Harrah’s Lake Tahoe is an upper-middle-range casino hotel that’s been around since the ‘50s, conveniently located close to restaurants, a ski resort, and Lake Tahoe. It’s gone through renovations and remodels since, but many common spaces remain a bit dated here, like the carpeted fitness room. There’s plenty to keep travelers occupied here, including the large casino and nice indoor/outdoor pool. A spa offers a wide menu of treatments, plus there varied dining options, ranging from a buffet to an upscale restaurant specializing in steak and seafood. A nightclub, music venue, and cigar lounge offer late-night entertainment. The 512 rooms range from those with tasteful contemporary decor, to spaces that are traditional and outdated. However, they’re all spacious and come with two bathrooms, plus amenities like flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, but Wi-Fi costs extra. It’s worth comparing rates with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, which has modern rooms and an outdoor heated pool.

There’s a ton of fun to be had at the mid-range Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe that’s located just across the Nevada state line from the Heavenly Ski Resort. The 539-room hotel caters to a younger crowd with a upbeat rock theme, casino, and multiple restaurants and nightclubs including a live music venue. The large outdoor pool features bar service and private cabanas, and there’s event space for up to 700 people. Rooms are comfortably sized and brightly decorated, and upgraded rooms and suites have balconies with lake views. But standard rooms don’t include coffeemakers or mini-fridges, and reviews of housekeeping and upkeep are mixed. Rates are competitive and comparable with the nearby MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, but a daily resort fee is charged here.

The oldest of the South Shore's casino hotels, the upper-middle-range Harveys has 740 rooms and suites, eight cafes and restaurants, a concert venue, and an on-site casino. The space is large, noisy, and institutional, with contemporary but generic rooms that could do with a bit of refurbishment. The location in the heart of the South Shore is an undeniable plus, but the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa just down the road has much nicer rooms.

One of three big casino hotels just over the Nevada state line, the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa attracts casino-goers throughout the year as well as people who want easy access to the nearby Heavenly Ski Resort. The 437 rooms and suites here at are clean and bright, and the indoor pool with its own artificial waterfall is a highlight. There are also a casino, a spa, and a handful of restaurants, and the hotel is perhaps a tiny bit quieter than Harveys and Harrah's, the other two properties on the same strip.

This beautiful, relaxing 390-room resort is 10 miles from Strip, but offers modern, swanky rooms; a pool scene; and a 92,000-square-foot casino that rival those of the Strip's best hotels -- not to mention the attentive service. To offset the somewhat isolated location, M Resort offers a free (but limited) shuttle service to the Strip, and even one to the airport. In this price range, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa offers a comparable suburban Vegas experience. 

A gorgeous, upscale, lakeside resort 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Luxurious in its details, from the in-room amenities to the fireplaces by the stunning lake-view terrace. Recreational options include two sprawling pools, a full-service spa, a fancy fitness center, and a tennis court. The service is excellent, but the dining is limited.

Immediately surrounded by a 7-Eleven, salon, and fast-food pizzeria, this 134-room Hampton Inn is in the suburb of Henderson, about a 20-minute drive from the Strip. It's quiet and comfortable and a fine choice if you're intentionally visiting Henderson, but it is not a popular vacation destination.

The mid-range Holiday Inn Express Denver-Northeast is the most popular hotel in the small Denver suburb of Brighton. Although it’s not a hot area for much of anything besides the Platte Valley Medical Center and some big stores, the hotel offers modern rooms, a popular free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking, and a nice indoor pool. Unlike most hotels of its caliber, rooms have perks like iHome consoles.

It's not fancy, but it does have a pool, Jacuzzi, and proximity to some nearby franchise restaurants and even a few casinos. Located in a suburb of Las Vegas -- about 30-minutes away from the Strip -- the 127 guest rooms at the Comfort Inn are a fine choice, so long as you're intentionally visiting Henderson.

Located in the suburban city of Henderson, about a 20-minute drive (or a free hotel shuttle) from the sights and attractions on the Strip, this quiet Courtyard by Marriott is a clean, comfortable hotel with a nice pool and free Wi-Fi, but it's not an ideal vacation destination.