vegas paradise hotels

Kayaking, mountain biking and horseback riding are not the typical activities one associates with a trip to Las Vegas. Then again, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa is not the typical Las Vegas hotel.

Just minutes from the dramatic red cliffs of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, as well as the exciting action of the Las Vegas Strip, no other resort in Las Vegas capitalizes on its location quite like Red Rock. Along with all the amenities of a highly-rated hotel and casino, this contemporary desert retreat also offers an Adventure Spa program with outdoor activities including river rafting and guided hikes.

"We take advantage of the natural beauty of Red Rock," said Ronan O'Gorman, the resort's vice president and general manager. "You can't be in a guest room or within the property and not understand and feel Red Rock's presence visually right next to you."

Opened in April 2006 by Station Casinos, Inc., Red Rock is a high-end, boutique-style property, similar to its sister property, Green Valley Ranch. From its flowing design and unique architecture to its flawless incorporation of state-of-the-art technology, the 2008 AAA Four Diamond Award-winning resort rivals many of the major resorts on the Strip, while also maintaining its local appeal.

"We have all the amenities of a Station Casino, but in a luxury setting," said O'Gorman. "Our out-of-town guests are people who have traveled to Las Vegas many, many times. They've been there, they've done that. They want something completely different."

LCD screens scattered throughout Red Rock display ads and restaurant menus, while modern light fixtures brighten the 87,000-square-foot casino floor. Tiled pathways surrounding the gaming areas provide a clear cut route to the many hot spots within this red-hot spot.

The design also reflects the natural beauty of the area, incorporating materials like marble, onyx, wood, red patent crocodile leather and red sandstone indigenous to Red Rock Canyon. There are more than 3.1 million Swarovski and Preciosa crystals (measuring 99 miles) throughout the resort.

The property features more than 800 guest rooms and suites, as well as seven penthouse-level suites. Even the standard guest room at Red Rock is anything but -- O'Gorman goes as far to say that they "are probably some of the best rooms, if not the best rooms, in all of Las Vegas."

Every room boasts breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows, either of the Las Vegas Strip or of Red Rock Canyon. Luxury linens, two flat screen televisions, wireless internet access and an iPod docking station are among the conveniences available to guests, while the marble bathrooms include both a deep soaking tub and a separate shower.

Red Rock's separate resort entrance allows those staying at the hotel to avoid dragging their suitcases through the busy casino. Tinted red glass doors add a glamorous hue to the lobby, where there's a 32-foot-long crystal chandelier.

The centerpiece of the property is the 3-acre pool complex, which was designed like a theater-in-the-round. Its central location allows for balcony views from several of the property's restaurants, Cherry Nightclub and even the convention space.

Along with the nightclub, guests can also grab a drink at Onyx or Lucky bars and listen to live music in Rocks Lounge. Dining spans the globe with more than 10 restaurants, including the Italian food of Terra Rossa, the Japanese fusion of Hachi, the Mexican spices at Cabo Cantina or a bit of everything at the Feast Buffet.

Red Rock is also family friendly, with several options for young tourists such as a 16-screen movie theater and an arcade. The 72-lane bowling center, Red Rock Lanes, features state-of-the-art equipment and a contemporary design, including a special VIP area and carpet that glows in the dark when it's time for Cosmic Bowling.

For those who want a little rest and relaxation, take an intimate retreat with a body treatment at The Spa at Red Rock. The spa offers a full-service salon, fitness center, lap pool, movement studio and boxing rings, as well as the adventure spa program.

"It's a sophisticated property for those discriminating guests who want something a little bit different, but still want everything Las Vegas has to offer," said O'Gorman. "At Red Rock we attempt to be everything for everybody."

-- By Aleza Freeman