• Although rare, there are still a few privately owned hotels operating in Las Vegas.las vegas image by charles taylor from Fotolia.com
  
  Las Vegas is legendary for its wild nightlife and world-class accommodations. Many of the hotels populating the strip and downtown Las Vegas are owned by publicly traded mega-companies. For those looking for a more personalized hotel experience, there are still some privately owned hotels left in Las Vegas.
  
  

Treasure Island

• Touted as "the only independent and privately owned hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip," Treasure Island features a 36-story tower with all the flash and glitter of a standard Las Vegas hotel casino. (See Reference 1.) It houses nearly 3,000 guest rooms, over 200 suites and a 60,000-square foot convention area. Rooms are equipped with climate control, flat-screen TVs, and extra-wide tubs. For entertainment, two theatrical shows operate within Treasure Island's complex: Mystère, a Cirque du Soleil act; and The Sirens of Ti, a pirate show complete with sword battles and sexy sea nymphs. There is also an on-site pool, private cabanas available for rent, multiple bars and restaurants and, of course, a casino for the visitor craving a Las Vegas gambling binge. (See Reference 1.)
  
  Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
  
  3300 Las Vegas Boulevard South
  
  Las Vegas, NV 89109
  
  800-288-7206
  
  http://www.treasureisland.com/
  
  

El Cortez

• El Cortez is a hotel located in downtown Las Vegas. Built in 1941, this hotel has a history (something which few modern Las Vegas hotels can boast), and was owned at one time by infamous gangster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel; its ambiance is reminiscent of the 1940s. The hotel itself is relatively small, with less than 300 guest rooms offering basic hotel amenities, and there are two on-site restaurants available to serve hungry hotel guests. The hotel's casino offers what are purportedly the best slot machines in Las Vegas. (See Reference 2.) And, for hotel guests willing to shell out money while gambling, the hotel offers a number of extra-incentive deals, including a free breakfast buffet for casino patrons.
  
  El Cortez Hotel & Casino
  
  600 E. Fremont Street
  
  Las Vegas, NV 89101
  
  702-385-5200
  
  http://www.ecvegas.com/
  
  

Montelago Village

• Located a short distance from downtown Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada, Montelago Village offers a quieter hotel stay, but is still close enough to the excitement of the Vegas strip. Though the hotel itself is owned by Aston Hotels & Resorts, it is situated on a privately owned lake, which features a rotation of different lakeside festivals and events throughout the year, including jazz festivals, wine tastings and theatrical performances. At the hotel itself, guests can enjoy the Tuscany-inspired architecture and the hotel amenities, which include a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness center. Montelago Village also offers longer-term rentals of suites (which include full kitchens) for those wishing to stay for extended periods of time. (See Reference 3.)
  
  Montelago Village
  
  30 Strada di Villaggio
  
  Henderson, NV 89011
  
  702-564-4700
  
  http://www.montelagovillage.com/