Family-friendly features: three swimming pools, Magic Motion Rides, play area, court jesters, Tournament of Kings dinner show, food court, midway

This 4008-room hotel was one of the first in Las Vegas to take a theme and run with it. As soon as you see its white towers, drawbridge, and moat, you know you're somewhere special. The King Arthur theme is carried through in everything from its restaurants to its entertainment, including the Tournament of Kings dinner show, which brings the mystique of medieval times back to life as families enjoy their meal.

You'll walk up a drawbridge into this castle-like hotel, where jugglers, knights in armor, and costumed minstrels stroll around in a very un-casino like atmosphere. Kids reign supreme in the hotel's lower level, where the resort's medieval motif makes way for modern midway games at Fantasy Faire, while tiny travelers can enjoy an adventure with their favorite cartoon character SpongeBob Squarepants during a 4D Special Effects Ride. The third floor contains the Medieval Village, with theme restaurants and shops that sell everything from magic wands to toy swords.

Address: 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South
www.excalibur.com