Las Vegas isn't all slot machines, buffets, and risqué shows. Sin City is an oasis in Nevada's vast desert landscape; an oasis that comes in the form of glamorous pools.
With so much competition for your bronzing hours hotels are out to impress sun-seeking guests. From pools blanketed with real sand to those inspired by Italian ruins, visitors can easily forget they're lounging in an American city.
Las Vegas Pool season starts as early as mid-March and runs through September but those looking for the most sizzling Las Vegas pool experience should go in the depths of summer.
Here are 16 resort pools worthy of planning your accommodation around, and five wild parties to fill your sun-drenched itinerary.
1. Caesars Palace
Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis
Caesars Palace
Website: caesars.com/garden-of-the-gods-pool-oasis
Location: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd
Paid admission: Open to Caesars Palace and Nobu Hotel guests. Non-guests 21+ may enter for a $20, subject to available seating. Find pricing for the Venus Pool here.
Amenities: Day beds, cabanas, chaise lounge chairs, temple sanctuary, bar, swim-up card table, VIP.
Caesars Palace
ABOUT
Caesars Palace's Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis brings the opulence of ancient Rome to Vegas in the form of white marble, granite mosaics and Corinthian columns.
The pool complex features eight luscious swimming pools, each with their own theme based on a Roman gods and goddesses. Whether you decide to lay out at the adult-only, top-optional Venus Pool, play a hand or two of swim-up Blackjack at Fortuna Pool, or enjoy the spa treatments of the Jupiter Pool, you won't want for a thing.
2. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
VooDoo Beach
Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino
Website: rio-las-vegas/voodoo-beach
Location: Rio All-Suite Hotel, 3700 W Flamingo Rd
Paid admission: Non-hotel guests can come get in on the fun for a $10 day pass
Amenities: Lounge chairs,waterfalls, whirlpools, family-friendly atmosphere, Cruzan Island Bar and VooDoo Beach Bar
ABOUT
The Rio Las Vegas pool complex brings the Brazilian tropics to Sin City. With towering palm trees, waterfalls and rocky grottos, what's not to love?
The complex has four distinct splash zones: a fish, clam and a lagoon shape pool. Those 21 and older can indulge themselves in the fourth pool, Voo Ultra Pool & Lounge, known for the silky white sand that blankets its bottom. DJs spin Thursday through Sunday and cocktail service is available to those lounging poolside.
While Rio's pools aren't quite as luxe as others in Vegas the environment is a family-friendly one, echoing the Rio's unpretentious atmosphere. Plus, dollar for dollar you just can't beat the value.
Reserve cabanas by calling 702-777-6773
3. Palms Casino Resort
Palms Pool & Dayclub
Website: palms.com/palms-pool.html
Location: 4321 W Flamingo Rd
Paid admission: While non-guests can visit for free Monday through Thursday, there is a cover charge on the weekends as well as costs to attend hosted events like Ditch Fridays (see below).
Amenities: Day beds, cabanas, VIP table service, lounge chairs.
ABOUT
The Palms might be tucked west of the Strip but it's a short journey worth making for such a wicked pool scene. Would you expect any less from a pool complex spanning two acres?
Its contemporary design creates a beautiful, modern space to soak up the desert sun. We love its punchy red umbrellas, peaked cabanas and ultra shallow wading pools (imagine a tot pool for adults).
Reserve a cabana by calling 702-942-6832 or follow the link noted above.
Those looking 'to be seen without the scene' can hole away in the Palms Place Pool, located on the sixth floor. Exclusive to hotel guests this 50,000 square foot oasis is spa-inspired; the perfect retreat for those times when Zen trumps frenzied fun. Reserve your cabana by calling 866.942.7775.
4. Luxor Hotel and Casino
(c) Luxor Hotel & Casino
Website: luxor.com/pool
Location: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd
Paid admission: Non-hotel visitors pay $20
Amenities: Cabanas, day beds, VIP chairs, food & beverage service.
ABOUT
Not even in Giza can you get a poolside pyramid view, but you certainly can at the Luxor. What's more, the 2.88 acre pool deck makes it one of Las Vegas' largest. With massive day beds and private cabanas, it's easy to feel like Cleopatra lounging beneath a sizzling desert sun.
To reserve cabanas and day beds call 702.730.5920
5. The Cosmopolitan
Bamboo Pool, Courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Website: cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/pools-cabanas
Location: 3708 S Las Vegas Blvd
Paid admission: Dine In Movies $5 for non-guests
Boulevard Pool, Courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
ABOUT
The Cosmopolitan was built to stand out. Its modern glassy exterior is ultra sleek, reflecting the Vegas skyline at dusk. Also noteworthy is the fact it's one of few centrally located properties to have balconies. And when it comes to cooling off, Cosmopolitan offers heat seekers three distinct pools.
