OP here - booked red rock. Love that they have 'canyon view' rooms - I'm pretty over the strip. Cant wait. Thanks all!

The Platinum Hotel is very nice. All the rooms are huge suites, they're like big condos and the hotel prices are actually quite reasonable. It's only a block from the strip, but feels further, since Platinum has no gambling. If you're looking for a resort/spa experience this place may not be for you, but it's worth looking at. Also, I guess if you've never seen it you gotta check it out, but I'm wasn't overly impressed by the Hoover Dam. Sure it's an engineering marvel, but I think it's also an eyesore on what was once a beautiful landscape.

Anonymous wrote:Red Rock Casino and Resort has all sorts of great stuff onsite. There is a pool, huge movie theater, luxury bowling alley, and a bunch of different restaurants. You can take day trips to the Hoover Dam, the Ethel M Chocolate factory, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Meade.

Another vote for Red Rock Casino and Resort. The Hoover Dam is a great day trip, and you can horseback ride near Boulder City.

Red Rock Casino and Resort has all sorts of great stuff onsite. There is a pool, huge movie theater, luxury bowling alley, and a bunch of different restaurants. You can take day trips to the Hoover Dam, the Ethel M Chocolate factory, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Meade.

Recommend hiking at Valley of Fire State Park (Mouse's Tank, Rainbow Vista, Natural Arches, Balancing Rock etc.) and and the Hoover Dam tour http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/index.html
My aunt lived in Boulder City and we would see big horn sheep in her backyard!

Obama has stayed at the Green Valley Ranch (which looks nice) and Element, an eco-concious hotel near Mccarran airport...I'd go for something like the Red Rock Casino which is in the same area...or something offbeat like the Bonnie Springs. I'd like nice landscaping, rock formations, a spa, a really great pool and none of the low-rent scunge that you find all around Vegas.
The Mandalay Bay has a nice pool if you decide to go more mainstream.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/las-vegas/top-5-spa-experiences-las-vegas

omg the dam there has a tour that is AMAZING. Look up The Hoover Dam.

Anonymous wrote:green valley ranch

I second the GVR recommendation

green valley ranch

Red Rocks Casino is off the strip and near the hiking areas. Yes, it is a casino, but you don't have to go in for all that if you don't want.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is great for hiking about 15 or so miles west of the Strip. Springs Preserve has a botanical garden and state museum, and holds outdoor events. My favorite off-the-strip hotel is Red Rock.

Grand Canyon

I'm planning a weekend with an old friend. She lived on the west coast so Vegas is a really convenient spot but we are over the partying/gambling scene. I suspect there are places nearby that are more about the spa, pool and maybe hiking - any suggestions?