Club de Soleil All-Suite Resort

The hotel is designed to resemble a French Mediterranean resort, but a nice apartment complex is a more apt description. Because it's at heart a time-share property, there is no restaurant and no bar. That means there's no nighttime social scene (unless you count a midnight dip in the 24-hour pool). Families tend to be attracted to the apartment-style rooms; couples frequent the property as well, along with the occasional business traveler. Those looking for a party or single scene will need to take the free, reliable shuttle over to the Strip. Bear in mind the return shuttle cuts off at a pretty early hour (especially considering that this is Vegas).

The hotel is located in a partly industrial, partly residential area, but right on Tropicana Avenue, a main drag. A large trailer park is just across the street. There isn't much within walking distance except a Denny's, a diner, and an Ethiopian restaurant. Walgreens (where wine is sold) is a five-minute drive away, as is a grocery store to stock the kitchen and a Starbucks. The Strip is a 10-minute shuttle ride away, provided free. While not a glam location by any stretch, it is safe and convenient. The airport is about five miles away.

The Club de Soleil has 86 rooms, including one- and two-bedroom suites that each include a kitchen and living room area with sofa bed and gas fireplace. However, the only thing that differentiates the Studios from a standard hotel room is the small kitchenette. Because this is a time-share, there is no daily cleaning service. If you're staying for a week, rooms are cleaned twice, once for your arrival, and again halfway through your stay.All bathrooms have big whirlpool tubs and most have double sinks. Kitchens are fully equipped with toasters, coffeemakers, pots, pans, cutlery, dishes, and glasses. Wi-Fi is not available in rooms, a serious downside for most. Guests can pay for Wi-Fi to be used in the lobby.Some rooms seem to have a noise problem, both from the street and other guests. Rooms on the third floor are quietest, thanks to the fact they are farther from the street, and that there are no guests above. They also have a view of Mt. Charleston.

A minimal resort fee covers use of the Strip shuttle, tennis courts, mini-golf, fitness room, business center with Internet access, and "Hangout" lounge. The best perk is the 24-hour pool -- not offered at some Strip resorts, where they want you gambling at night. There is a barbecue for guest use right next to the pool. The front desk can provide recommendations for babysitters. They can also arrange tours of Red Rock Canyon, as well as painting lessons by a local artist, complete with wine and cheese. Guests are on their own for meals — most cook right in their suites — though a basic breakfast (waffles, bagels, or muffins, fruit, and coffee) is provided in the community room.