Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort: Your Complete Guide to Family Fun

Are you planning a family vacation to Las Vegas? Do you want a fun place that is not on the busy Strip? The Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort might be perfect for you. This resort offers a different kind of Las Vegas experience. It is focused on relaxation and family time. This guide will tell you everything you need to know. We will cover the rooms, the pools, the location, and how to book. We will also explain what a timeshare is. This resort is part of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations network. This means it offers a special type of vacation ownership. But you can also book it like a normal hotel. Let's explore what makes this desert oasis a great choice for your next trip.

What is Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort?

The Desert Club Resort is a vacation ownership resort. It is managed by Holiday Inn Club Vacations. The resort is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. But it is not on the famous Las Vegas Strip. It is about 2.5 miles west of the Strip. This gives you a quieter place to stay. You can still visit the exciting city. But you can return to a calm resort at the end of the day. The resort has 444 units. These include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom villas. Each villa feels like a small apartment. They have a kitchen, a living area, and a private balcony or patio. This is great for families. You can save money by cooking some meals in your room.

The Resort's History and Brand

Holiday Inn is a very famous hotel brand. It started in 1952. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand is part of this family. It focuses on vacation ownership, also called timeshares. The Desert Club Resort was built to offer a home-like vacation. It is not a crowded hotel. The resort opened to give families a spacious place to stay. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations system lets owners use points. These points can be used at many resorts. The Desert Club is one of those resorts. It is important to know you do not need to own a timeshare to stay here. The resort rents villas to the general public too.

Location and Getting Around

Location is very important for a vacation. The Desert Club Resort is at 3950 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV. This is in the University District. It is close to the Harry Reid International Airport. The drive from the airport is only about 10-15 minutes without traffic. This is very convenient. The resort is also near the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is good for people traveling for business.

Distance from Major Attractions

• The Las Vegas Strip: About 2.5 miles away. A car ride takes 10-15 minutes.
• Fremont Street Experience (Downtown): About 5 miles away. A car ride takes 15-20 minutes.
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): About 3 miles away. A car ride takes 10 minutes.
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV): Less than 1 mile away. You can almost walk there.
• Las Vegas Convention Center: About 2 miles away. A short car ride.

You will likely need a car to stay here. While there are some shops and restaurants nearby, the main attractions require travel. The resort does not have a free shuttle to the Strip. You will need to use a taxi, rideshare (like Uber or Lyft), or your own car. There is free parking at the resort, which is a big plus in Las Vegas.

Accommodations: Your Home Away From Home

The villas at Desert Club Resort are its biggest feature. They are much bigger than a standard hotel room. This is perfect for families or groups of friends. All villas include a full kitchen. This has a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. There is also a coffee maker and all the pots, pans, and dishes you need. You can cook breakfast or a simple dinner. This saves a lot of money on food.

Types of Villas Available

The resort offers three main types of villas. Each one can sleep a different number of people.

1. Studio Villa: This is the smallest option. It has one room with a kitchenette, a sleeping area, and a bathroom. It usually has a queen-size bed and a sofa sleeper. It can sleep up to 4 people. It is good for a small family or a couple.
2. One-Bedroom Villa: This villa has a separate bedroom with a king-size bed. The living room has a sofa sleeper. It also has a full kitchen and a dining area. The bathroom often has a jetted tub. It can sleep up to 4 people comfortably. It offers more privacy than a studio.
3. Two-Bedroom Villa: This is the largest option. It is ideal for two families or a large group. It has two separate bedrooms. One usually has a king bed. The other has two queen beds. The living room has another sofa sleeper. There are two full bathrooms. It can sleep up to 8 people. Everyone has their own space.

All villas have a private balcony or patio. You can sit outside and enjoy the desert air. They also have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The villas are cleaned before you arrive. For longer stays, you can request a mid-stay cleaning for a fee.

Resort Amenities and Activities

You don't need to leave the resort to have fun. The Desert Club Resort has many amenities. These are facilities and activities for guests. The focus is on relaxation and family fun.

