Best of Vegas ~ Pools

Vegas Pools By: Chad Gunn

Going to Las Vegas most times of the year, and especially in the dog days of summer, you are going to want to know the best place to cool down.

We would suggest Minus5 at Mandalay Bay where the temperature is -5C (23f) year-round and you drink from a glass made of ice in a room with ice walls!

Also, Ice seats, tables and bar, and ice sculptures all crafted from 100% imported Canadian ice. But...We won't be suggesting that because this feature is about the best places in Las Vegas to take a dip in a pool.

Mandalay Bay 

As luck would have it our number one pick is Mandalay Beach at Mandalay Bay at the extreme south end of the Strip. This 'pool area' should really be considered for one of the Wonders of the World but we could say that about a lot of things in Las Vegas.

Spread out over 11 acres are water gardens with foliage, three tropical pools, waterfalls, a lazy river where you can float under the waterfalls, a wave pool holding over 1.5 million gallons of water and generating six foot tall waves, and of course the famous Beach itself with almost two thousand tons of imported California sand.

Inner tube and raft rentals are available and there are 25 cabanas available for rent as well. Did we mention the new Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Beach? Shame on us! There is now a European style beach club where you can go topless. Other notable topless pools in Vegas are BARE at the Mirage (also open into the night) and Tao Beach Vegas directly above the TAO Nightclub at the Venetian. A small pool area at Caesars, our next pick, also allows topless tanning and swimming. In fact topless is becoming typical in Sin City.

Caesars Palace

For shear beauty and a well managed crowd (these pools throng with people in the hotter months) the Pool at Caesars Palace has to be near the top of the list. The architecture is stunning with Roman pillars, columns, and sculptures in abundance and waterfalls strategically placed to set off the lines. Sunbathers and poolside denizens can relax in comfort in row upon tiered row of beach chairs.

During the peak summer weekends costumed goddesses wend their way through the deck combers offering chilled fruit and the bar service is very attentive. A good place for the whole family, and a private area for daytime topless swimming and tanning make this a top choice.

Bellagio and MGM Grand

For elegance it would have to be a toss up between The Grand Pool Complex at MGM Grand and Bellagio's Pool Courtyard. At the Bellagio there are six separate settings, each distinct and imbued with the same class and elegance you find everywhere else on the property. A feeling of escape to a Mediterranean Villa permeates the air, and the service is what you would expect from a resort of this class.

The Grand Pool complex at MGM Grand boasts five separate pools with something for everybody. Of course there is a separate pool for adults only as well as a lap pool for exercise. But more than just pools, this is an elegant water venue with thirty cabanas, tropical landscaping, a relaxing 1,000 foot river with full bar, three large whirlpools, waterfalls, fountains and bridges. It really must be seen and experienced to be believed.

Notable Mentions

Other very notable mentions would be the tropical lagoon pool at The Mirage with over a quarter mile of shoreline on five acres - The Palms Casino Resort pool for a Miami ambiance, and last but not least, Beach Club at Hard Rock Hotel where the party is really happening. This pool was chosen by Travel Channel as one of the top ten pools in the world. With the Caribbean blue waters, sandy beaches, swim up blackjack games and luxurious cabanas its easy to see why.

The outdoor pool season begins in March and April in Las Vegas and usually runs into or through October. Many pools are only open to hotel guests, so if you really covet your pool time, then the aqua features of a property should figure heavily into your choice most of the year.