Green Valley Ranch is perfect for people who are coming to Las Vegas but don't want to be immersed in the city's round-the-clock vibe. Located about 20 minutes away in Henderson, just off the I-215 at Green Valley Parkway, this elegant resort provides a retreat far from the crowds -- yet it's still close to the Strip as well as in the vicinity of several golf courses, cultural attractions and wonderful shopping opportunities.
Green Valley Ranch is like an oasis in the desert. The resort sits on eight acres with lush landscaping. Its lobby has an elegant ambiance akin to European manor houses of centuries past. The 490 rooms and suites are located in an eight-floor tower that is removed from the busy casino for peace and quiet. All of the accommodations are sophisticated in style and atmosphere. Amenities include down comforters, coffeemakers, multiline speaker telephones, plush robes, separate showers and bathtubs, private bars and complimentary daily newspapers. Concierge service and 24-hour in-room dining are also available.
The hotel tower at Green Valley Ranch is situated by the stunning pools. One pool and Jacuzzi are for all guests to use. Other areas -- called The Pond and The Backyard, which has an incredible sand bottom -- are for VIPs and special events. Plus, this breathtaking outdoor deck features private cabanas, a poolside café and a Mediterranean-style lounge. Concerts and pool parties are often held in the spring and summer months.
Certainly a highlight of the resort is the variety of dining options. Expect the finest in gastronomy at Hank's, a steakhouse known for its impeccable service and high-quality prime cuts of beef. Italian cuisine is the specialty at Terra Verde. You'll find an array of homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas here. Enjoy a good dose of Far East flavors at Sushi + Sake and China Spice. Another favorite among guests is Tides Oyster Bar, where the seafood is fresh and served with New Orleans spirit. For more casual meals, stop by the Turf Grill, a wonderful burger joint, the Feast Buffet or the Grand Café, which is open 24 hours. Green Valley Ranch also has a fabulous selection of fast food outlets in a picturesque food court.
If you're not relaxed from all the food and sunbathing, then a visit to The Spa at Green Valley Ranch is a requirement. The facility is equipped with an indoor lap pool, a steam room and a gym. It offers a delightful menu of massages and body treatments -- like the Watermelon Sugar Scrub, an exfoliating treatment that's sure to leave you feeling refreshed!
Guests looking to add some energy and volume to their evenings will discover live entertainment and dancing in the Ovation Lounge, along with rollicking fun and lots to drink in Quinn's Irish Pub and the chic Drop Bar. There's also a 10-screen Regal Cinemas on the premises.
For gamblers, Green Valley Ranch is home to a spacious poker room, an action-packed race and sports book, more than 55 table games and 2,200 slot and video poker machines. For shoppers, The District at Green Valley Ranch, an outdoor, urban-style retail and dining complex, is just a few steps away.
Since Green Valley Ranch is off the beaten path, the resort provides a complimentary shuttle to guests. Service is offered to and from McCarran International Airport as well as Mandalay Bay on the Strip.
So when you want to avoid the hustle and bustle in Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranch will be your haven away from it all.
-- By Renée LiButti