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 25-30 minutes east of just about everything most visitors want to do when they hit town didn’t put it up high on the options list. Despite this, they managed to do great business, focusing mainly on families, recreation fanatics, and business travelers to fill their 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 they get by with intricately carved woodwork, rich and colorful fabrics, tasteful jeweled lamps, and subtle artworks. The overall affect is upscale and 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 so now 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 that I can’t possibly list here. 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 goes 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 (cardio machines, nautilus style weights) and sauna/whirlpool facilities plus ten 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’ll 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 (doors open inward, railing is inches from the doorsill), 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. Plus you 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 non-stop, 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.

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