Boulevard Pool is a multi-level, open-air communal space engineered for socializing. Come for the tan, stay for the city views and live entertainment. Fancy a swim and a movie? Monday nights host Dive Inn Movies displayed on a 20-m (65-ft) digital marquee.
Those looking to hide way can make for the Bamboo Pool. It's a lush, discrete space you'd expect to find at a Mexican all-inclusive resort. Designed with all the elements required to pamper guests - from ambient sounds and indulgent spa treatments - it's a great place to recover from last night.
Reserve cabanas by calling 702-698-6797 or email your request.
Last but certainly not least is Marquee Dayclub Pool, a.k.a. party central. Comprised of two pools it's effectively an extension of Marquee Nightclub. Several bars, a gaming area, famous DJs, and live entertainment means the party turns down for nothing. Party-goers looking for a more exclusive experience can upgrade to one of the grand cabanas. Marquee Dayclub Pool hours are 11 a.m. through sunset. 21+
Buy tickets and make cabana reservations here
6. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Website: mandalaybay.com/beach
Location: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd
Amenities: 100 cabanas, day beds, bungalows, personal villas, gazebos, Beach Bar & Grill, and Beachside Casino.
Paid admission: Pools are exclusive to hotel guests; DAYLIGHT Beach Club tickets found below.
ABOUT
Mandalay Bay Beach is all about the fun factor. It's home to a 6-million litre wave pool, lazy river and an aquatic playground featuring 2.4 million kilograms of real sand to lounge upon. With an elevated beach stage there's plenty of live music to raise your glass to.
Those allergic to tan lines can bare it all at the Toptional™ Moorea Beach Club, an exclusive space for European sunbathing. Click here for reservations and details.
Fist-pumping sun seekers can find their rhythm at DAYLIGHT Beach Club which hosts some of the biggest names in the turntable world. Splash among the crowd in the pool, dance on an elevated stage, lounge on a daybed, or hang out in a cabana while soaking up the beats of Skrillex, Alesso, Sebastian Ingrosso, Axwell, Baauer and Nicky Romero. Get tickets or make reservations here.
7. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Website: hardrockhotel.com/relax/pools
Location: 4455 Paradise Rd
Nirvana Pool (All Ages)
Mon-Sun: 9 a.m. to dusk
Paradise Pool - Rehab Beach Club (21+)
Mon-Tues: closed
Wednesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to Dusk
South Beach
Mon-Sun: closed
Breathe Pool Ultra Lounge (21+)
Mon- Thurs: closed
Fri -Sat: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Paid admission: $10 for non-guests; Rehab pool parties require tickets.
ABOUT
The Hard Rock is the place to party like a rock star without all the work of getting famous. Even if you're tone-deaf, rock start treatment is guaranteed.
Hard Rock Las Vegas is home to four pools with services and amenities to suit: Nirvana Pool, Paradise Pool, South Beach, Breathe Pool Ultra Lounge. Dive headlong into a lush tropic setting amid towering palms, lay out on a sand beach or lounge poolside next to azure water. Beat the heat in a Tahitian-appointed bungalow or simply recover from last night with a wheatgrass infused, cold-pressed bevy from the juice bar.
It wouldn't be the Hard Rock without world class entertainment. Monday through Sunday the scene is amplified at Rehab Beach Club. Read more below under our party section.
8. MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Grand Pool Complex
(c) MGM Grand
Website: mgmgrand.com/grand-pool-complex
Location: 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd
Hours: MGM Pool Complex 8 a.m. - 7p.m. (includes Academy Pool & Producers Pool); Directors Pool (adult only) & Talent Pool are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Subject to change by season.
Paid admission: Pools are exclusive to hotel guests; Wet Republic requires tickets.
Amenities: Cabanas, daybeds, two person pods, five bars, Cabana Grill, tube rentals
(c) MGM Grand
ABOUT
The MGM Grand is the hotel of choice when it comes to bringing Hollywood glamour to a Las Vegas vacation.
Grand Pool Complex spans a whopping 6.5 acres, separated into two areas. On one side, you have the hotel's best cuisine served poolside with the a lazy river and poolside massages. On the other side, is the massive Wet Republic Ultra Pool, home of the biggest and best parties in Sin City. Both pools have luxurious private cabana rentals but only Wet Republic is open to non-hotel guests.
Call for VIP reservations 702-891-3563 or book online
Read all about Wet Republic Ultra Pool below under the parties section.
9. Encore - Wynn Las Vegas
Encore Beach Club
Russel Macmasters
Website: encorebeachclub.com
Location: 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd
Amenities: Cabanas, chairs, drink service, and Jacuzzi; open year round.
Barbara Kraft for Wynn
ABOUT
Is there any Las Vegas hotel as well-appointed as Wynn or as posh as its sister property Encore? Canadian Travellers can expect the pomp to extend to its Wynn, Encore and Tower Suite pools.
