JW Marriott

The JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort, Spa and Golf is in Summerlin, Nevada, the upscale planned community to the west of Las Vegas, originally developed by Howard Hughes' company and named after his grandmother. The JW Marriott occupies 54 acres and offers 584 spacious guest rooms in two separate wings -- the Spa Tower and the Palms Tower. Hundreds of palms surround the property, which has 11 acres of landscaped gardens and a large pool area. The resort formerly was called the Resort at Summerlin before it was acquired by the JW Marriot Corporation. The Casino is operated under separate ownership by Rampart Casino. There is a free shuttle from the resort for the 20-minute-or-so ride to the Strip.

The 50,000 square foot casino has most of what a Las Vegas Strip casino might offer, though in a more intimate setting. There are anywhere from twenty-six to forty gaming tables, offering poker, Pai Gow poker, roulette, craps, blackjack and baccarat. Over 1,200 slot machines, video poker and keno machines are available. There is a 90-seat race and sports book with 5 big screens and several smaller TVs. The Rampart Rewards Players' Card Club keeps track of machine winnings and awards points towards comps and other rewards.

The Carmel Room is the main fine dining restaurant, offering elegant, continental cuisine with nuances from the Mediterranean. JC Wooloughans Irish Pub is a genuine Irish pub, actually imported from Ireland. It serves classic Irish libations and offers live Irish music and high quality pub food. Spiedini Ristorante is a Northern Italian-style restaurant with veal, chicken and seafood entrees, pasta, and an extensive wine list. Shizen is a Japanese-style sushi bar and teppan steak house. Ceres offers a café menu with light but epicurean choices. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rampart Café is a buffet-format restaurant with tastes from all over the world, plus pizza from a wood-fired oven. Near the casino, the Promenade Café never closes, for the convenience of the persistent gamblers. The Waterside Grille is by the pool and serves light meals, snacks and drinks. There is also a Starbucks in the resort.

The Rampart Casino at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort also provides entertainment options in the bars and lounges related to the casino. Addison's Lounge is a casual meeting place that offers relaxation, cocktails and live entertainment by Las Vegas musicians. The Round Bar is a small piano bar, also with live music much of the time. Gustav Mauler's Gourmet Tobaccos and Lounge is a refuge for cigars, port, cognac and other premium drinks, in snifters, stems or otherwise.

The resort is partnered with TPC at the Canyons, which is close by and the golf course of choice, but nine additional courses lie within a few minutes of the resort and can be scheduled by the golf concierge, who will also set up transportation and clubs, as required.

Aquae Sulis Spa is one of Las Vegas' most elegant relaxation refuges. Aquae Sulis invokes the memory of an ancient Roman spa. But everything about this spa is up to date. It occu-pies 40,000 square feet and includes 36 treatment rooms. The menu of services includes everything for health, fitness, beauty and well-being. Unique to this spa is the preparation ritual, which combines relaxation, different baths and treatments to expel toxins through the skin. There is also a complete beauty salon (with in-room services available). The fitness center has the latest equipment for aerobic exercise and weight training as well as a staff of professional trainers.

The JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa distinguishes itself by being somewhat removed from "the distractions" of the Las Vegas Strip and by providing a more elegant and urbane atmosphere. There are more than 65,000 square feet of ballrooms, breakout session rooms and pre-function space. Meeting coordinators on staff will assist with the coordination, catering, and the audio and sound requirements.

The pool occupies 11,000 square feet and is surrounded by 12 cabanas. There is a waterfall and hot tubs, and the pool is served by the Waterside Grill. Beyond the pool are many landscaped lawns and gardens for a stroll.

The surrounding community, Summerlin, is filled with opportunities for fine dining and upscale shopping. Examples are Ann Taylor, Pottery Barn, Banana Republic and Williams Sonoma.

Bridal couples can get married at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, either at the Wedding Arbor within the gardens on the property, or at numerous other dramatic and beautiful locations, such as nearby Red Rock Canyon. The catering, entertaining and all the other details of the big event can be left in the hands of the professional wedding specialist on staff. Several inclusive wedding packages are available.