Pools and Recreation

The resort has three swimming pools. One is a large main pool. There is also a children's wading pool for little kids. The third is a relaxing spa (hot tub). The pools are outdoors. They are open year-round. But remember, Las Vegas can be cool in the winter. The pools are heated for comfort. There are plenty of lounge chairs around the pools. You can relax in the sun. The resort also has two tennis courts. You can play a game with your family. There is a fitness center. It has basic exercise machines and free weights. You can keep up with your workout routine.

Daily Activities and Entertainment

The resort's activities staff plans fun things to do. This is especially true during holidays and summer. Activities might include:

• Poolside games and contests.
• Arts and crafts for children.
• Movie nights by the pool.
• Bingo or trivia games.

These activities are often free. They are a great way to meet other guests. There is also a game room with arcade games. Kids love this. The resort has a small market on-site. You can buy snacks, drinks, and basic groceries. It is more expensive than a regular supermarket. But it is convenient if you need something quickly.

Understanding the Timeshare Aspect

This is a very important part of the resort. Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort is a timeshare property. A timeshare is a type of shared ownership. You buy the right to use a vacation property for a specific time each year. It is usually one week. At Desert Club, you buy "Club Points." You use these points to book stays at this resort or others in the network.

How It Works for Owners

If you buy a timeshare, you become an owner. You pay an initial purchase price. You also pay yearly maintenance fees. These fees cover property taxes, repairs, and staff salaries. In return, you get a set number of Club Points every year. You use an online system to book your vacations. You can use your points at the Desert Club. Or you can use them at other Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts. There are over 30 resorts in places like Florida, Arizona, and California. You can also use points for other travel, like cruises or hotel stays. But this can be complicated.

What It Means for Renters

You do not need to buy a timeshare to stay here. Many owners rent out their unused points or weeks. You can find these rentals on websites like RedWeek or VRBO. Renting from an owner is often cheaper than booking directly. You can also book directly through the Holiday Inn Club Vacations website. Or you can use online travel agencies like Expedia. Renting gives you all the benefits of the villa. But you are not responsible for any fees or long-term commitments.

Warning: If you stay as a guest, you might be invited to a "vacation ownership presentation." This is a sales meeting for the timeshare. They often offer a gift for attending, like a gift card or show tickets. The presentation can last 90 minutes or more. It is high-pressure sales. You are not required to go. You can politely say no.

Practical Tips for Your Stay

Here are some actionable tips to make your vacation better. These tips come from real guest experiences.

Booking and Saving Money

1. Book Early: The best villas and dates sell out fast. Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for holidays.
2. Compare Prices: Check the resort's official website. Also check owner rental sites and travel agencies. The price can be very different.
3. Travel Off-Peak: Summer and major holidays are most expensive. Consider visiting in January, February, or early December. The weather is still nice. Prices are lower.
4. Use a Grocery Delivery Service: Use Instacart or a similar app. Order groceries to be delivered when you arrive. This saves time and money on food.
5. Pack Pool Essentials: Bring your own pool towels, sunscreen, and floaties. The resort provides towels, but having extras is helpful.

During Your Stay

• Rent a Car: A car is almost necessary. It gives you freedom to explore. Use comparison sites like Kayak to find the best rental deal.
• Explore Beyond the Strip: Visit Red Rock Canyon for hiking. Go to the Hoover Dam. See the Neon Museum. Las Vegas has more than just casinos.
• Manage the Heat: In summer, temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Always drink plenty of water.
• Check the Activity Schedule: When you check in, ask for the weekly activity schedule. Plan to join the free events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort all-inclusive?

No, it is not an all-inclusive resort. Your villa has a kitchen. You buy or bring your own food. The resort has a small market and may have a cafe, but meals are not included in the price.

2. Are pets allowed at the resort?

No, the Desert Club Resort does not allow pets. Only service animals are permitted. You must show proper documentation for a service animal.

3. Is there a resort fee?

Yes, there is a daily resort fee. This fee covers things like Wi-Fi, pool access, and local calls. The fee changes. Always check the total price when booking. It can add a significant cost to your stay.

4. Can I check in early or check out late?

Early check-in and late checkout are based on availability. You must request it in advance. There is often an extra fee for a guaranteed late checkout.

5. Is the resort good for young children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The villas give families space. The children's pool and game room are great for kids. The activities program often has kids' events.

