Las Vegas might be an oasis, but it's still in the middle of a desert. A hot desert. For several months of the year, a swimming pool at your Las Vegas hotel is a must. Use this list as a guide to the best Vegas pools. (Psst, I've also heard the new pool at The Palms is spectacular also, but until I get a chance to visit in person, it only gets honorable mention.)
This Vegas hotel doesn't have a pool, it has a water park. Eleven acres include a wave pool, a sandy-bottom lagoon and a lazy river. 1,700 tons of sand turn Mandalay Bay's swimming pool area into quite a beach.
A number of smaller pools in an elegant courtyard-like setting add to the intimate feel of this resort. Citrus trees and sculptured landscaping give the whole swimming pool area a Mediterranean feel.
The opulent "Garden of the Gods," inspired by Roman baths, cover 4.5 acres and include four swimming pools (including topless sunbathing at the Venus swimming pool) and two whirlpools. Think white marble columns and mosaics. The "Sports Illustrated" 2001 Swimsuit Issue was photographed at this classic Las Vegas hotel.
Rooftop pool in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower covers two acres with French-style gardens.
Fifteen acres of tropical swimming pools with waterfalls, water slides and plenty of palm trees. Lush and relaxing.
The Hard Rock attracts a young crowd, drawn to the swimming pool as much for its floating craps table as its social scene. A sandy bottom and circular currents keep things moving. You're not hearing things; rock music is piped in underwater.
Three swimming pools cover two acres at this hip off-Strip hotel. Cabanas abound, or you can book a two-story poolside Bungalow. Outdoor concerts can entertain up to three thousand people at one party. Skin is an upscale poolside nightclub.
Yet another reason to venture across the highway to the Rio. Four pools, with sea creature styling (one has a clam shell in the center with a fountain coming from the pearl; another is inspired by a colorful fish). Waterfalls, whirlpools and a blackjack table keep things interesting. One area has a sandy beach.
Two tropical swimming pools are connected by lagoons and filled by waterfalls. The pool area also has three whirlpools, three water slides and lots of palm trees.
Everything at the MGM Grand is big, and the swimming pool is no exception. Take your pick from five swimming pools and a nice long lazy river (1,000 feet long, to be exact).
