MonteLago Resort Offers Condos For Hotel Prices

Regular readers know that I'm a big fan of Lake Las Vegas. The charming surroundings, unique shopping and dining opportunities, recreation, and world-class accommodations create an oasis in the wild, overwhelming desert that is Las Vegas.

Chalk up another winner in the "unique" column with the new MonteLago Village Resort. It falls somewhere in between a hotel and a time-share, known popularly as a resort-condominium. Each of units, which range from studios to three-bedroom units, was sold as a condominium at prices from $300,000 to more than $1 million. The owners of these condos then put them into a rental pool that allows people like you and me to stay there just as if you were checking into a hotel. The advantage to visitors is a fully furnished unit with a full kitchen; just like any apartment, only with all of the perks and facilities of a resort hotel.

The building is a stunner, just like the rest of the MonteLago Village complex. The horseshoe-shape complex is done in the same Italian village scheme as the surrounding area, complete with recessed terraces, candy-colored paint schemes, cobblestones, and plenty of attention to detail. At the center of the horseshoe is a giant recreation patio with two pools, a Jacuzzi and lushly landscaped gardens. The whole thing overlooks the lake and nearby golf courses, offering a tranquil view matched only by the other resorts in the area.

As mentioned, the units are fully furnished condominiums, many of them unique in design and floor plan. The one-bedroom unit I stayed in featured a full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, sink, dishwasher, and coffee service, plus a complete set of dishes and glassware. Adjacent to the kitchen was a smallish but comfortable living-room/dining area with a sofa, chairs, armoire with television, dining set, and other bric-a-brac, all leading out to a giant terrace with patio furniture.

Off the living room was the bedroom with another television, large closet, and a bed (of course). A massive bathroom had dual entrances from the bedroom and foyer and featured a separate tub and shower and marble everything.

Other amenities found in all of the units include high-speed Internet access, robes, iron and board, hair dryers, and a bunch of other little niceties that make these more than just hotel rooms.

The resort also features a 24-hour front desk, laundry and maid services, a media room, a fitness center, subterranean gated parking, a game room, business services, a concierge and a bell desk.

The MonteLago Village is just outside the front door and that's where you'll find a host of shopping outlets (clothes, art, jewelry, perfumes and much more), dining and a full casino. The Ritz-Carlton spa is a couple of football fields away and open to the general public (for a fee). You can read more about all of that by clicking here.

The service was friendly to the point of almost being unbelievable. I couldn't get the high-speed Internet to work with my laptop computer and they sent a technician who immediately showed me that it was my computer's problem and not the Internet access, but he spent another 30 minutes trying to fix it for me. That's right, the technician tried to fix my computer. If I hadn't had to leave to go to an appointment, he probably would have stayed until he did so. It's this type of attention that makes all the difference at any hotel.

Prices are moderate by just about any benchmark, but when you factor in all that you get it's a steal. Studios start at around $129, one bedrooms around $149, two bedrooms around $199, and three-bedrooms around $249 per night. Of course, rates fluctuate based on availability and season but to get a similar room on the Strip would cost you two or three times whatever they are going to charge here.

The MonteLago Village Resort would probably be especially appealing to families. You can get the kids their own bedroom, have a full kitchen to stock so you don't have to eat out at every meal, and there's plenty to do in the area, including boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, or just lounging by the pool.

The major downside is the location. Although you could easily come here and be perfectly content just staying in the vicinity, the bulk of what you're going to want to do when you visit Las Vegas is a solid 30-minute drive away (owing more to traffic and ridiculously long stoplights than to distance). You definitely need your own transportation if you're going to consider staying here.

If you're looking for the heart-of-the-action party spot, this isn't the joint for you. But if you're looking for a relaxing getaway where you're close enough to the action to find it, but don't want to be right in the middle of it, MonteLago Village Resort is worth checking out.

MonteLago Village Resort
30 Strada di Villagio
Henderson, NV 89011
(866) 564-4799

Highs: Large condo-style units with full kitchens; great scenery
Lows: Location

Location: 5 -- Far from the Strip but a destination of its own
Price: 7 -- Moderate by just about anyone's standards
Value: 8 -- You definitely get a lot for what you pay
Rooms: 9 -- Love the full kitchens
Casino: 7 -- Adjacent casino is worth visiting
Amenities: 9 -- Just about everything you need
Facilities: 8 -- If it isn't on-site, it's close
Service: 10 -- Exceptional
Fun: 8 -- More relaxed and quiet than fun. but that's good too
Bonus: 9 -- A unique concept for Las Vegas

Vegas4Visitors Rating: 80