We went to Las Vegas for a family wedding in March. My kids are 18 and 19 and can't gamble and we didn't want the bustle or the smoking at the hotels on the Strip so we stayed at the Renaissance Las Vegas - it's the largest non-smoking, non-gaming hotel in Las Vegas. It was terrific - the pool in the courtyard was peaceful and the rooms were very nicely decorated. Exactly what I expect from Marriott. We highly recommend this as an alternative to the craziness! The monorail stops in the parking lot too so that made getting around very simple!

I stayed at this hotel for 2 nights, namely for a business meeting. It's not on the strip itself, and hence that's why it's price is lower than the those that are on the strip. This hotel is around $130-140/nt, so much cheaper than the ones on the strip, which is significantly less than those of similar quality on the strip. But, it doesn't remove you from the strip either. There's a tram right next to the hotel, which for $9 all day, takes you to several locations on the strip or to the airport itself. Another positive is that you're right next to the conference center, which is ideal for business travelers, but not so ideal for casual or vacation travelers.

On the downside, you're a bit removed from places to eat. After a long day of business meetings, I felt compelled to simply come back to my hotel room and order the sub-par over-priced hotel restaurant food. (a foccacia sandwich was a whopping $20, and yet it was lousy). I'd only stay here if for business reasons, or if you're going to be out all day, and will grab meals elsewhere.

The rooms itself are very nice, typical of a Marriott class hotel. Fresh linens, clean rooms, plenty of amenties ( for a $140/nt, I had free internet as well) are the norm.

Hotel's grandeur is shadowed by construction around the area. Would not walk alone in the surrounding neighborhood. Tram is across the street. The room is small. The bathroom toilet was broke. The mini fridge did not keep the food cold. Complimentary water was supposed to be delivered everyday but had to ask for it.

Stayed 3 nights here in late February 2008. Got a very nice rate of $115 per night using priceline. The Nascar folks were in town, so the strip was too pricey for me. Non smoking hotel with no casino, was very nice to come back to after a busy day on the strip. The beds were awesome, and the rooms smelt great. My fiance's brother had rude, loud, neighbors and the management moved him to a suite for no charge and $150 for their fantastic steakhouse. I would stay here again if lodging was a problem on the strip, but the monorail is right next door, so don't make the off strip location the problem. The pool was too small for me, but I would recommend this hotel for anyone who has been to Vegas several times, but if your a first timer, then stay on the strip.