No Vegas vacation is complete without a day spent lounging by a resort pool. Afterall, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Las Vegas was practically made with bikinis, pool floats and mojitos in mind. But pool life in Vegas is as varied as the city’s casinos. From adult-only swim plunge baths to kiddy lazy rivers and everything in between, when comes to swimming holes, this desert metropolis has a little something for everyone. So slather on the sunscreen and enjoy this roundup of the best hotel pools in Sin City.
Best Downtown Hotel Pool: Circa
As the newest addition to the Las Vegas’ downtown hotel skyline (Circa opened in October 2020), the Circa casino has what many other Vegas resorts lack: modern flair. And the hotel’s six roof-top pools are no exception. Named “Stadium Swim” for its stadium-like architecture, Circa’s pools were built on three different levels in a tiered-like layout. Located at the foot of the “stadium” is a 40-foot tall high-definition screen; one of the tallest of its kind in the world. The screen is so massive that it doesn’t matter where on the pool deck you’re sitting—you’ll have a front-row view of the on-screen entertainment. The pool is great for sports fans, as all of the major games are broadcast live on the screen. The pool is heated and open year-round, which means you can enjoy a game or concert no matter what time of year you visit. The pool also has some of the trendiest cabanas in the city; as they’ve all been decorated with stylish furniture and chic 80s retro décor.
Runner up: Golden Nugget
Prior to Circa’s arrival, the Golden Nugget was the star of downtown casinos. Stylish, elegant and featuring several award-winning restaurants, the Golden Nugget was the top choice for a bargain-priced luxury hotel. But while Circa is the downtown hotel everyone has been talking about in recent months, the Golden Nugget hotel pool remains one of the most unique pools in all of Las Vegas. While the poolside blackjack tables and lobby courtyard location make for a playful atmosphere, what sets this pool apart is the water slide that doubles as a shark tank. The slide—a clear tube—winds through a 200,000-gallon shark tank and aquarium, allowing you an up-close peek at some of the 300 fish and six species of sharks and rays.
Best Strip Hotel Pool: Mandalay Bay
While Mandalay Bay’s location at the far-end of the Strip means that it doesn’t get as much foot traffic as some of the other more centrally-located casinos, its grand marbled lobby, romantic aquarium and wide array of shops and restaurants make for a tranquil and relaxing stay. But by far the most jaw-dropping attraction is Mandalay Beach. Topping nearly every list of “best pools in Vegas,” the 11-acre poolscape that Vegas.com describes as “more water park than swimming hole,” includes eight pools, a wave pool, a lazy river and a real sand beach. It even has an adults-only pool and massive stage that extends into the wave pool. Mandalay Beach is hands-down the best place to catch an outdoor concert during the summer.
Runner up: Caesars Palace
To understand the grandness of Caesars Palace’s pools, you need only to consider the name: The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis. More than a mere hotel pool, this sprawling “pool oasis” includes seven pools, an 18-foot-tall waterfall and swim-up blackjack. But what will likely have you talking is the sheer massiveness of it all. Like the resort itself, the Caesars Palace pool area is sprawling and deliciously over-the-top. The pools are the size of lakes and are surrounded by towering columns and fountains the size of small buildings. You’ll feel as though you’re swimming in the royal baths of ancient Rome. There are also 40 cabanas and DJ entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. The Jupiter Pool is kid-friendly and includes kids’ games and activities.
Best Budget Hotel Pool: The Flamingo
The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino may not be as fancy as some of its neighbors across the street (like the Bellagio or Caesars Palace) but when it comes to pools, the Flamingo’s pool is every bit as fun. In fact, the pool is so popular that guests staying at other hotels make the trek and pay an entry fee just to experience it. On brand with the resort’s tropical theme, the Flamingo pool is surrounded by waterfalls, palm trees and lush, colorful vegetation. Other entertainment options include a sand volleyball court and the Go Pool; a private pool for those 21 and older. The Go Pool has its own bar and DJ.
Runner up: The Grand
Billed as a “trendy backyard barbeque” The Citrus Grand Pool has the casual yet hip vibe of a tropical-themed college party. It’s located on the roof of the Downtown Grand, a boutique hotel in Downtown Las Vegas. In addition to the table games that line the pool deck on the weekends, The Citrus Grand Pool also has popular party games such as Fussball, cornhole and ping pong. Concerts are regularly held on the pool’s stage and a DJ spins on the weekends.
Best Family Friendly Hotel Pool: Tahiti Village Resort
With its off-the-Strip location, The Tahiti Village Resort is a great pick for families looking to get away from the bustle of the tourist corridor. But the biggest draw for families is the resort’s pool, which is one of the of the most expansive in the valley. Featuring waterfalls, a volleyball court, a sandy beach and a lazy river, the hotel’s pool can easily keep kids busy for much of the day. After you and the kiddos have had your fill of the pool, you can relax in one of the family-friendly hot tubs and then attend a luau, which are held all summer long.
Runner Up: The M Resort
The M Resort often gets overlooked due to its off-the-Strip location (it’s located a full 15-minute drive away from main drag of the Strip), but it boasts picturesque views of the city’s skyline and the valley’s famous fire-orange sunsets as well as several fantastic restaurants and an award-winning wine bar. The M Pool is a gorgeous attraction in its own right with two infinity pools, rose gardens and an entertainment stage. It’s popular with local families who frequent the pool to enjoy the free concerts and the family-friendly “Dive-in movies” that play on the weekends.
Best Quiet Hotel Pool: Vdara
With no casino or night clubs on the premises, the Vdara Hotel is a popular choice with those looking for a reprieve from the noise and chaos of the tourist scene. While the Strip is only steps away, the subdued lighting, soft music and general peaceful ambiance of this small, boutique-like hotel will make you feel as though you’re in a different city entirely.
The Vdara pool is small but replicates the same health and wellness theme of the resort—no smoking is allowed, for instance, and the cabanas come with fruit trays and non-alcoholic beverages. The pool’s bar and grill offers tapas and specialty cocktails.
Runner up: Trump Hotel Las Vegas
Located on the seventh floor of the hotel, the Trump Hotel pool serves spectacular city views. With no casino, this non-smoking and opulent hotel is located just off the Strip, ensuring quieter poolside fun. The 110-foot pool deck is small compared to the sprawling multi-pool water parks offered at other properties, but that is part of the appeal. Air-conditioned cabanas are also available.
Which Las Vegas Hotel has the Best Pool? The answer to that question depends, of course, on personal taste. But Mandalay Beach at Mandalay Bay is certainly a Vegas visitor favorite. It’s topped the “best of” lists in numerous publications, including Conde Nast and CNN. Nothing says “vacation” quite like laying in the soft sand, cocktail in hand. Plus, being able to brag that you surfed 8-foot waves in the middle of the desert is a fun added bonus.
