3 Best Hotels in Center Strip, Las Vegas

This elaborately landscaped, pink, classic-era resort with a 15-acre pool complex (undergoing a major renovation at this writing) is still one of the best choices in town. GO rooms, with electronic window treatments and other high-tech touches, are downright stylish, and Fab Rooms feature vintage Las Vegas artwork. One-bedroom Cosmopolitan Suites are decorated in chocolate browns and hot pinks. Be sure to check out the on-site wildlife area, complete with a koi pond and, naturally, a flamboyance of Chilean flamingos. Two other big attractions: the 7,000-square-foot Pinky's by Vanderpump, and The LINQ Promenade—a retail, dining, and entertainment complex that's next door.

Rooms in The LINQ (which was briefly known as The Quad after a long stint as Imperial Palace) are small but are regularly renovated with a modern, clean design. The hotel offers self check-in, and has a convenient monorail stop. District 3 Poolside Cabana rooms have private patios and easy access to Caesars Forum, which is just across the street. The Spa at The LINQ offers eucalyptus steam rooms, sauna, and pool. The property's biggest attraction is The LINQ Promenade, a retail, dining, and entertainment district next door, which boasts Brooklyn Bowl and the High Roller (LINQ offers packages that include two High Roller tickets). Be sure to check out O'Sheas, a lively bar and casino within the main LINQ casino floor.

This low-key property is actually a hotel-condo, with beautiful suites that have efficiency kitchens, pull-out sofas, and lots of extra space. Because the suites are so big, they're perfect for large groups looking to shack up together during the visit to Vegas, and canine family members can be included. Each one has 50-inch digital flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speaker connectivity, and a media hub with ports for digital cameras, DVD players, and gaming consoles. Bathrooms aren't as spacious as they could be, but the built-in seat in the walk-in shower is a refreshing addition, and Stay Well rooms and suites are available. Because Vdara has a more laid-back vibe than ARIA, the Vdara Pool & Cabanas feels like a private swimming hole. You can order everything from sunscreen to tapas and made-to-order cocktails. This personal attention continues in the two-floor Spa at Vdara, where therapeutic European temperature changes are a specialty. The Vice Versa Patio & Lounge is hip and swanky; some locals actually go out of their way to visit here.