomplete submissions are void. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
As part of the entry process you may be given the option to choose to receive promotional messages from the Sponsor; however, your election to do so is optional and will not affect your chances of winning. No responsibility is assumed for illegible, lost, late, damaged, incomplete, misdirected, or stolen entries. Proof of transmission is not proof of receipt. Sponsor’s database computer is the official timekeeping device for the giveaway. Use of any macro, bot, script or other automated means to submit entries is prohibited. Each website entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the email account associated with the entry. An “authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person to whom the email address is assigned by an internet service provider, online service provider or other organization that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address.
Selection of Winner: One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing on or about July 31, 2020. Potential winner will be notified using the contact information supplied at time of entry. No liability is assumed for any winner notification that is lost, intercepted or not received by a potential winner for any reason. Failure to respond to any winner notification within two (2) business days may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Potential winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility, liability/publicity release (where legal), and an IRS Form W-9. Failure to comply when requested may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. If potential winner is found to be ineligible, or if he or she has not complied with these Official Rules or declines a prize for any reason prior to award, such potential winner will be disqualified and an alternate winner may be selected. Sponsor reserves the right to require proof of identification, age, eligibility, and acceptance of these Official Rules from any potential winner prior to awarding a prize.
Prize/Odds: One (1) Grand Prize is available. Grand Prize is: One (1) two-night stay at Palace Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Blackout dates apply. Prize is non-transferable and no substitution by winner is allowed. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize or any component thereof for something of equal or greater value in the event the advertised prize or any components thereof becomes unavailable. Gift cards are subject to issuer’s standard terms. The prizes are not transferable, assignable or redeemable for cash. Any difference between advertised and actual values will not be awarded. The total Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the Grand Prize is $250 USD.
Odds: Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries.
Prize Conditions: Sponsor may conduct a background check to confirm eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules. By entering, you agree to cooperate reasonably with any such background check. Failure to cooperate may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. If a potential winner or potential guest has engaged in or does engage in any conduct that could damage the reputation or business of any sponsor, as determined by Sponsor in its discretion, the potential winner may be disqualified and the prize may be awarded to an alternate winner, time permitting. Each potential winner and potential guest must also comply with all requirements for proper and appropriate behavior during any prize-related activities or events. Any inappropriate behavior, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, may result in removal from any activity or event.
Entry Period: Sweepstakes open for entries date – July 20 at 12:01 a.m. PST.
Sweepstakes closed for entries date – July 24 at 11:59 p.m. PST.Drawing Date: July 25, 2020.
Prize: Sponsor or its affiliated company will choose one (1) prize winner at random from the valid entries. The winner will receive one (1) two-night stay at Palace Station Hotel & Casino on a date and time of the winner’s choosing. Sponsor reserves all rights to void a suggested date and/or time due to availability. Gratuity is not included and is the responsibility of the winner.
Redemption: Winner will be notified by Instagram Direct Message with prize redemption details. Valid identification (with proof that winner is at least 21 years of age) must be presented at the Palace Station Rewards Center location to redeem prize. Winner has 72 hours to reply by email to claim his or her prize or prize will be forfeited.
Rights: By entering the contest, entrants agree to have their submitted first name displayed on the Station Casinos LLC Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Pages and/or website, and used by Sponsor for any purpose, at any time, without any fee or other form of compensation. We reserve the right to disqualify users, without notice, and for any reason. Sponsor reserves all rights.
Data Collection/Privacy: Sponsor and its agencies collect information from you when you enter the Giveaway. Entering the Giveaway constitutes your permission to Sponsor to collect and maintain the data, and for Sponsor to connect with entrants for marketing purposes based on the opt-in fields chosen on the official entry form. The information collected is subject to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy at: https://www.sclv.com/Privacy.
Sponsor: Station Casinos LLC, 1505 S. Pavilion Center Drive, Las Vegas NV 89135.
Additional Rules:
- Any dispute not covered in these Official Rules will be resolved by management and their decision is final and binding to all participants.
- In the event that the Drawing System is inoperable or malfunctions, management reserves the right to cancel or postpone the drawing/promotion/event to a different time or day.
- Any and all applicable taxes required relating to the winning of any of the prizes are the sole responsibility of the participant. Participants with cumulative winnings over $600 for the year will receive a 1099. A Social Security number is required, per IRS, for winnings equal to or greater than $100 (Refer to http://www/irs.gov/ on the website).
- Management reserves the right to distribute additional entries at its discretion.
By participating in the promotion, participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decision of m Management will resolve any dispute or situation not covered by these Official Rules and that decision shall be final and binding on all participants.
- Sponsor reserves the right to change, cancel, or modify the terms of this promotion at any time at management’s sole discretion.
- Sponsor and any of its affiliated companies may exclude anyone from participating in the promotion for any or no reason, at management’s sole discretion. In the event of any conflict between this paragraph and any other language in these Official Rules, this paragraph shall control.
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5 Delicious Pastas In Las Vegas To Enjoy Any Time
There’s really no wrong way or day to eat pasta. Here are 5 favorites we love.
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GVR and Red Rock Pools Open for 2019 Season
This month kicks off 2019’s pool season, so we’ve rounded up our picks of where to go to beat this summer heat. Whether you want to relax or party our pools have everything from live entertainment, full-service cabanas, craft cocktails, and great food.
