Some people go to Las Vegas for the nonstop action, electrifying atmosphere and vibrant crowds. Other people love all that, but don’t necessarily want to be immersed in it 24/7. That’s where the Hilton Grand Vacations Suites at the Flamingo comes in. Close enough to the Vegas fun, but a world away when you want to unwind, relax and enjoy some quiet time on your vacation. And, if you’re bringing the kids, it’s an ideal Las Vegas family hotel.

The Hilton Grand Vacations Suites at the Flamingo is just steps away from the Vegas Strip, adjacent to the famed Flamingo Hotel and a stone’s throw away from Bally’s, Caesars Palace, The LINQ and The Bellagio. But unlike these neighboring resorts, the Hilton is so serene and family friendly, you’ll forget you’re in Las Vegas.

The main thing that sets this resort apart is the rooms. Make that “the suites.” This property has 316 suites, each complete with a full kitchen, laundry, sitting area and over-sized whirlpool tub. I visited solo and had a whole one-bedroom suite to myself, actually making me wish my family was with me (that never happens in Vegas!) so we could take full advantage of the resort’s spaciousness and amenities.

What Works for Families

• Spacious studios and 1- and 2-bedroom suites
• Full kitchens with full-size refrigerators
• Washer and dryer
• Free parking
• Friendly staff
• Barbecues and patio dining areas
• No onsite casino (aka no smoke, no drunk people, etc.)
• Easy access to the Las Vegas Monorail and Strip
• Guests are able to access pools at the Flamingo

What Doesn’t Work for Families

• They will try to sell you a timeshare if you’re not already an owner
• No onsite table service restaurants
• Pool bar serves drinks but not food

The Hotel

The Hilton Grand Vacations Suites at the Flamingo is a resort within a resort, tucked just behind the Flamingo Las Vegas in the heart of the Strip. At the Hilton, you’ll find an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a gym, as well as a sauna and tennis court. Just off the lobby there is a pool table and ping pong table you can play for free.

The Hilton Grand Vacation Suites at the Flamingo is also conveniently located near the Monorail station where you can hop aboard the monorail and visit other great hotels and casinos along the Vegas Strip.

If casinos are not your thing, take a spin on the new High Roller! The 550-foot tall High Roller is located right next to the hotel at The LINQ’s outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment promenade. The wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one full revolution and features 28 glass-enclosed cabins with broad views of Las Vegas and the Strip. Each cabin holds up to 40 people.

I made my reservation for the Hilton Grand Vacations Suites online with Vacatia, which specializes in resort residences. These types of accommodations are perfect for families, because they offer all the conveniences of home with the services of a hotel. The great thing about Vacatia is you can view not only photos of all the properties you’re considering, but floor plans too! It is great to be able to see sleeping arrangements and layout before you book.

All Suites: Ideal Option for a Las Vegas Family Hotel

Again, it’s the accommodations that really set this hotel apart from other Las Vegas resorts. At the Hilton Grand Vacations Suites, you are not just getting a room. You are essentially getting an entire apartment for the same price (sometimes cheaper!) than a standard hotel room.

All guest suites are beautifully appointed and feature a kitchen, microwave oven, wet bar, coffee maker, ironing board, TV, DVD player, and over-sized whirlpool tub. Most rooms offer great views of the pool, waterfall and green tropical gardens.

Room types:

• Studio features a king bed and one double sofa sleeper.
• One-Bedroom Suite features one king bed and one queen sofa sleeper.
• Two-Bedroom Suite features two king beds, one double sofa sleeper and one queen sofa sleeper.

Built in 1994 and renovated in 2009, all the rooms are clean, comfortable and feel very modern.  The bed was great and the towels were soft and fluffy. One thing I love about having a one-bedroom suite is that it has two TVs. Not a huge deal this trip since I was staying by myself, but great for a family who can’t agree on what to watch at night!

Finally, let’s talk about laundry. I know, I know, nobody wants to do laundry on their vacation. But how nice would it be to be able to throw wet bathing suites and tops that smell like smoke (from walking through the casinos) into the washer for quick rinse? Trust me, this is an amenity you will love.

Dining

If there is one thing that the Hilton Grand Vacations Suites is lacking, it is dining options. But you’re in Vegas, baby…so you’re never more than a short walk away from world-class restaurants, all-you-can-eat buffets and inexpensive food courts.

The Hilton does have the Desert Garden Shop and Deli, where you can order yummy sandwiches and pick up groceries for your suite’s kitchen. This is the only place to buy food onsite, although the Flamingo is a five-minute walk away, not to mention the myriad of aforementioned restaurants at neighboring resorts. Still, it would have been nice to have someone serve me a big salad while lounging at the pool. But what can I say…I am spoiled that way!

And of course, you have a kitchen in your room. This is great for breakfast and snacks, keeping sodas cold and of course milk for your coffee. If you’re staying a while, it’s always nice not to have to eat out three meals a day. And as a health-conscious mom, I love being able to stock the fridge with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Next time you head to Vegas, book a stay at Hilton Grand Vacations Suites. The resort provides a relaxing haven amid the excitement of Las Vegas.