When Tony Marnell II opened the Rio in the late 1980s, it quickly became one of the most popular places to stay in Vegas, especially with the locals. Now Tony III has followed in his father’s footsteps with the M, a resort hotel geared primarily toward Las Vegans, but also the Angelenos and Southern Californians who pass by the property on their way to the Strip. The hotel maintains its commitment to value – premium beers on tap and artisanal gelato will set you back around $3 (compared to more than twice that on the Strip) – without sacrificing quality. The expansive pool area – where cabanas and daybeds seem to float atop the water’s glassy surface – has a stunning outdoor stage, which promises to be a prime spot for summer concerts. And at the Hostile Grape, a subterranean wine cellar and bar, you can taste pours of wine (including Opus One for a round $13 an ounce) using prepaid tasting cards.