Summerlin Tees Up More Than Just Golf

Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing communities in the country. Part of this phenomenal growth is taking place in a little community called Summerlin. Summerlin is a master-planned community located in the northwest portion of the Las Vegas Valley. There are over 20 housing developments located in this area. With all of this growth it's no wonder that golf courses, hotels and resorts have sprung up throughout this neighborhood.

If you are visiting Las Vegas and don't like the crowds that are often found at the major Las Vegas Hotels, then you need to check out what the northwest side of town has to offer. Summerlin is located about 20-25 minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip. In the short space of less than a mile there are two major resorts and four great golf courses.

If you like to be pampered and enjoy the finer things in life, you need to check into the JW Marriot Las Vegas Resort and Spa, located on Fort Apache near the Summerlin Parkway. This resort is everything that you would expect from a JW Marriott Hotel. As you walk into the main lobby you are greeted with tile floors and very classy decor. The classical music that flows from the overhead speakers adds to the sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.

Complete with fountains and numerous plants, the JW Marriot has the ambiance of an old European City. One of the unique aspects of this resort is that the rooms can be accessed through a separate entrance without ever seeing the gaming areas. In addition, access to the pool and other amenities is also available without going through the gaming areas - an especially nice feature for families traveling with children.

The rooms at the JW Marriott feature whirlpool bathtubs and separate showers, along with a 32" TV. If you forgot your robe you will be able to find plush terrycloth bathrobes waiting for you.

As you wander around the grounds you can't help but feel as if you are in a tropical setting. The center of the property is devoted to the main pool, wedding pavilion, and other various garden areas with pools. Just walking through the pool area is an adventure in itself.

The pool area is built for comfort. As you walk into the pool you are greeted by a friendly attendant who is handing out towels. The first thing you notice is the large waterfall that's at the far end of the pool. This waterfall is covering a small cave that protects swimmers from the sun. Surrounding the pool are numerous chairs and cabana areas. If you get hungry there is no need to leave the pool area as the Waterside Cafe has light lunch items and snacks.

The JW Marriott is home to one of the finest European Spas in the city. They are a full-service spa that features a separate pool area just for spa guests. As you would expect, they offer a full menu of massages, facials, waxings and body wraps. Also located in the spa is a full-service salon which offers manicures and pedicures in addition to hair styling.

Couples are welcome in this spa and this is a great opportunity to bond with that special someone in a relaxing atmosphere. Nothing feels better than a deep tissue massage after a long day at the pool or on the golf course.

When it comes to dining options, there are many choices at the JW Marriott. Some of the more exotic restaurants include J.C. Woologhans, Shizen and Spiedini Ristorante. J.C. Woologhans is an Authentic Irish Pub located across from the buffet. If you want to try Irish food or beer this is a great place to go.

Shizen is the Japanese restaurant that features sushi and teppanyaki. If you are in the mood for Italian, try Spiedini Ristorante. All of these restaurants are first class. Check for restaurant hours as many of these restaurants are only open for dinner. The Ceres restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you prefer a more casual atmosphere, the Suncoast Hotel and Casino is the place you need to visit. The Suncoast is a local favorite that includes several amenities not offered at the JW Marriott. The Suncoast was the brain child of Michael Gaughen who founded the Coast Hotel chain. Recently he sold his interests in the chain to Boyd Gaming.

The Suncoast is a family playground. Located on the property is a Regal Cinema movie theatre showing all the latest new releases, a 64-lane bowling alley and a new poker room. Although the Suncoast does not have a spa, there is a hair salon if you need a little trim while on vacation.

The Suncoast has a much larger gaming area than the JW Marriott. There are a wide variety of games for the enthusiastic gambler to play. They include Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Pai Gow Poker and Let It Ride. Gambling has always been big at the Suncoast and recently they have increased their table limits to accommodate the bigger player.

The Suncoast features headliner performances in its showroom. The likes of Tony Orlando, Phyllis Diller, Air Supply, Christopher Cross and Tony Danza have graced the Suncoast Stage. Doug Kershaw, Tower of Power and Susan Anton are some of the acts that will be coming to the Suncoast. This is a great opportunity to see some of the stars of yester-year perform live.