Slip on some luxury shades and sit in the lap of luxury surrounded by manicured tropical gardens, marvelous marble, and thoughtfully designed pools. Hide away in cabanas that evoke the elegance of the Red Sea or shrug seclusion entirely to bronze on a lounger at the pool's edge. European style bathing is offered at the private, adult-only pool.
Non-hotel guests can earn their spot in Encore's dreamy waters by attending Encore Beach Club - if they can manage to get tickets for one of the sexiest parties. Throughout the summer, Avicii, Diplo, Kaskade and Skrillex will be heating up the venue. Read more below under parties section.
10. Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Website: caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas/go-pool
Location: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd
Paid admission: Fee varies for GO Pool; for example during non-resident DJ performances and special hosted events hotel guests may be charged $10 for entry. Beach Club Pool is exclusive to hotel guests.
Amenities: Cabanas, day beds, chairs, VIP, drink service, bars.
ABOUT
The Flamingo is one of the last historic hotels left on The Strip, and the pool area reflects its kitschy dedication to its heritage. This icon has two pools to choose from: Go Pool and Beach Club Pool.
The adult-only lagoon-shaped Go Pool is the larger of the two, enveloped by a 15-acre tropical paradise. Retreat into the jungle to splash beneath the cascading waterfall or admire majestic swans and the calming ministrations of koi fish. The socially minded should gravitate towards Go Pool's hub of go-go dancers, bars, live entertainment and daily DJs. Cabana reservations are available for GO Pool.
Guests looking for a more relaxing experience should lay a towel out at the Flamingo's all ages Beach Club Pool. Its calm expansive oasis is perfect for the vacationing family or those nursing a hangover headache.
11. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
Website: goldennugget.com/pool_thehideout
Location: 129 Fremont Street Experience
Paid admission: Non-hotel guests can access the Tank pool for $20
Amenities: Cabanas, day beds, Plush Ultra Daybed, chaise loungers, Tank gazebos
ABOUT
The Golden Nugget may be off the Strip, but the design of its pool more than compensates for the excursion.
The curved pool wraps around The Tank, a $30 million complex complete with a 200,000 gallon shark tank. You heard that right.
Soak up the rays along the lower level pool decks dotted by waterfalls and blackjack tables before popping into the Shark Chute, a water slide that spans three-storeys and leads riders through the shark tank. You'll be able to peep fish and sharks because this portion of the slide is transparent. (All ages are welcome.)
Those 21 and older can enjoy The Hideout with its own two-storey infinity pool. May we suggest grabbing a libation from the bar and soaking up the sun?
Book your cabana here or call 866-946-5336.
12. The Mirage
(c) Mirage Las Vegas
Website: mirage.com
Location: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd
Amenities: Chairs, cabanas, umbrellas, Paradise Cafe, Dolphin Bar, VIP service
ABOUT
The Mirage was the hotel that started the "oasis in the desert" hotel theme.
To this day it features some of the best poolside scenery on the Strip. Find waterfalls and lagoons surrounded by greenery. A uniquely fluid shape offers lots of spots to chill out without going so far as to fully separate soaking areas. And bonus, it's open and heated year-round.
BARE Pool Lounge
(c) Mirage Las Vegas
Those looking to bronze without getting tan lines can look to the adult-only BARE Pool Lounge. This cheeky secluded space boasts 'Euro-style bathing' ... aka top-optional. It also features a full service bar, poolside dining, live DJs and touts itself as having the hottest staff in Las Vegas. (After all, you wouldn't bare it all for just anyone, would you?) Mirage guests get free admission before noon. Women are always $10; men are $40 (Fri & Sat) and $20 (Sun - Thurs).
13. ARIA Resort & Casino
(c) ARIA Resort & Casino
Website: aria.com
Location: 3730 Las Vegas Fwy, Las Vegas
Paid Admission: Sorry, Aria guests only
Amenities: Cabanas, day beds, loungers, Pool Bar, VIP.
ABOUT
Although located on the heart of the strip, ARIA likes to keep things low key. This modern hotel with its contrasting black and white design is as contemporary as it gets. In fact, it feels more like a spa than anything else. The pool complex is all about creating an intimate experience.
There are three total ellipse shaped pools. With full poolside service, ARIA perfectly captures a day club feel. However, only the smaller Liquid Pool Lounge (21+) is open to the public to keep the crowds down in the main area.
14. Pool & Lounge VDARA
(c) ARIA Resort & Casino
Love Vegas' excitement but don't care for the neon, slot machines and smoke-filled casino floors? VDARA, set next door to ARIA, is the preferred hideaway of the chilled-out crowd. Guests enjoy holistic spa treatments, gourmet dining and one hell of a pool scene at Pool & Lounge VDARA. Ultra-luxe cabanas seem torn from the pages of a Caribbean resort. Semi-secluded plunge pools and a dynamite poolside menu make it pure bliss.
