Serene Vegas

With a bar, pool, and hot tub open around the clock; dark, clubby decor; a free adult channel; and condoms for sale at the front desk, it's easy to see why Rumor doesn't allow guests under 18. And unlike the hip Vegas nightclubs with long lines and guest lists, Rumor is designed for the party to take place here, there, and everywhere: the chic lobby, the pool area, and the pool-facing patios and balconies. The hotel's 30,000-square-foot "backyard" area -- encircled by the white, two-story hotel building and complete with grass, palm trees, hammocks, cacti, and the pool -- can accommodate parties and special events of up to 2,400 people.This is a relatively small property for Vegas, though, with no casino (just video poker at the lobby bar) and a lower-key scene than you'll find at the Hard Rock across the street -- a pro for some guests, a con for others.

Rumor is located one mile from the Strip on East Harmon Avenue. Since it's a small hotel, cabs won't line up at the entrance the way they do at the mega-resorts, and you might have to wait a few minutes for the porter to get you one. But you also avoid the long taxi lines you'll find elsewhere.Most visitors to Vegas head to the densely packed, three-and-a-half mile long stretch of hotel-casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard known as the Strip. It's easy to get around once you're there, although the cab fare to and from the Strip can add up.

Predominantly gray color schemes are sprinkled with dark purple accents, white couches, glossy black side tables, and suggestive photography. Most rooms have balconies or patios -- a Vegas rarity. Suites come with pool views and jetted tubs (though some guests have noted that the on/off buttons are painted shut) surrounded by mirrors.Rooms lack coffeemakers, pens and paper, hairdryers, alarm clocks, and extra blankets, but they all include flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels and a free adult channel. They also feature rainfall showerheads, safes, small ice buckets, and irons and ironing boards.Robes and mini-fridges available upon request (for a fee). Rollaway beds available (no fee).

A huge and carefully maintained backyard features a 24-hour pool and hot tub, grassy areas, sandy patches with hammocks strewn between palm trees, lots of cabanas, and daybeds; the space can host parties and events of up to 2,400 people.The restaurant, Addiction, is open for breakfast and lunch during the week and all day during the weekend, and has a menu of American standards, like club sandwiches, chili wings, and mac 'n' cheese.Rumor Bar, located in the stylish hotel lobby, is open 24 hours a day and attracts a late-night crowd. The bar features frequent drink specials and video poker machines (the only gambling in the hotel). There's no on-site gym, but guests can use the Hard Rock's fitness center across the street for a fee.The Rumor's resort fee covers Wi-Fi, pool access, parking, and two bottles of water; it's considerably lower than most Vegas resort fees (though proportionate, since Rumor is smaller than most Vegas resorts).Rumor is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in Vegas. Dog bowls are available upon request for no extra charge and there is a small dog park on the property.