Loews Lake A Family-Friendly Vacation Hotel

LAS VEGAS -- The resort formerly known as the Hyatt Lake Las Vegas has entered a new era as Loews Lake Las Vegas, an important link in the upscale hotelier's corporate chain.

Since the transaction just recently concluded, changes to the hotel have been modest at best, but they are noteworthy for keeping what was great about the Hyatt and improving what wasn't -- and the future looks even brighter.

When it opened as the Hyatt, the reaction from most Vegas visitors was a polite and respectful shrug. Although many believed in the brand, the location of the hotel -- some 25 to 30 minutes east of just about everything most visitors want to do when they hit town -- didn't put it high on the options list. Despite this, it managed to do great business, focusing mainly on families, recreation fanatics and business travelers to fill its nearly 500 rooms.

Now, as Loews, that focus continues, with the changes aimed at the physical structure rather than the marketing ethos.

The entire place has a vaguely Moroccan theme to it that remains with the new name on the building, but it is not as obvious or overwhelming as the former Aladdin or Sahara. Instead it gets by with intricately carved woodwork, rich and colorful fabrics, tasteful jeweled lamps and subtle artwork. The overall affect is upscale, yet comfortable. Get yourself a hookah and relax.

The lobby is a gigantic cascading three-story affair with giant windows looking out at the lake, all of which can be opened to create an outdoor feeling. A multi-level lounge is getting upgraded furnishings and more landscaping (the palm trees that line the drive spill inside), making an already beautiful space even more attractive.

There used to be a small casino, but it closed. If you need to get your gambling jones satisfied, you'll have to take a water taxi across the lake to MonteLago Village and Casino (which you should anyway, because it's lovely).

Recreation and relaxation are the primary goals here, so head outside to take a look at all of the options. There are two huge heated pools (one with its own theme-park-worthy water slide), cabanas, a bar and grill, a sports court, a putting green, a lagoon with a private beach, water sports equipment rental (paddle boats, kayaks, fishing gear, etc.), gardens and gazebos, special Fisher Price areas for young children, and much more.

An almost endless list of activities (poolside movies anyone?) accompanies the facilities, and if that isn't enough, there are a couple of championship golf courses nearby. No matter how nice the pool/recreation area is at the Strip hotel where you were last, it can't possibly compare to the amenities and opportunities here.

All of this makes the Loews a wonderful option for families. Not only do they have all of this stuff to do, but they also feature special programs designed to make kids feel welcome. Younger children receive Fisher Price welcome gifts and have access to lending libraries of games and supervised recreational programs. Teenagers get a backpack stuffed with goodies and can borrow Gameboy titles, DVDs and more.

Similar pampering and attention go toward people who bring their pets, including their own bowls and welcome treats, plus everything from rawhide bones to litter boxes.

Adjacent to the main pool area is the full-service spa, featuring complimentary use of the exercise and sauna/whirlpool facilities, plus 10 private treatment rooms for massage and other pampering.

There are two primary restaurants -- Marssa, an Asian-fusion restaurant specializing in sushi; and Café Tajine, a moderately priced eatery with a wide-ranging menu that will offer something for just about everyone.

Marrakesh Express, a 24-hour coffee-bar and marketplace (sandwiches and other goodies to take back to your room) rounds out the dining options. But don-t forget to take that water taxi across to MonteLago Village, where you will find more things to eat and drink.

The 496 rooms (including 47 suites) are fairly standard in terms of layout and size, but they are very well-appointed. Each features one king or two queen beds, coffee makers, robes, refrigerators, hair dryers, safe, iron and board, a writing desk, high-speed Internet access, in-room movies, a Playstation, dual-line phones and lots more.

Under Loews, the rooms are getting a refresh with flat-panel televisions and upgraded furnishings. Most rooms come with "Juliet" balconies, in which doors open inward and the railing is inches from the doorsill. It's a nice touch.

Prices for the rooms are quite reasonable. Expect a rock bottom in the neighborhood of $129 and up weekdays, and $199 and up weekends, although busier times will, of course, cost more. You also have to add in extra costs if you want a lake view or their upgraded, concierge-level rooms and all of the perks that come with it (club room with complimentary food and beverage service for starters).

If you're after a nonstop, party-style, gamble 'til you drop Vegas vacation, you'd do best staying closer to the action. But if you're looking for a relaxing Vegas vacation, the Loews Lake Las Vegas is a terrific bet.

The Full Story

• In Vegas, Opulence Replacing Themes
• One For History Books: Frontier Closes
• Loews Lake A Family-Friendly Vacation Hotel

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