The following properties are popular off-Strip hotels:
Near Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip)
These hotels are within a couple of miles of the Strip; expect to pay lower rates than on the Strip, particularly Sunday through Thursday.
The Artisan: True to its name, art is the theme at the Artisan, from the walls of its lobby and lounge to the rooms. This intimate boutique hotel is unique in Las Vegas: There is no gambling on the property. Call 800-554-4092 or 702-214-4000.
Hard Rock Hotel: This music-themed resort is located two blocks from the Strip, and caters to a more youthful and hip demographic. Call 800-693-7625 or 702-693-5000.
Las Vegas Hilton: Elvis performed here for the last eight years of his life. Now a hub for convention goers (it's attached to the Las Vegas Convention Center) and luxury-seekers alike, the Hilton is just a block from the Strip. Call 888-732-7117 or 702-732-5111.
Orleans Casino and Hotel: This New Orleans-themed hotel caters to both locals and tourists, and you can expect to find bargains on rooms here. The Orleans offers a free shuttle to the Strip. Call 800-675-3267 or 702-365-7111.
Palms Casino Resort: You might recognize the Palms from MTV's The Real World, which solidified it as a significant player in the realm of Vegas nightlife. Similar to the Hard Rock, expect to see the young and beautiful here. Call 866-942-8777 or 702-942-7777.
Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino: The Rio differentiates itself from the competition by offering only suites, and each is more than 600 square feet in size. On top of the casino, the Voodoo Lounge offers stunning views of Las Vegas. Call 866-746-7671 or 702-777-7777.
Downtown
Downtown Las Vegas always plays second fiddle to the Strip. But if you're looking for value and a touch of history within a couple of miles of the casinos of Las Vegas Boulevard, it's a great place to stay. The most popular hotels are located along the Fremont Street Experience, which bills itself as "the biggest big screen on the planet," with more than 12 million lights that morph into bright shows set to music. Bands perform on different sound stages, and you'll find 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants and countless slot machines.
Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel: Its name resonates with poker players across the world. This is where the World Series of Poker and the Hall of Fame Poker Classic were born, and where the ghost of old Vegas still lives. Call 800-937-6537 or 702-382-1600.
The Golden Gate: Dating back to 1906, this is Las Vegas' most historic hotel. But that's not all its known for: The famous San Francisco Shrimp Bar and Deli offers 99-cent shrimp cocktail. Call 800-426-1906 or 702-385-1906.
Golden Nugget: An ongoing $100-million renovation has turned the Golden Nugget into the hottest casino downtown. Its pool area, "The Tank," rivals any on the Strip: It consists of a 200,000-gallon shark-filled aquarium with an enclosed translucent waterslide running through it. Call 800-846-5336 or 702-385-7111.
Main Street Station: Located a block from the Fremont Street Experience, Main Street Station is away from the fray. The property is best known for its odd collections (a part of the Berlin Wall and Theodore Roosevelt's Pullman railroad car) and 777 Brewery, which has tasty beer and unbeatable happy hour prices. Call 800-713-8933 or 702-387-1896.
