This hip resort, located half an hour from the Strip, boasts an impressive pool, notable spa, multiplex movie theater, and 72-lane bowling alley. Especially popular among families, this desert oasis offers some Vegas glamour -- but the glitz is set amid the natural glories of Red Rock Canyon, not neon and asphalt.

Tasteful but staid, this suburban Las Vegas property draws golfers (the area offers seven fine public courses), business conventioneers, wedding parties, locals hitting the casino, and a smattering of families. With its excellent spa, waterfall pool, and servicable restaurants, the JW Marriott is a tried-and-true, if unexciting, off-the-Strip resort.

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.

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.

Far from the Strip and other tourist attractions, Cancun is a family resort with lots of kid-friendly features -- and not much appeal for adults traveling without kids. Limited on-site dining means a lot of home-cooking in the large apartment-style villas. There's a spa and a fitness center, but the best feature is the large pool with a Mayan-style pyramid in the middle.