Hi Brett,
I am not sure if you aware of this, but Red Rock is about 10 miles from the strip. That being said, it is a fantastic hotel with a great pool (although frequented by many PYT's).
If staying on the strip is not of paramount importance, I would also consider Green Valley Ranch or the JW Marriott. The JW is a little closer to the strip and has a great pool, is a little more family oriented, and is consistantly (very) well reviewed. This would be my first choice given your requirements.
If you would like like to be closer or on the strip, and a pool is important, I would not choose the Venetian (large but mostly concrete). Instead, look at Mandalay Bay or the Mirage (both four star hotels) with family friendly pools.
Thanks, Kovets! I don't *think* staying on the strip is crucial for us. We knew that the Red Rock was a bit away, but we figured we can just drive down to the strip and valet park at some centrally located casino. The alleged canyon view in their canyon view rooms really appealed to us:
http://www.redrocklasvegas.com/photo_gallery/hotel.php
If that photo is a misrepresentation, I have no real desire to stay there, though.
Anyway, I priced out the following options for 3 nights (8/1-8/4):
$572.25 JW Marriot (w/ breakfast for 2 w/ AAA)
$675.64 Mandalay Bay (Deluxe room), $741.04 for a "550 DLR", whatever that is.
$686.72 Red Rock (Canyon View -- strip view is cheaper)
$705.23 Mirage
$705.67 Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa
$825.13 Venetian (Can't remember what room and I can't check at the moment. Their website stinks!)
$890.53 Wynn
Anyway, the JW Marriott is a clear bargain among these while Mandalay Bay, Red Rock, the Mirage, and Green Valley Ranch are close enough that it doesn't really matter. The Venetian and the Wynn are a significant bump but not out of the question. (I've never stayed at a 5-diamond hotel before, which is why the Wynn is on my list. And it's barely more per night than a room at the Paradise Pier!)
And now I've got these all plotted out on one of "
My Maps" with Google Maps to give me a clearer picture of where they all are....
Thanks again for your thoughts!
Brett