6. What is the minimum age to check in?

You must be at least 21 years old to check in. You must show a valid photo ID and a credit card for incidentals.

7. Is smoking allowed?

All villas and indoor public areas are non-smoking. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Real Examples and Guest Experiences

Let's look at what real guests say. Reviews on sites like TripAdvisor give a good picture. Most guests love the spacious villas. They say having a kitchen saves money. Families appreciate the separate bedrooms. Kids enjoy the pools and game room. Many guests like the quiet location away from the Strip noise.

Common complaints include the resort fee. Some guests feel the furniture or decor is a bit dated. Others mention that the sales presentations can be annoying. A few guests have had issues with slow Wi-Fi. Overall, the resort gets high marks for value and space. It is rated 4 out of 5 stars on most review sites.

A Sample Family Itinerary

Here is a 4-day plan for a family of four staying in a one-bedroom villa:

Day 1: Arrive at the airport. Pick up rental car. Drive to resort and check in. Go to grocery store for supplies. Cook a simple dinner in the villa. Swim in the pool after dark.

Day 2: Breakfast in the villa. Drive to the Strip. Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and see the fountains. Have lunch. Go back to resort for afternoon swim and rest. Drive to Fremont Street for the evening light show.

Day 3: Breakfast in villa. Drive to Red Rock Canyon for a morning hike (about 30-minute drive). Have a picnic lunch. Return to resort for pool time and resort activities. Order pizza for a relaxing night in.

Day 4: Check out of villa. Store bags with front desk. Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Have a final lunch on the Strip. Pick up bags and drive to airport.

Statistics and Market Data

Let's look at some numbers about Las Vegas and timeshares. This data helps you understand the market.

• Las Vegas hosted about 40.8 million visitors in 2023. (Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)
• The average daily room rate for a Las Vegas hotel was $166.69 in 2023. A villa at Desert Club can offer more space for a similar or lower price per person.
• The timeshare industry in the U.S. has over 1,500 resorts. About 9.9 million families own a timeshare. (Source: American Resort Development Association - ARDA)
• Vacation ownership sales in the U.S. totaled $10.5 billion in 2022. This shows it is a popular way to vacation.
• According to a 2023 report, over 80% of timeshare owners say they are satisfied with their purchase. But reselling a timeshare can be very difficult.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renting from an Owner

Renting from an owner can save you money. Follow these steps to do it safely.

1. Research Rental Sites: Go to trusted sites like RedWeek, VRBO, or TUG Marketplace. These sites verify owners and offer protection.
2. Search for Listings: Search for "Holiday Inn Club Vacations Desert Club Resort Las Vegas." Filter by your dates and villa size.
3. Read Reviews: Look at the reviews for the specific owner or listing. Choose a renter with many positive reviews.
4. Contact the Owner: Use the website's messaging system. Ask clear questions: Is the week confirmed with the resort? What is the total cost (including all fees)? What is the cancellation policy?
5. Verify the Reservation: Before you pay, ask the owner for a guest confirmation letter from Holiday Inn Club Vacations. This letter should have your name, dates, and villa type. Call the resort directly to confirm this reservation exists.
6. Use a Secure Payment Method: Never pay with a wire transfer or gift cards. Use a credit card or a secure payment service like PayPal Goods & Services. This offers buyer protection.
7. Get Everything in Writing: Have a simple rental agreement. It should list dates, price, and policies. Keep all emails and messages.

Conclusion: Is This Resort Right for You?

The Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort is a fantastic choice for many travelers. It is perfect for families who want space and a kitchen. It is great for groups of friends. It is also good for people who want to visit Las Vegas but sleep in a quiet place. The villas are comfortable and well-equipped. The pools and activities provide on-site fun. The location requires a car, but that is normal for Las Vegas.

You should consider this resort if you value space over a central Strip location. You should be comfortable with the timeshare sales environment. Just remember you can say no to presentations. Book early and compare prices. Think about renting from an owner to save money. Pack your groceries and your swimsuit. Get ready for a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in the desert. The Desert Club Resort offers a unique blend of home comfort and resort amenities. It can be the base for an unforgettable Las Vegas adventure for your whole family.