The Platinum Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas opened this week. The off-Strip resort doesn’t offer gaming – a plus for some, a definite detractor for others. But personally, all that jingle jangling gets on my nerves after 24 hours. As for the location – guests won’t have to go far to reach the gaming tables. The Bellagio, Caesars, the Flamingo, Bally’s and Paris are 1-1.5 blocks away. Lowest and highest room rates for Dec. 8, 2006 (a Friday) were:

$219 for one-bedroom suite with full kitchen, private terrace and separate living room and bedroom

$719 for a two-bedroom suite with full kitchen, private terrace, fireplace and separate living room and bedrooms overlooking the Strip.

The hotel offers wi-fi in all rooms and public spaces, as well as a whirlpool tub in every room. Each suite is at least 900 square feet. There are also two pools, a lounge, a full spa and an onsite restaurant. Oh yeah, and no smoking is allowed inside the resort.