There comes a moment for most Vegas visitors when the jingle jangle of a jackpot just jangles the nerves. But where can a person wanting peace find it along the famously boisterous Strip? This is, after all, the city that invented the walk-through-the-casino-first approach to bathroom placement. These four hotels, all on or near Las Vegas Boulevard, remarkably offer casino-free lobbies and soothing rooms for a truly restful night's sleep.
FOUR SEASONS LAS VEGAS
From $275; 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.fourseasons.com/lasvegas or 702/632-5000
In the Lobby. Old World glamour―think glossed marble and lots of swirls in gold and cream. Overheard (amid flurry of kissy-kiss greeting): "You look fabulous!""No, you look fabulous!"
Zen Factor. Hidden behind gardens at the Strip's south end; decor exudes elegance in a rich kind of way, and let's face it―there's something very calming about luxury.
Casino Alternative. Guests can check out the adjacent wave pool and river run at Mandalay Bay, then retreat back to the quieter Four Seasons pool (where Mandalay Bay guests can't follow).
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB
From $119; 2650 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.hilton.com or 702/765-8300
In the Lobby. You don't have to be a member of the Grand Vacations Club to stay here. Road-tripping families save cash with the kitchenettes.
Zen Factor. The family scene isn't always quiet and the location is at the far north end of the Strip, but the large rooms offer well-priced refuge.
Casino Alternative. Downstairs from the circular lobby, the activities room has air hockey, foosball, and pool tables.
RENAISSANCE LAS VEGAS
From $159; 3400 Paradise Rd.; www.renaissancelasvegas.com or 702/733-6533
In the Lobby. The nine-month-old hotel goes for tropical Zen chic, with tomato red and parsley green accents topping hardwood furniture.
Zen Factor. In the building's center, a glass-walled inner courtyard has a small pool and leafy potted plants; rooms are done in sedated retro colors.
Casino Alternative. Envy Steakhouse ($$$$) serves lunch and dinner and specializes in well-dressed meat and potatoes. Extensive wine list and creative cocktails available at the bar.
THEhotel
From $169; 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.mandalaybay.com or 877/632-7000
In the Lobby. Abstract squiggle art, black-lacquered wood, and diffused golden light give a glow to this new über-elite hotel on Mandalay Bay's 60-acre property.
Zen Factor. A separate entrance offers sanctuary from the Strip hubbub, though the the thing―THEcoffeebar and THEcafe too―dampens our mellow buzz just a bit.
Casino Alternative. On the 64th floor, Alain Ducasse's Mix ($$$$) offers tremendous views each evening in a white dining room with a curtain of glass baubles.
