Silverton Description

Explore the non-stop action of Vegas from the warm comforts of the Silverton, where you'll find a down-home, welcoming atmosphere embodied in lodge-like surroundings.

The Silverton is the resort of choice for visitors who want a Sin City experience, but not necessarily the Strip location. It's set on a quieter block southwest of Las Vegas Boulevard off the I-15 at Blue Diamond Road, but still within a 10-minute drive to all of the action. Free shuttle service (call the hotel directly for reservations) is provided to and from McCarran International Airport and The Forum Shops at Caesars as well.

The Silverton offers a more intimate, relaxed stay than you'll find in the city's megaresorts. Its architecture features soaring ceilings and wood accents, which appeal to outdoor enthusiasts -- as does Bass Pro Shops, a beloved Midwestern chain. The entrance from the hotel into the two-story, 165,000-square-foot store is flanked by towering waterfalls. Reminiscent of an 1800s-style Adirondack hunting lodge, Bass Pro Shops houses everything related to fishing, boating, camping, golf and open-air recreation. There's even a 40,000-gallon aquarium where fishing lessons are conducted, along with archery and shooting ranges.

Guests at the Silverton sleep amid rustic, mountain-inspired charm with modern amenities. Each of the 300 spacious rooms has luxurious bedding, a desk and a flat-screen TV. Wireless internet is available. Plus, you are always just steps away from the expansive casino floor -- there's no long elevator ride or half-mile sprint needed to reach all the goings-on.

The main attraction at the Silverton is the circular 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. People are always gathered around it, mesmerized by the exotic fish -- from leopard sharks and stingrays to parrotfish and triggerfish. Colorful coral and seasonal decorations, like giant pumpkins in autumn, adorn the tank. Visitors can catch free shows here that include twice-daily feedings and live mermaid swims. Although there are plenty of benches, chairs and nooks around the aquarium (in addition to the Mermaid Cove Art Gallery, where you can purchase paintings of mermaids by Will Comier), the nearby Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge boasts elevated seating paired with an affordable, undersea-themed menu.

The Silverton's dining scene holds many other delicious delights. Sink your teeth into a succulent cut of meat in the contemporary atmosphere of the Twin Creeks Steakhouse. Enjoy Mexican specialties while surrounded by colorful lights at the Mi Casa Grill Cantina. Devour upscale café fare in the Sundance Grill, which also has a yummy gelato stand. Or savor every tasty bite in the resort's revered buffet. Seasons, which is dubbed "a live action buffet," has six different cooking stations. Along with varied preparations of steak, poultry and seafood, visitors will delight in themed Polynesian, surf and turf, and barbecue nights.

If you're more interested in whetting your whistle than your appetite, there are several hip bars at the Silverton. The Shady Grove Lounge is situated in a quaint corner next to a vintage 1950s Airstream trailer where you can go bowling. The Flare Bar, near the parking garage, has an ultra lounge vibe, thanks to 260 custom-made color-changing light fixtures -- but it doesn't have the pricey VIP/bottle service fees.

During the summer the Sway Pool & Lounge is the place to soak up the sun. Specialty cocktails (like the pomegranate mojito) are served at the small yet stylish dipping pool, which is surrounded by cabanas, daybeds and a hot tub.

If you desire a laid-back Vegas vacation -- where you're close to the action...but not too close to it -- then make tracks for the Silverton.

-- By Renée LiButti