Regular readers of my column will know already 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 between studios and three-bedrooms, 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 shaped 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 themselves 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 combination 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 boards, 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 of course).

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 their Internet access but he proceeded to spend another 30 minutes trying to fix it for me. That’s right, their technician tried to fix my computer. If I hadn’t had to leave to go to an appointment he probably would’ve 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 be charging 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-up so you don’t have to eat out at every meal, and there’s plenty to do in the area including boating, fishing, horse-back riding, hiking, or just lounging by the pool.

Of course 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 thirty-minute drive away (owing more to traffic and ridiculously long stoplights than to distance). You definitely need your own transportation via your car or a rental 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.

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