Travel Agent - July 7, 2008 - (Page 32)

DESTINATIONS LAS VEGAS VEGAS off the Strip There’s a whole other Vegas for visitors to explore BY GLENN HAUSSMAN Loews Lake Las Vegas offers a more serene view than the Strip WHILE THE LAS VEGAS STRIP TENDS TO GET THE HEADLINES, properties away from the center of gambling gravity are giving those famed mega resorts a run for their money. These resorts are full of the amenities vacationers want, but are also smaller in size and attract fewer people. That makes for a stay that, for many, is more relaxing and manageable. Expert Vegas-goers will appreciate the chance to see resorts they’ve never visited before, while newbies may prefer the more tranquil tempo and scaled-back atmosphere. Downtown Las Vegas has enjoyed a renaissance during the last few years. Fremont Street offers direct access to casinos, more than 60 restaurants, specialty shops and a wide variety of free entertainment. The highlight is Viva Vision, an amazing light show that takes place at night. Taking a trip to the other side of Las Vegas is a great way to have a memorable Vegas experience, but at a price that can be as little as half the one found center-Strip. 32 | TravelAgent July 7, 2008 Red Rock Near the resort’s namesake mountains, Red Rock (www.redrocklasvegas.com) is heavy on hip style and is the most expensive casino resort ever built on a per-room basis. It opened less than two years ago about 10 miles west of the airport. The 800-plus rooms feature such amenities as a 42-inch, high-definition plasma TV, Bose sound system with iPod connectivity, in-room martini bar and 15-inch LCD TV in the bathroom. Gourmands can enjoy Red Rock’s nine restaurants, including such specialties as barbecue, Japanese, Mexican and Italian. There is also a food court, 16-screen movie theater, 25,000square-foot spa, 72-lane bowling alley and the Rockwell Group-designed Cherry nightclub. For more information, call 866-767-7773. try-western themed alternative to the Strip featuring 650 rooms and suites. A glass-enclosed atrium called Mystic Falls Park features waterfalls, live trees and birds. It’s also home to an extensive western wear shop, movie theater, food court, 100,000-square-foot casino and an RV park. Travel agents can submit their number right through the hotel’s online reservation system for commission eligibility. Call 702-4508300 for more property information. Green Valley Ranch Located in neighboring Hendersonville, the Green Valley Ranch (www.greenvalleyranch resort.com) is a 400-room casino resort that opened in 2001 and saw a $110 million renovation last year. The property is Mediterranean in style, featuring exposed stone walls, ornate vaulted ceilings and mosaic floors. The pool area, known as the Backyard, combines Vegas chic with a vineyard vibe. This CONTINUED ON PAGE 39 Sam’s Town About a 10-minute drive from the Strip, Sam’s Town (www.samstownlv.com) is a coun- http://www.redrocklasvegas.com http://www.greenvalleyranchresort.com http://www.greenvalleyranchresort.com http://www.samstownlv.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - July 7, 2008

Travel Agent - July 7, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Europe: History and a Scenic Landscape Define Normandy Pacific/Asia: Kuala Lumpur Offers Luxury Shopping and Hotels Hawaii: Honolulu’s Nightlife is as Dazzling as its Sunshine Canada: VIA Rail Offers a New Way to Enjoy the Great North Las Vegas: Hotels and Casinos Away From the Strip Florida: Hilton Daytona Beach Offers Budget-Friendly Packages Central & South America: Panama is Poised to Become a Hot Destination Mexico: The ME Cancún Targets an Upscale Clientele Caribbean: Maxim Opens a New Resort in Puerto Plata The Latest News and Notes from Dominica Cruises: A CLIA Study Offers Good News About Cruising Cartagena and Santa Marta Offer Two Different Sides of Columbia Cover Story: Wendy Goodenow Industry In Crisis: A New Report Offers a Gloomy Forecast for the Airline Industry Hotels: Prince Edward Island Celebrates Anne of Green Gables EZGuider: Vacation.com Launches a New Platform Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Opinion Consortia Can Be An Agent’s Best Friend MLT Expands Roles and Offerings Malaysia Continues Agent Push In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - July 7, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.