Flee the Cold Weather, It’s Pool Season in Las Vegas
Rain and snowstorms are plaguing cities across the country, but in sunny Las Vegas, it’s time to swim.
With March considered the kickoff for pool season in Las Vegas, several resort pools and pool clubs are now open for business—and pleasure.
Just about every resort in Las Vegas has a pool (or several pools) and sometimes a corresponding day club. Usually, there’s a café and bar, or two, plus cabanas and daybeds (for a fee).
It sounds like a standard formula, but in Vegas, it’s anything but–each property goes above and beyond to put its own unique twist on staying cool in the pool.
At the Tank Pool at the Golden Nugget in Downtown Las Vegas, for instance, swimmers can soar past sharks and other sea creatures on a three-story slide.
Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip has its own sandy beach, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
The Elation pool at the Strat Hotel, Casino, and Skypod is located high above the Strip on the property’s 8th floor.
You really can’t go wrong at a Las Vegas hotel pool, but here’s a look at a few that are currently floating our boat.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Whether you’re looking for a raucous party or just want to soak up some sun, the Pool District at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has something for everyone, including two separate rooftop pools and a day club.
Overlooking the glittering Las Vegas Strip, the resort’s upbeat Boulevard Pool bubbles with energy day and night. Wake up with a 60-minute sunrise yoga session by the pool, then wind down as the sun goes down with one of the resort’s signature drinks at sunset cocktail hour.
When you get hungry for breakfast or lunch, you don’t have to schlep into the hotel feeling like a wet towel. Instead, Overlook Grill is located just steps away from the pool.
Located nearby, the resort’s quieter Chelsea Pool is a bit more intimate. You can kick back here with a refreshing cocktail and light bites.
Kick things up a notch in the daytime under the retractable roof at Marquee Dayclub, dancing to resident DJs or lounging in a cabana with an infinity-edge dipping pool.
Dive-In Movies returns to the Boulevard Pool in mid-May. The popular event features Hollywood blockbusters on the resort’s 65-foot digital marquee on Mondays at 8 p.m., starting on May 22 with Ratatouille and ending on Sept. 11 with Grease ($10-$15).
Resorts World Las Vegas
The 5.5-acre pool complex at Resorts World Las Vegas was specifically designed to accommodate the varying tastes of the guests at three different hotels–Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas, and Crockfords Las Vegas (all under the Resorts World umbrella).
There’s a main pool and a family pool, plus the Bimini Pool, Cabana Pool, and the adult-only Athena Infinity Ultra Pool. The cherry on top of this tasty sundae is the party-filled Ayu Dayclub, featuring top-tier DJs like Tiesto and Zedd.
As its name suggests, the main pool is like the hub of the pool complex with three of its own bodies of water. Swim or soak up the sun with easy access to coastal cuisine, like shrimp ceviche and caramel-filled churros, at Agave Bar and Grill. Wander around the pool complex at your will; just be sure to reserve a daybed for the day for a spot to kick back and stash your stuff.
With fun water features for splashing around, the Family Pool, on the east side of the complex, is the most logical choice for those with kids. Families can let loose and play like children without judgment from sunbathers and socialites. Since pool play can work up an appetite, the Bites snack bar is located nearby. There are also three private cabanas for rent for families who want to make a day of it.
The Bimini pool is tucked off to the west side of the pool complex, far away from the Family Pool. Play games of oversized chess and cornhole while sipping on tropical drinks. The atmosphere and design of the Bimini Bar has a photo-worthy feel that will spice up your social media.
If you want to relax, try one of the 13 private cabanas at the Cabana Pool or head to the adult-only Athena Infinity Ultra Pool. This private, VIP oasis, features the Strip’s only infinity pool, bungalows for rent, and gorgeous Las Vegas views.
If you want to party, Ayu Dayclub gets the pool crowd going with chart-topping artists on Fridays through Sundays. The day-life destination transforms into Ayu Beach House on Sundays featuring both top-tier and emerging artists from various genres as well as interactive photo opportunities and eclectic decor.
M Resort Spa and Casino
Well off the beaten path, the all-ages M Pool at M Resort Spa and Casino is an upscale, yet mellow (not hoity-toity) escape at the southernmost end of the Strip. Dotted with towering palm trees, the pool area features two large, heated, infinity-edge pools and two large whirlpool hot tubs. Guests enjoy cover bands and other live music by the pool on select Fridays and Saturdays.
While the pool itself has a luxurious feel, you can upgrade your experience even more by renting a daybed or private VIP cabana. A full food and beverage menu—including supersized Margarita Towers—is available poolside.
Off to the side of the pool area, the private adults-only DayDream Pool Club feels like a secluded tropical escape with an infinity-edge pool, two large hot tubs, spacious private cabanas, poolside day beds, a bar, and a DJ booth.
A Shout-Out to Some Other Pools
- The three-level Stadium Swim with its massive 40-foot high-def screen at Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
- Tropicana Las Vegas pool and its tequila-inspired food and drink menu.
- Another oldie but goody, Flamingo Las Vegas, with its energetic Go Pool; passing the flamingo habitat on the way to the pool is part of the fun.
- Wynn Las Vegas pool because, like everything Wynn Las Vegas, it’s picture-perfect and drenched in excellence.
Vegas Pool Tips
- If you plan to spend your Vegas vacation by the pool, do a little research before you book a particular hotel, so you aren’t disappointed.
- Since weather conditions vary, even in Las Vegas, some pools may operate with limited hours until summer. Check with individual properties to ensure your perfect pool day.
- Don’t forget to pack pool items like sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuits, and hats. You can also pick these items up at a hotel shop, but it will most likely be at marked-up prices.
- As for sunscreen, wear it whenever you go outside in the sun, not just at the pool.
