Green Valley Ranch Resort, Las Vegas

Most people think Las Vegas is either old town Glitter Gulch on Freemont Street or else the themed fantasy hotels on a large scale along the world famous Strip. But for those who want a more laid back pampered vacation, there are resort properties away from the Strip that offer a most pleasant respite from hectic
city life.

Who knew you could find beauty a short drive just outside Las Vegas’ main drag? And trust me, it’s a whole world away. One of the newer resorts is the Green Valley Ranch Resort, and you won’t regret a getaway visit to this oasis in the desert. The reason I love this resort is for the sun, the dry air, the mountains, the palm trees. It is so relaxing. I mean, I get here and I just go “ahhh.” You can see the strip from the hotel – it’s less than a ten minute drive, but being here is 1000 miles away on the “ahhh” scale.

Now, this could be the desert oasis the original settlers were talking about, just take a look at the many pools! That’s real sand over there, can you beat that for entertaining the kids! Green Valley Ranch Resort opened 2001 and since then, has gone through many expansions and growth. Most recently adding a new sports bar, state of the art poker room, new restaurants and their show room Ovation, where you can whoop it up in the evenings.
Talk about relaxing. I dropped my bags and headed straight to the spa to unwind. Candles glow against a wall of water, which quietly splashes down, setting the mood. And the spa menu sounds good enough to eat! How ‘bout a brown sugar body scrub, a green tea seaweed ginger root wrap followed by some vanilla finishing cream?

Hmmm…how about room service? That’s okay if you are tired and don’t feel like dressing, but the hotel makes sure they have something for everybody when it comes to dining. They have 8 restaurants in all. Their 4-diamond restaurant, Hanks Steakhouse, features over 30 signature martinis and steaks, has a wonderful décor. It’s a very intimate setting with crystal chandeliers and a glass wall of wine to choose from.

The newest restaurant is Tera Verde, an Italian restaurant with something for everybody. They also have Tides Oyster Bar, with fresh fish delivered daily. Then there’s China Spice, their Chinese offering, and that has a Japanese sushi bar attached to it, so they’ve got Asian cuisine covered! Of course, there’s a traditional coffee shop and a buffet hall, so they’ve got something for everybody. There’re so many restaurants, you don’t have to go anywhere, and most people stick around for the chance to win big in one of 7 casinos.

The seven gambling halls feature all the popular table card games, and they’ll even teach how to play in special clinics in the mornings. The slots are state of the art with all kinds of ways to win and themes. Add to that the beautiful décor and full bar service and there really is no need to go anywhere else to take a chance on that fortune! Just remember to save enough to get home!

Now, if you aren’t willing to risk your life’s savings, but you still want some fun, grab a cocktail and then flaunt your stuff on the dance floor, cuz there’re live bands performing nightly in the night club and great sounds in the disco. Should you tire from shaking it up on the dance floor take time for a breath of fresh air outside around the patios. The beach pool area, cabañas, and patio take on an air of romance with soft lighting and the ceiling of stars. Even the European spa pool looks inviting, it’s the perfect place for a private romantic interlude for two!

Probably one of the nicest things about Green Valley Ranch Resort is that it’s actually closer to the airport than going to the Las Vegas strip. You’re just a short drive away without all the hustle and bustle, you get here you’re in a true resort like setting with 490 rooms they’re really able to cater to everybody’s whims. It’s a great way to get away and relax and enjoy the setting. Green Valley ranch offers many standard rooms and 70 suites with 10 different styles. The furnishings are charming, each with its own style and charm.

The bathrooms are a real treat, as well, with full spa toiletries provided on marble topped vanities surrounded by Italian tile, separate tubs and showers. If you don’t make it to the spa, you can treat yourself to a luxurious bath right in your room.

In many of the suites, there will be sitting rooms, dining rooms and a lovely patio or terrace, complete with fireplace and teakwood furniture. You can sip on a cocktail or champagne with the embers glowing or enjoy a room service meal in privacy on your little terrace.

All rooms have a coffee maker, ironing board, high speed internet, a great in-room safe that assures your valuables are most secure yet handy when you need them. Full channel TV, an I-pod station with Bose sound system will keep you up on your favorite dramas and downloaded music, so everything is right there at your fingertips.

And, you are often greeted with a few special treats and sweets in the better suites, as well. You might just find chocolate covered strawberries in season and a glass of champagne awaiting you. When you are ready to slumber, there is turn down service nightly; the staff lay out your robe and slippers for you. I could just melt down on those pillows and cuddle under the soft down coverlets. Here’s to sweet dreams!

Aah, and you simple awaken to sunshine, a lovely breakfast, a therapeutic spa treatment and play time in one of the pools. Followed by lounging in one of the cabañas, then, off for a game of chance, lovely dinner and more exciting nightlife. Who could ask for anything more? A sultry oasis just off the Strip, Green Valley Ranch Resort is a haven for visitors coming to Vegas to really get away from it all. Chocolate covered strawberry, anyone?