Even with the construction (scheduled to be completed later this year), the units are very quiet and away from the traffic on the Strip. If you did not rent (or bring your own) a car, there is shuttle service up to the Strip. If you do have a car, the parking is mostly covered parking, allowing for privacy as you go to and from your unit, as well as providing welcome shade from the heat of summer sun.

Best Things About the Resort:
The Watermark is a full-service timeshare resort. Personally, I loved the pool areas: the lazy river tubing pool; the large hot tub with the waterfalls; the good-size pool... Daily tube rentals are $3. There are actually two hot tubs; the other is a large donut-shaped hot tub. (Unfortunately, the "lazy river" and the second hot tub are not open as late nightly year-round).

There is a central store on the property, which stocks a surprising variety of items, including a pretty decent wine/spirits selection, as well as everyday household items/needs and some groceries.

The units come very well equipped, with a gas fireplace, a washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen (including a dishwasher, garbage disposal, and dishes/silverware), an electric barbeque, air-conditioning, and private decks.

Additionally, there are barbeque/picnic areas; a boutique; a video game room; a game room with things like a pool table, Fu-Bol, etc.; a luggage storage room; an exercise room; and a business center that includes free Internet access.

Resort Experience:
We have an annual trip – dates vary – where a group of us get together in Vegas. This year, a number of us were able to share two condos at the WorldMark Las Vegas.

The WorldMark is a timeshare, and in my opinion, a fairly nice one. We had two two-bedroom condos. One of them had a king-size bed and a queen-size bed; the other had a king-size bed and two twins. Both units had a Murphy bed, fireplace, full kitchen, two full baths, private balconies, electric grill, dining area, DVD/VCR, and stereo. Master bedrooms had a second TV. The beds – even the Murphy beds! – were incredibly comfortable and gave a great night’s sleep.

The first units at the WorldMark Las Vegas opened in 2002. We stayed in building 5, which had just opened in the past few months. Everything was in great condition, tastefully decorated in neutral stone and wood colors. The units were about four times the size of my apartment at home, and bliss of bliss, had a washer and dryer in each unit. Although construction is underway on what will become buildings 6 and 7 and our rooms both faced the construction, we had little to no noise disruption, which was a surprise.

It’s been a while since I’ve stayed in a timeshare, but I have to say, it’s the way I prefer to go if at all possible. This particular WorldMark does not offer daily maid service, but I don’t mind giving up maid service in favor of having a spacious, well-equipped condo, as well as being able to do laundry at will! (Not that I love doing laundry on vacation – I just like it not being a drag when it’s needed!) The units were very spacious, so even when we all crammed together in one for dinner or games we felt comfortable.

One thing that was a nice touch on these units was that on the primary bathroom - the shower/toilet area was separated from the sink area by a sliding door. (You could then also close the outer door). When you have 6-plus people sharing a unit, you really come to appreciate this kind of small detail!

If you’re looking for a spot smack in the middle of the action, the WorldMark would not be it – it’s located a few miles south of Mandalay Bay. However, that makes the area pleasantly quiet, a nice oasis from the hustle and bustle of the casinos and resorts. Also, the pools/hot tubs were great, especially the hot tub with the waterfalls. If you have kids, there’s a small playground area, and part of the pool is a shallow wading pond. There is also a small store that is surprisingly well stocked, with necessities ranging from cereal to soap to wine.

I enjoyed our stay here quite a bit and would happily return!

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

This was my first stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath unit at the Las Vegas resort. The difference between a one-bedroom unit and a two-bedroom unit is dramatic. My father was impressed with the place. My aunt and uncle were surprised at how big and comfortable the unit was. They exclaimed, "This place is nicer than our house!"

The unit was equipped with the usual washer and dryer, dishwasher, full-sized refrigerator, and dishes for six. There was a master bedroom with master bathroom and a second bedroom with twin beds. I was surprised at how narrow the beds were, since I had never seen a twin that narrow. There was a Murphy bed in the living room and a fireplace. Since Las Vegas was so cold in the winter, the first thing I did was turn on the fireplace when I got in. The kitchen was equipped with complimentary coffee, tea, and clothes detergent. The only problem was that all except one of our bathroom soap bars were broken into pieces. Most likely, the maids had dropped a box of soap bars and didn’t realize that the bars were shattered into small pieces.

In the morning, I gave my father, aunt, and uncle a brief tour of the place. We checked out the gym, the computer area, the game room, and the gift shop. They left feeling very good about the resort. Check-out was smooth, as always.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent