Casino-Free Zones
by Guy Penrose
Shown at left: A room in the Four Seasons
Even though you love coming to Las Vegas for the action, and the lights and the sound of fun, do you ever wish you could just have a little respite from all the excitement? Maybe just to recharge your batteries and get a little peace and quiet?
There are a number of hotels, on or near the Strip that you could consider “casino-free zones” and which still offer excellent services in addition to a good night’s sleep. Here are a few of our favorites:
Four Seasons: Always world-class service no matter where you find a Four Seasons Hotel. This one shares the building with Mandalay Bay, but has its own entrance and its own elegant lobby. The gardens are lovely and the décor exudes elegance and luxury. Four Seasons also has its own private swimming pool where you can leave the boisterous party crowd behind. 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South; www.fourseasons.com/lasvegas ; (702) 632-5000.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club: You don’t have to be a time-share participant to stay here. Rooms are available to paying guests as well. One nice thing about the Hilton Grand Vacations Club are the kitchenettes – great for families on a budget. Note: Since this is a favorite of families, there is a noise of a different type here. If you don’t like kids, this probably isn’t the place for you. 2650 Las Vegas Blvd. South; www.hilton.com ; (702) 765-8300.
Signature at MGM Grand: The Signature towers stand guard on the north side of the MGM Grand, and have covered walkways connecting them with the resort. This is another of the many new “condo-hotels” which offer luxury hotel services to paying guests. Here, you can escape to your own private retreat while staying in the center of all the action. 145 E. Harmon Avenue; www.signaturemgmgrand.com ; (877) 612-2121.
Renaissance Las Vegas: Think “tropical Zen”. Tomato Red and Parsley Green accents. If that makes you hungry, this is also the home of Envy Steakhouse. Renaissance Las Vegas is off the Strip (on Paradise Road) but sits near a monorail station. A nice place to get away from it all. 3400 Paradise Road; www.renaissancelasvegas.com ; (702) 733-6533.
THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay: This ultra-modern hotel, full of black marble, black-lacquered wood, and low light is certainly easy on the eyes. You can enter through its own doors from the parking garage, or through a long hall from near Mandalay Bays raucous Sports Book. Either way, the contrast will amaze you as you enter this den of quiet grace. For a bird’s-eye-view of the Strip, pay a visit to the restaurant, Mix, on the 64th floor. 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South; www.mandalaybay.com ; (877) 632-7000.
Venezia: This is the non-gaming hotel located in The Venetian – at the south end of the hotel. Venezia has its own elevators, its own private lobby, and its own beautiful courtyard and pool. Quiet Italian elegance is the name of the game here. 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.venetian.com ; (702) 414-1000. | 