There are several restaurants on the property including one that is open 24 hours a day. If you are in the mood for steaks, you need to check out Primos. Primos is located on the second floor of the building and overlooks the Las Vegas Strip. If you can get a seat by the window you will be treated to a great view of the Las Vegas skyline, not to mention an amazing menu.

There is also a Mexican and Italian restaurant on the property. Senior Miguel's and Via Veneto offer good food in a casual environment. None of the restaurants have dress codes but I would recommend proper dining dress. If you are looking for cafe style food, the Cafe Siena is open 24 hours a day. The menu here is varied, but one of their specialties is really good Chinese food.

Surrounding these two resorts are four of the finest golf courses in Las Vegas. No matter what your skill level, there is a golf course to meet your needs. Located directly across the street from both hotels is Angel Park Golf Club. This golf course features two Arnold Palmer designed championship golf courses, The Mountain and The Palm.

These golf courses are not overly difficult and would make a great afternoon for the higher handicap golfer. Also located on this property is a lighted 18-hole putting course and par-3 golf course. The putting course is made using real grass, actual sand and water. This is a great challenge and not your average putting course.

The par-3 golf course was designed by Robert Cupp. His goal in designing this golf course was to pay tribute to some of the best holes in golf. Because of the limited space, he couldnt exactly replicate the holes, but players get the general idea how each of these famous holes might play. Some of the holes include the 17th at TPC Sawgrass and the Postage Stamp hole at Royal Troon. During the day there are 12 holes on the course but when the lights come on at night the course is cut down to 9 holes.

Also located in this area is Badlands Golf Club. Badlands was designed by Johnny Miller and is one of the most challenging golf courses in this area. This golf course has target golf written all over it. When Johnny Miller designs a golf course, he must be thinking that everyone has his tremendous shot making ability. This golf course requires accurate tee and approach shots.

There are 3 nines at Badlands Golf Club. Currently only 2 of the nines are open, the Outlaw and Diablo. The Desperado is undergoing some work on its greens. The Diablo is a great nine holes of golf. The ninth hole is quite intimidating. This long par-4 has a desert area that stretches from the tee all the way to the green. It will take 4 great shots to make par on this hole.

Badlands is one of the few golf courses in the city that has equipped its golf carts with air-conditioners. The small, brown units are individualized and keep the player fairly cool during the round. This can be a life saver in the summer when the temperature is well over 100 degrees.

The last golf course in this immediate area is TPC Canyons. This golf course has been made famous over the years as the site of the Frys.com Open on the PGA Tour. Every October the best players in the world try their hand at winning fame and fortune on this golf course. This course is usually paired with the TPC Summerlin, but the Canyons course is usually the harder of the two golf courses.

No matter what time of year you visit, this course is always in great condition. During the winter months the course recently instituted a fore-caddy program. This program pairs a fore-caddy with each group to guide them around the course. This caddy will give you yardages, clean your clubs, rake bunkers and keep the course moving at a good pace. The addition of the caddy helps to keep play moving by limiting time spent looking for golf balls in the desert and hunting for yardage. If you have never tried using a fore-caddy, it is a wonderful experience.

Golf is not the only activity found around the Summerlin area. There are ample shopping and hiking areas to be found. Located less than a mile down the street is Boca Park, a mega shopping center that features stores for any taste. Some of the stores located here include Ultra Diamonds, Tallulah G, The Great Indoors and Target. Across the street you will find William and Sonoma, Banana Republic and Gap Kids.

If you want to travel out for some food outside the hotels, Boca Park shopping center, just down the road, is the place to go. Some of the restaurants include The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Changs, Kona Grill, Claim Jumper, and Mimi's cafe. There is always something good to eat in this area of town.

The great thing about this area is that you can stay, play and eat without ever having to travel very far into the city. It is a wonderful area of Las Vegas that few people choose to explore.