Green Valley Ranch
Whether you’re visiting our Las Vegas pool with a big group, or as a couple, cabana rentals are a great way to spend a sun-filled day. Whether lounging in the shade or in your own personal pool area, your family and friends will enjoy special services and amenities created to help play, or just relax, the day away. The Green Valley Ranch pool is open seven days a week and offers complimentary access for hotel guests & chairman guests. The pool is open from 9am – 8pm till September third. General Public can access the pool by purchasing a pool pass. Which is available seven days a week. $20 for Adults | $10 for Children (12 and under.)GVR Cabana Pricing & Amenities
- Personalized Cabana Host
- Dipping Pools
- Fresh Fruit Plate
- Two (2) Fiji Bottled Water & San Pellegrino Bottled Water
- Flat Screen TV
- Stereo System with outlets for Smartphone
- Ceiling Fan & Misters
- Sofa Seating
- Lounge Chairs
Full menu and bottle service are available upon request. Cabana rates are based on 8 – 10 people per cabana. Automatic Nevada sales tax 8.25% and 20% service charge applies. Book your cabana today by visiting our GVR pool website.
Daybeds
- Mon-Fri ($150 F&B Min)
- Sat-Sun ($250 F&B Min)
- Holiday ($350 F&B Min)
Cabanas
- Mon-Fri ($150 Rental)
- Sat-Sun ($250 Rental)
- Holiday ($450 Rental)
The Pond
The Pond is Green Valley Ranch’s adults-only pool. It hosts a DJ booth, private cabanas, and lounging areas. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 7pm. A live DJ every Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.- Daybeds ($100 F&B Min)
- Cabanas ($200 F&B Min)
- Holiday Daybeds ($150 F&B Min)
- Holiday Cabanas ($300 F&B Min)
General admission is free on Saturdays.
Starting May 25th the Pond will feature talented DJs every week as well as multiple giveaways. Look forward to prizes that could include Aviator Tickets, Buffet Vouchers, Concert Tickets, Hotel Stays, and much more. On top of our giveaways, we will have free swag given out throughout the day.
- May 25 – Dj Wellman
- June 1 – DJ Que
- June 8 – DJ Buza
- June 15 – Dj Cquel
- June 22 – DJ Que
- June 29 – Dj Wellman
- July 6 – Dj Buza
- July 13 – Dj CQuel
- July 20 – DJ Que
- July 27 – Dj Wellman
- August 3 – Dj Buza
- August 10 – Dj CQuel
- August 17 – DJ Que
- August 24 – Dj Wellman
- August 31 – Dj Buza
Sandbar Grille
The Sandbar Grille is a few steps away from the pool and offers excellent food, full bar, and specialty cocktails.- Friday, May 3rd – Monday, September 2nd: 10am-7pm Kitchen Hours, 10am-8pm Bar Hours
- Tuesday, September 3rd– End of Season: 10am-5pm Kitchen Hours, 10am-6pm Bar Hours
Red Rock Sandbar Pools
More than three acres are dedicated to the best Las Vegas hotel swimming pool at Red Rock Resort. Boasting 19 irresistible private cabanas and an island fountain, our sprawling pool area offers enough space and the right balance of ambiance for both pool parties and quiet relaxation. At the Sandbar, our poolside café, you can enjoy refreshing bites, cool cocktails and specialty drinks galore. Whether you’re a lounger, swimmer, cocktail sipper or tanner, the pool scene at Red Rock is sure to delight.Pools Summer Hours:Pool Hours of Operations will be 9am – 8pm dailyKitchen Hours: 10a-7pmDJ’s will perform Friday-Monday 11am-7pmReservations:- All reservations are made through our concierge teams cabana hotline 702-797-7873 or the pool towel hut daily 702-797-7665
- To check in for your cabana please visit towel hut.
- Cabana/Daybed check in is 9am to11am. After 11am all reservations will be forfeited if not confirmed. 18% Service Charge will be added to all Cabanas and Daybeds (excluding Comps)
Signature Cabana Rates- Mon-Fri: $250.00
- Sat-Sun: $500.00
- Holiday: $600.00
South. Cabana Rates- Mon-Fri: $200.00
- Sat-Sun: $400.00
- Holiday: $500.00
Casino Rates- Mon-Fri: $200
- Sat-Sun: $250
- Holiday: $300
Cabana Amenities:- Personalized Cabana Host
- Pastry Basket
- Fresh Fruit Plate
- Assorted Drinks
- Snack basket ( Assorted Candy, Pretzels, Nuts, Granola)
- TV
- LV Weekly Magazine
- Use of at least 2 luxurious, plush lounges
- Use of dipping pool
- Mister Unit
2019 Daybed Program
We have 10 Daybed nestled throughout the pool area available for daily rental. The daybed is opened structures which seat 2-4 people.Daybed Rates- Mon-Fri: $75.00
- Sat-Sun: $200.00
- Holiday: $250.00
Casino Rates- Mon-Fri: $50.00
- Sat-Sun: $150.00
- Holiday: $200.00
2019 Locals Programming (Non-Registered Hotel Guests)
$25 Adults / $10 Kids per day entrance admission – to be paid at the time of entrance at Main Towel Hut.
