[TexasRedneck]

Thanks for all the input, folks! Plenty to think about - and good things to consider that hadn't crossed my mind! I'll follow up once we decide and have been there - always irks me when folks ask for input and you never hear back from 'em....lol

[beachhead]

If you don't mind not staying on the strip, and want convenience in a clean, quiet, well run hotel that doesn't kill the budget, you might consider the Renaissance. It's right next to the convention center, and the monorail that can quickly get you to any property on the strip (including the shot show) and you can buy an unlimited ride pass, so you can visit all of the hotels. It's got a very good steakhouse, and the breakfast buffet is very good. It's non smoking, and no gambling, but does have a nice pool that is well protected from the winds.

The JW Marriott in summerlin is also a great hotel. But it's a long way from the strip, although it does have a casino. And if you're a golfer, there are nice courses right there.

There are so many nice hotels here, it's hard to go wrong. Enjoy your trip, and plan to spend a couple days at the shot show...just don't plan to buy anything there...LOL.

[yellowsnow]

Very few if any pools are open in January. If you want amenities and spas the hotels already mentioned are great.

If you want to be constantly entertained and have a good time gambling I would stay at the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street. They have that great shark tank pool and even if it's closed, you can still go out there, get a drink, and watch. While you are busy at the show, your wife has all of Fremont to explore. And it's meant to be walked. Everything is close by, not all spread out. Lots of people watching and local characters/buskers. Lots of good food there too. One of the best reasonably priced buffets is at Main Street Station.

You can also buy a pass on the Deuce, a bus that goes from downtown and cruises the whole strip. A day pass is under $10 and you can get on and off as many times as you like. There is also a shuttle from the Cal to Premium Outlets(shopping) and another one that will take you out to Sam's Town.

What I described is not an adventure for shiny people who want to go to the club and pay 1K for bottle service in the VIP area. It's old Las Vegas. But it's fun and your folding cash will last longer there!

[OmegaSupreme]

The nicest properties on the strip imo are:

Aria, Cosmopolitan, Palazzo, Encore

Even nicer is Mandarin Oriental, but no casino attached. Vdara is pretty decent too.

Just know that the room type can make a huge difference. I would research the $20 trick and see what upgrades you can get if possible on any of the above hotels.

I wouldn't call anything else impressive. Bellagio is too old. Wynn and Venetian have built sister towers Encore and Palazzo respectively that will be a tad newer even though the rooms are exactly the same.

You can also decide to stay downtown (old Vegas) for a night or two or just drive there and check it out. I would personally only stay at the newer properties or newly renovated ones. I'm not a fan of old carpet.

[Caltovegas]

Sam's Town and take the shuttle to Harrahs. If I remember correctly Shot show is at the sands. So see if Harrah is within walking distance. Even if you drive it from Sam's it isn't that big of a pain.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

Very few if any pools are open in January. If you want amenities and spas the hotels already mentioned are great.

If you want to be constantly entertained and have a good time gambling I would stay at the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street. They have that great shark tank pool and even if it's closed, you can still go out there, get a drink, and watch. While you are busy at the show, your wife has all of Fremont to explore. And it's meant to be walked. Everything is close by, not all spread out. Lots of people watching and local characters/buskers. Lots of good food there too. One of the best reasonably priced buffets is at Main Street Station.

You can also buy a pass on the Deuce, a bus that goes from downtown and cruises the whole strip. A day pass is under $10 and you can get on and off as many times as you like. There is also a shuttle from the Cal to Premium Outlets(shopping) and another one that will take you out to Sam's Town.

What I described is not an adventure for shiny people who want to go to the club and pay 1K for bottle service in the VIP area. It's old Las Vegas. But it's fun and your folding cash will last longer there!

The Golden Nugget pool is heated and I think generally open year round, but I found this on their site:

The pool drank a little too much chlorine this season and will be closed for maintenance from November 27, 2017 to February 1, 2018.

There is a link included with other pools that are open year round: https://www.vegas.com/nightlife/poolclubs/

https://www.vegas.com/pools/golden-nugget-hotel-pool/

[TexasRedneck]

Maybe I should have mentioned......I don't do pools. Last time I did, the local "Save the Whale" group came out to rescue me.