A half-hour from the Strip, Ravella is a haven for vacationers and business travelers who prefer the beauty of Lake Las Vegas and the Nevada desert to the glitz of Vegas. With luxurious, understated rooms, an elegant Tuscany-inspired setting, an award-winning spa, and impeccable service, the hotel serves as a relaxing retreat.

This resort may be wedged between two major highways and a shopping mall in suburban Las Vegas, but it's a stunner. With an awesome sand-bottom pool, clean and elegantly furnished guest rooms, impressive casino, a great spa, and a movie theater, Green Valley Ranch is suburban glam to the max -- and under 20 minutes from the Strip.

A gorgeous, upscale, lakeside resort 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Luxurious in its details, from the in-room amenities to the fireplaces by the stunning lake-view terrace. Recreational options include two sprawling pools, a full-service spa, a fancy fitness center, and a tennis court. The service is excellent, but the dining is limited.

Opened in 2009, this beautiful, relaxing, 390-room resort is 10 miles from Strip, but offers the swanky rooms, a pool scene, and a casino that rival those of the Strip's best hotels -- not to mention the attentive service. Hey, in spite of the location, at least you've got a limited shuttle service to the strip, and even one to the airport.

About 30 minutes from the buzz and bustle of the Strip, this no-frills hotel features apartment-style guest rooms, lovely views of the desert mountains and the man-made Lake Las Vegas -- and more affordable rates than the neighboring Loews Hotel. Ideal for the traveler more interested in exploring the outdoors than a casino or mall.

It's not fancy, but it does have a pool, Jacuzzi, and proximity to some nearby franchise restaurants and even a few casinos. Located in a suburb of Las Vegas -- about 30-minutes away from the Strip -- the 127 guest rooms at the Comfort Inn are a fine choice, so long as you're intentionally visiting Henderson.

Located in the suburban city of Henderson, about a 20-minute drive (or a free hotel shuttle) from the sights and attractions on the Strip, this quiet Courtyard by Marriott is a clean, comfortable hotel with a nice pool and free Wi-Fi, but it's not an ideal vacation destination.

Immediately surrounded by a 7-Eleven, salon, and fast-food pizzeria, this 134-room Hampton Inn is in the suburb of Henderson, about a 20-minute drive from the Strip. It's quiet and comfortable and a fine choice if you're intentionally visiting Henderson, but it is not a popular vacation destination.

Immediately surrounded by a sports bar, the Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital, and a gas station, this 99-room Wingate by Wyndham hotel is in the suburb of Henderson, about a 20-minute drive from the Strip. It's quiet and comfortable and a fine choice if you're intentionally visiting Henderson, but it is not a popular vacation destination.

All 145 guest rooms are a bit outdated -- old, tube TVs with VHS players -- but they each include a full kitchen and a great bed. And though this Hilton-owned hotel is 20 minutes from the Strip, there are still restaurants and bars within walking distance and the Green Valley Ranch casino is just a short drive away.