Within a mile of the Strip, the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino is a world unto itself, attracting guests from other hotels by offering Vegas' largest buffet and the Masquerade Show in the Sky, a Carnival-style parade with floats suspended from the ceiling and performers toss beads to onlookers. So Rio! What's more, The Rio also offers madcap magic of Penn & Teller and the hilarious dinner show, "Tony n' Tina's Wedding."

The pool area is one of the largest and most extravagant in Vegas, with sand beaches in a lagoon setting, five swimming pools with cascading waterfalls, including one for children. Within the complex are three spas secluded in a rock garden and two others in a grotto behind a waterfall in the lagoon pool. For-rent cabanas on the sundecks come with TVs, phones, ceiling fans, refrigerators and padded lounges. For nightlife, Club Rio is one of Vegas' most popular dance clubs, and Bikini's offers indoor beach parties. Among the 17 dining options are Buzio's, a casual restaurant serving seafood, prime ribs, onion ring panini and other inventions; Antonio's Italian Ristorante, which dishes up lobster fra diavolo and sea bass Livornese; and Gaylord India Restaurant, which specializes in Northern Indian cuisine, including tandoori and mughlai cooking.

After a day and night of entertainment, guests can retreat to their rooms splashed with creams, rose and greens, and equipped with 36-inch TVs, furnished lounges, refrigerators, semi-canopy beds, Internet access, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular views of the city.

Indeed for many adults and families, the Rio is the place to stay close to a 24-hour swirl of excitement for adults and families.