The Border House at Crystal Bay is a boutique 10-room hotel attached to a small casino. The rather plain exterior of the hotel gives way to spacious, somewhat luxurious rooms -- the decor features a mix of stylish modern furnishings and more ornate traditional elements, but with stone-clad floor-to-ceiling fireplace hearths and ceilings painted the same color as the walls, rooms can feel a bit cave-like. The gas fireplaces are nice elements though, especially during chilly winter months, as are the large flat-screen TVs and huge chromotherapy tubs. The restaurant and lounge are popular spots, as is the professional stage that hosts many well-known bands throughout the year. Perhaps because of that (and the casino, of course) this hotel is more about the nightlife -- those wanting a pool or outdoor-centric activities, including ski-in/ski-out access, should look elsewhere.

The 2,163-room South Point is a huge upper-middle-range suburban hotel for those looking to be a little away from the frenzy of The Strip, but close enough to visit all the attractions offered there. The property is a self-contained resort with everything one could ever need on a trip to Vegas, including 11 restaurants, a pool, a large casino, a huge bowling alley, and even a movie theater and an equestrian center. Rooms are large and comfortable, but decor is a tad bland, and the cheapest units overlook a parking lot. This mellower version of Vegas is popular among locals, families and older couples, but travelers seeking to be closer to the party scene may want to compare rates with the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

Opened in December 2008, the 2,034-room Encore At Wynn Las Vegas is a luxury property on The Strip that’s all about pure opulence, from its impressive interiors to its decadent spa to the array of restaurants, gaming tables, and several attractive pools -- including a European-style pool with topless sunbathing. The giant suites are some of the biggest on the Strip (starting at 745 square feet!) and one-up even the Wynn's (Encore's next-door sister), plus they're decked out with modern amenities and luxurious marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers. Two nightclubs regularly host top DJs, while shows at the Encore Theater are also popular. There are a luxe casino and adjacent golf course as well. It all comes at a price though -- rates are high, as are food and drink at any of the venues, plus there are daily resort fees added (typical for Vegas). The Italian-inspired Venetian is a family-friendly alternative with lower rates, gondola rides, and faster access to the southern end of the Strip.

Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is a budget-friendly three-pearl property whose 1,149-foot tower offers stunning Las Vegas views. Its 2,427 rooms are tired and worn, and feature flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, though the free Wi-Fi is slow. No doubt, the hotel’s iconic tower is a top draw with its bar and adrenaline-fueled thrill rides. Other features include two outdoor pools with hot tubs, a fitness center, spa, Starbucks, and comedy and music shows. The hotel’s dark and sprawling casino includes table games, slots, and a sports and race book. Stratosphere’s multiple dining options include a steakhouse, Italian, Mexican, and fast food, but only get mixed reviews. Travelers looking for something a bit more fresh and modern, plus tasty restaurants and a downtown location, should consider the California Hotel and Casino.

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.

The Baymont Inn & Suites, away from the Strip, is an affordable, mid-range, chain option offering a free hot breakfast buffet and a heated indoor pool. The 110 rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi (some have microwaves and mini-fridges) and there’s an outlet mall with several casual dining choices across the street. Guests looking to stay on the Strip for a similar price may want to check out Excalibur, a medieval-themed hotel and casino with four pools and a waterslide.

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.

With 176 one- and two-bedroom units with living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms, Cliffs at Peace Canyon is a residential-style property attracting mostly couples and families. It’s near Red Rock Canyon and about a 20-minute drive to the Strip, and there are several golf courses in the vicinity. The mid-range property has a pretty outdoor pool area as well as four outdoor grills. There is a mandatory resort fee to cover Wi-Fi, use of the fitness center, and the shuttle to the Strip and airport. Guests may want to compare rates with Element Las Vegas Summerlin, an eco-friendly hotel with stylish rooms. 

The 161-room Tahiti Vacation Club is a mid-range, somewhat worn-down time-share hotel with a wide range of amenities, about 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Offering a quieter, less party-driven place to vacation, it draws families and those less inclined to gamble. The hotel's rooms -- studios with kitchenettes, or one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens -- are spacious and comfortable, if a bit dated in style, and good for the self-reliant guest. The hotel has two "sand beach" pools, open 24 hours a day, and a hot tub, as well as a small fitness center, a game room, a lounge, and a (rather unimpressive) free continental breakfast. The Tahiti theme borders on kitschy, but the hotel's offerings are substantial. Note that there's a daily resort fee.