Westin Lake Las Vegas

By Maryann Hammers

You’ve heard the saying: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

But you may wonder: “What does happen in Vegas?”

We’re here to tell you: Lounging around a lake. Playing in a pool. Sipping cocktails around a pool. Skiing (or snowboarding) down a mountain. See the sight from wax museums to water parks.

Vegas also offers lots of military discounts, too. We found these:

The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa in the town of Henderson is just a short drive from Nellis AFB and Creech AFB — just 25 miles from the (in)famous Vegas Strip. But unlike the raucous casinos and Strip hotels, this is a relaxing, lakeside resort with sweeping views of the mountains, lake, and desert. Activities include stand-up paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and golfing. Military members get half off the best available rate. To make a reservation, book online using rate plan EP15. Or call (866) 716-8108 and ask for the “Everyday Patriot” rate. Valid ID required upon check-in.

All 19 Station Casino hotels in the Las Vegas area — including the luxury four-diamond Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson and Red Rock Resort in Summerlin — offer military members a 20-percent discount as part of its Operation Thank Youprogram. Located 10 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Resort features more than 800 guest rooms and suites, a spa, multiple restaurants, a pool area, movie theatres, and bowling. Call (702) 797-7777 for more information. Green Valley Ranch Resort has nearly 500 guest rooms and suites, a spa, a movie theater, restaurants, casino and entertainment. For more information, call (702) 617-7777. Click here for additional military discounts on Station Casinos gaming, dining, and entertaining, or to book online.

Got snow? The 445-acre Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort , located in the mountains surrounding the Vegas valley, sits amidst the aspen and bristlecone pines in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The resort offers free coaching from certified ski and snowboard instructors. A new snow tubing area is available for non-skiers. Military members (active duty, dependents, and retired) get discounts on unlimited season passes, which include complimentary lift tickets at these resorts (Military price $299; regularly $599.) Daily lift tickets are $39 for military; regularly $50.

Want to see all the sights? Pick up a Las Vegas Power Pass . The sightseeing card includes free admission to more than 25 Vegas attractions, tours and experiences, including Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck, Madame Tussauds, and Grand Canyon West Legacy, plus other discounts and a free hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Regular prices start at $85 for a one-day pass up to $135 for a five-day pass, but MOAA members get an exclusive 10-percent discount. Use promotion code “Military10” in the checkout page. For more information, call (800) 490-9330.