The Grandview at Las Vegas

The Grandview at Las Vegas appeals mainly to retirees who want to gamble in peace at the next-door South Point and families looking to take it easy with the extra space and full kitchens. Structured less like a hotel and more like an apartment complex, the huge property consists of nine sand-colored, twelve-story buildings named after desert flowers, separated by large parking lots. The lobby has ample patterned seating, wooden check-in desks lining most of the wall, and colorful photos of succulents. Interiors are filled with desert earth tones, while grounds are dotted with multiple pools and a smattering of palm trees. As expected of time-share properties, expect pushy sales pitches. 

The hotel is next to South Point Hotel and Casino, right off Las Vegas Boulevard South, which turns into the famous Strip about 10 minutes up. Apart from the gambling, dining, movie theater, and bowling alley within South Point, there aren't any attractions within walking distance. Though the Strip seems to be stretching ever south, the central area is at least a $25 to $30 cab ride away. Alternatively, a hotel shuttle operates multiple times a day to take guests there and back, for a fee. McCarran International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

There are 1,516 one- and two-bedroom suites here varying widely in decor and condition. All suite have washer/dryers and full kitchens equipped with dishwashers, full-size refrigerators, microwaves, and older ovens and electric stovetops, along with small appliances such as coffeemakers and toasters. Styles differ between buildings depending on when they were last updated; for example, units in the Jasmine building have more moderns carpets and furniture, along with colorful area rugs that give them a contemporary look. Units in other buildings may look more dated, due to busy fabrics and chain furnishings. The large bedrooms have king-size beds and flat-screen TVs, while the apartment-style living spaces have four-person dining tables and chairs, along with queen-size sofa beds arranged around coffee tables and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is included with the resort fee. The bathrooms have dual vanities and walk-in showers, and all units have in-bedroom whirlpool tubs. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are also provided. Housekeeping is weekly, and only after a minimum stay, with extra housekeeping services available for a fee. 

The hotel complex has five gated pool areas, each with accompanying hot tubs. Most are small, but the main pool has a fun faux-rock waterfall, and another bristles with jets and colorful water features for kids. Also outside are barbecue grills alongside tables -- free to use -- and a small mini-golf course. There's a sizable indoor game room with arcade games, air hockey, ping-pong, and pool tables. A medium-size fitness center has a range of modern cardio equipment, a few weight-training machines, and wall-mounted flat-screens. There's no restaurant or bar, but a small deli has simple sandwiches and salads to-go. There's also an internet lounge with several computers and printers. A resort fee covers Wi-Fi and use of the facilities.