Travel
Viva Las Vegas (with Kids) The city has a lot going on but we managed to visit and have one of the most chill trips ever By Donna LaDD
I
grew up on the West Coast where visiting Las Vegas frequently is the norm for many Californians. My parents, once all the kids were finally out of the door, retired to this desert oasis. I have lost count how many times I have flown into this neon city. I spent my 21st birthday here, many New Years, walked the strip into the wee hours, and the rest — well what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, baby. On a recent trip to California and in the spirit of packing in as many friend and family visits as possible, the kids and I took a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Since I had my kids with me this trip, I was looking for a more family-friendly visit to Vegas. I wanted to stay off the beaten path yet not too far from the strip. We chose the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, which is 10 miles from downtown and about a 20-minute drive from the strip. Red Rock Hotel and Casino My youngest is easily overstimulated. The hotels in Las Vegas are famously large, and I was seeking something a bit manageable so he would not be too overwhelmed. Although I would not call Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa a boutique hotel, it has 800 rooms, so it is smaller than most Vegas hotels. My older sister also join us on this trip, so we needed enough space for us all. We stayed in their Signature Suite, which was quite spacious, and after a long day out and about, we would lounge on the couch and watch a movie and eat popcorn. Not what you would picture as a wild night in Las Vegas but perfect for our family. With Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, you can have either city views or picturesque views of the canyon. Luckily we had the mountainside, which was breathtaking. It is a bit funny to travel to a city known for being wild, but at this hotel, we felt chill and relaxed. The room We stayed in a one bedroom with double beds that was again quite spacious. If you’re looking to save money by staying in one bedroom, a cot can be sent up to your room.
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New York Family | November 2019
The backyard of the red rock Hotel and Casino features a dizzying choice of pools. We received an extra bed within ten minutes that was the size of a twin bed and super comfy. The Egyptian Cotton sheets on all the beds were scrumptious. The bathroom was roomy and had a deep soaking tub that my kids were obsessed with, along with more views of those gorgeous Red Rock mountains. The fine print Although the mini bar had an excellent selection of drinks and snacks for both kids and adults, our family rule is we stay away from the mini-fridge. We instead went to a Trader Joe’s nearby at the Downtown Summerlin Mall, which was about a sixminute walk from the hotel and stocked up on snacks and milk for the kids that we kept at the wet bar that was adjacent to the foyer of our suite. And yes, it’s Vegas people, of course, there is an in-room wet bar! We probably saved about $100 just by stocking up on our own snacks.
So many pools! There are nine pools located within Red Rock’s three acres. Yes, nine! The largest called the Sandbar Pool is surrounded by smaller pools with many only a few feet deep and perfect for kids. The area can accommodate many people and is surrounded by bars and cabanas, but the kids were totally welcomed with the lifeguards keeping an eagle eye on them the entire time. Where to eat There are many dining offerings at the resort, including fine dining options. And Vegas isn’t Vegas without a buffet. The Feast Buffet seemed to always have a dedicated line and is one of the resort’s most popular restaurants. There are also two Starbucks to service your coffee needs. Our favorite restaurant was Blue Ribbon Sushi, and it wasn’t lost on us that this restaurant first originated in New York. The wait staff was tremendously friendly and accommodating of