W Marriott Resort & Spa

Think of a hotel in Las Vegas, and you'll probably picture massive themed hotels on the famous Strip.

So if you want to sample the glitz and glamour of Sin City while enjoying a quieter holiday, the JW Marriott Resort & Spa makes an ideal base.

The hotel, which has 469 rooms and 79 suites, is set in 50 acres against the picturesque Nevada mountains. It is located in Summerlin, a Las Vegas suburb and home to a fast-growing Jewish community.

The hotel's biggest plus is its stunning landscaped grounds: rockeries and waterfalls surround a large swimming pool. Sunbathing, swimming and making regular trips to the poolside bar for drinks and food make for a very enjoyable day.

Inside the décor's a little jaded but the suite we stayed in was spacious - it included a kitchen and dining room, as well as a supersized balcony. The large bathroom was well stocked with Aromatherapy Associates toiletries and the bath doubled as a jacuzzi.

Breakfast - a buffet offering typical American fare, such as pancakes with maple syrup - is laid on in a large room looking out onto lush gardens, but there is also an on-site Starbucks for those wanting nothing more than a latte and muffin. We enjoyed dinner in Spiedini, the Italian restaurant, where the service was friendly and the food traditional, with a modern twist.

For golfing fans there are nearby courses, while for those who prefer to be pampered, the hotel's Spa Aquae offers various beauty treatments.

If the siren call of Lady Luck proves too strong, you don't even have to take the free regular shuttle to the Strip - the hotel has its own casino (attracting, it must be said, an older clientele). So you can try your hand at poker or roulette and no one will be any the wiser. After all, what happens in Summerlin, stays in Summerlin.

Rates: From £88 per night per room. jwmarriott.com