Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas

Every once in a while, the girls need to make time for themselves, leave the guys behind, and hop on a plane for a weekend escape. And for ladies looking to get away in style, Vegas has so much to offer – way beyond just the casinos and flashing lights for which it’s best known. Whether you’re looking to lie by the pool, see a show, dine out, dance the night away – or some combination of all of those – the hotels along the Las Vegas Strip can provide a weekend of non-stop fun and relaxation. Plus, room rates in Vegas these days are terrifically reasonable. If you’ve been thinking of planning one such gals getaway, read on for insider info on Las Vegas’ top five hotels for the perfect girl excursion.

Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas

One of Las Vegas’ nicest hotels, the Palazzo is centrally located on the Strip and has standard rooms that start at a whopping 720 square feet. Girlfriends can easily fit everyone into one room –all of which include a sunken living room – and still live in the lap of luxury. The haute-couture shopping mall here has names like Diane von Furstenberg and Christian Louboutin; the LAVO nightclub is one of the hottest in town; and the 15 or so restaurants include joints from the likes of Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse. The Canyon Ranch Spa is arguably the best in Vegas, with a ceramic-tiled laconium, rain showers, and an indoor rock climbing wall. Head next door to the attached Venetian hotel to check out Tao – the three-in-one nightclub, restaurant, and party pool that is the talk of the town.

Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas

Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas

Aria is a hotel and shopping complex that opened in December 2009. It cost $11 billion to build and is the biggest hotel in City Center. Even at a whopping 4,004 rooms, service here is still attentive and impressive, and the beautiful hotel includes 16 restaurants, seven bars, four pools, and a 150,000-square-foot casino. The adult-only Liquid Pool and Lounge and Haze nightclub have quickly become among Vegas’ most popular, especially on weekends. And although all guest rooms dazzle with supremely comfy beds, state-of-the-art technology, and big marble bathrooms, the spacious Sky Suites are a great option for groups who want to spread out in style and receive VIP treatment (a limo from the airport and a private elevator, for example). Attached to the hotel is Crystals shopping mall, with designer stores from Prada to Tom Ford.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

Although it’s been arguably the most luxurious Vegas hotel since opening as the sister property to the Wynn, Encore’s recently-opened venues, Surrender nightclub and Encore Beach Club, have stepped up the hotel’s game, especially for those coming to party. There’s also the sexy poolside lounge XS, and the hot Tryst nightclub next door at Wynn. For a more zen experience, the beautiful spa has 37 treatment rooms; the fitness center offers spinning, yoga, pilates, and meditation classes and features a delicious juice bar. Come evening it’s time for the spectacular, aquatic acrobatic show Le Rêve at the Wynn, and for dinner at one of Encore’s five fine dining restaurants.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

This hotel has a sexy, bad-boy reputation, and it’s well-deserved. There’s always lots of action here – whether it’s in the three main pools where beautiful people sip beers all day long, in the two sprawling casinos, in the nine restaurants (including Nobu and Ago), or at the extremely popular Vanity nightclub. All three towers of guest rooms are stylish and sumptuous, and the HRH and Paradise Towers are both new as of 2009. Groups may want to opt for a large room in the HRH all-suites tower, though even standard rooms here are plenty comfortable for four people (opt for two double beds). Wild party girls can head to the infamous Rehab pool party on Sundays, but those looking for a more relaxing respite can hit up the new Reliquary Spa, which features a beautiful co-ed Turkish bathhouse.

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

One of the Vegas’ most famous names, Caesars is a Vegas icon that sits smack in the middle of the Strip and offers countless amenities. The massive spa includes Roman baths, a steamy laconium, and an arctic ice room; a tea sommelier is on hand. The hotel has five main pools, including one with casino games and an adjacent bar, plus another adults-only party pool. And while the 13 restaurants include big names like Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and Restaurant Guy Savoy, there are affordable options too. And if a lively casino scene is what you’re after, then look no further. You’ll feel in the heart of the action when you’re placing bets at tables that stretch across this classic hotel. If you’re not a gambler, head to the hotel’s PURE nightclub, where a huge outdoor terrace has a perfect view of the Strip, or stroll through the Forum Shops for world-class shopping at stores like Burberry, Fendi, and Coach.

This article originally appeared on Stylecaster.com on November 2, 2010