McCarran International Airport (LAS): Approximate driving time is 10 minutes and distance is 3 miles.

Driving directions from McCarran International Airport: Exit the airport via Swenson St. Turn left on E Tropicana Ave, then turn right on Las Vegas Blvd S (the Strip).

Getting there: The best option from the airport is a taxi ($5–$15; fees subject to change without notice) or a rental car.

Getting around: For travel up and down the Strip, guests have several convenient options. City buses (less than $5) run the length of the Strip; private shuttles (less than $5) serve the larger casinos. Some guests choose to walk. Taxis are readily available, and parking is complimentary at most locations. For destinations outside the Strip, a rental car is the best option. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery - This brew pub becomes a hip night club at night for people of all ages, and is a local favorite.

Blackstone's Steak House - Serving prime-grade beef, Blackstone's features a traditional steakhouse atmosphere.

Dragon Noodle Company - This pan-Asian place contains an exhibition kitchen and features an extensive tea list.

Market City Caffé - This casual Italian restaurant offers an antipasti bar, panini, wood-fired oven pizza, southern Italian fare, and an honored wine list.

The Buffet - Under bright blue ceilings and amid ornate arches, diners here enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets of American, Mexican, and Chinese foods in addition to pizzas and a prime-rib carving station. A champagne brunch is served Sundays.

Café - This spot is open 24 hours to serve American and international meals.

Food Court - Adjacent to the Street of Dream shopping mall, the Food Court includes McDonald's, Häagen-Dazs, Nathan's Famous hot dogs, a pizza parlor, and a bagel/coffee shop.

Room service is available 24 hours.

Amenity highlights: A flowering garden of ponds, boulders, and waterfalls contains three pools and a looping, flowing 300-foot river down which guests float on rented tubes. The expansive, lagoon-style main pool remains open year-round. A 90-by-75-foot pool thrills children by periodically generating waves. A 10-person spa provides soothing soaking. Away from the water action, a secluded sundeck next to a large rock-and-waterfall formation provides tranquil sunning space.

Insider tip: Resembling the true Monte Carlo's old-world elegance, the resort's grand facade offers exceptional photography opportunities. Guests especially enjoy posing by the ornate fountain.

In the evenings, a pianist plays in the Houdini Lounge.

The 102,000-square-foot Casino supplies slots, video poker, backjack, craps, roulette, poker, keno, and a race and sports book.

The One Club offers membership cards that consolidate in single accounts slot and gaming-table play at six Las Vegas casinos and two in Laughlin, Nev. Members earn cash and/or comp rewards redeemable for discounted rooms, food, and drink.