15. The Venetian
TAO Beach
(c) TAO Beach
(c) TAO Beach
Website: taolasvegas.com/Tao-Beach
Location: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd
Paid admission: Exclusive to hotel guests.
ABOUT
If one hotel in Vegas could rival Caesars Palace for Italian style, it would be The Venetian. Visitors looking for an intimate pool experience can find it at The Venetian's three different pools. Sample poolside dining or live it up at a private VIP, celebrity-hosted party at TAO Beach. Hideaway in a luxurious cabanas amid stunning fountains on the fourth floor pool deck. It doesn't get hotter than this.
16. Bellagio Resort & Casino
(c) Bellagio
Website: bellagio.com/pool-courtyards
Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd
Paid admission: Hotel guests only
Amenities: Poolside massage, Pool Cafe, Pool Bar, daybeds, cabanas, VIP, Cypress Premier Lounges.
(c) Bellagio
ABOUT
From the dancing fountains to chic European design, no one can beat the luxury of the Bellagio. In tune with its sheer decadence, the Mediterranean-inspired pool complex is a sight to behold. With delicate frescos that accent the azure blue waters, a cafe and bar nestled away in a peaceful garden, private cabanas, and poolside massages, the pool is an outdoor oasis worthy of planning your entire weekend around. Oh, and did we mention, there are 5 pools to choose from?
The Best Pool Parties in Las Vegas
Encore Beach Club
Wynn Encore
Tony Tran For Wynn
Starting at the end of April and running through September, Wynn Encore is one long sexy weekend party.
Between the daytime Encore Beach Club, Encore Beach Club at Night, and XS Sunday Night Swim, visitors looking to have that wild Vegas experience need to look no further than this. Show off your beach bod, sling pricey cocktails and be seen. Get ready for the hottest acts - from Skrillex and David Guetta - to foam parties and poolside stripper poles.
Tickets run $35 for the ladies and $45 for gentlemen with options for expedited entry.
Ditch Fridays
Palms Casino Resort
Website: palms.com/ditch-fridays
Best cancel all of your Friday plans this summer because The Palms wants you at their party.
Starting in early May and going through July, sneak out of the office Friday afternoon to play in the interactive game garden around the central pool at The Palms. Live your rap-star fantasy by getting sprayed with champagne water guns and dancing to an amazing DJ line-up like DJ Shift, Ace, and Nick Cannon. Ditch Fridays measures up to other glitzy pool parties in Sin City beat for beat, but comes with a more affordable price tag: just $10 for the ladies and $20 for gentlemen.
Wet Republic
MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
(c) Wet Republic, MGM Grand
Website: wetrepublic.com
March through October the MGM Grand is home to the hottest pool party in Las Vegas. Huge pool? Check. Famous DJ? Check. Good vibes? Check.
It all goes down at the Wet Republic pool, replete with Vegas glitterati and celebrities. Whether party-goers book one of the luxurious private cabanas, soak up the scene from the massive saltwater pool, or rock out to superstar DJs like Tiesto, Steve Aoki, or Afrojack, this is one party they won't soon forget.
Open all week after 11 a.m., except for Tuesdays and Wednesday, tickets will cost $20 for ladies and $30 for gentlemen.
Rehab Pool Party
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
The Rehab Pool Party sets the standard for the weekend pool party in Las Vegas, effectively rehabilitating everyone who visits from their vanilla weekday lives.
The season kicked off April 22nd and runs through September, held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Expect the hottest beach bodies and liquor flowing like water as Las Vegas nightclub royalty like Dee Jay Silver, DJ Pauly D, and DJ B-Radical get the party moving.
Get tickets, make reservations and see the event schedule here
Daylight Beach Club
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
(c) Rukes for Mandalay Bay
Sure, there are plenty of bumping pool parties in Las Vegas but Daylight Beach Club was the venue to set the trend. Visitors should be ready to rave to the hottest DJs in Las Vegas the likes of Nicky Romero, Skrillex, and Sebastian Ingrosso. Performers spin on an elevated stage above Mandalay Bay's massive pool. This offers unparalleled sight lines and a way to stay cool under the hot desert sun.
Daylight Beach Club opened mid-April and runs the September 30th, with parties happening Thursday through Sunday. While admission varies per artist, general admission is $30 for the ladies, $40 for gentlemen.
The party starts at 11 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (noon on Thursdays and Sundays) and winds down at 6 p.m., just in time to take your daytime buzz to dinner. Sunday nights are open late until 8 p.m.
Are you planning a Las Vegas getaway
around one of the pools listed above?
Let us know: tweet us or tag us on Instagram (@canadiantraveller)
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