Best Pool Parties in Las Vegas: A Beginner’s Guide

Pools aren’t just for swimming anymore. It’s all about posing, partying, and power-lounging at the Las Vegas pool party scene, where at least 15 major hotels on the Strip compete for the over-21 crowd. Top DJs spinning music and cabanas stocked with full refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players are standard at these rowdy parties. So are chilled towels, massages, and champagne. Here is a sampling of some of the best pool parties on the strip. Ladies, bring your best bikinis and high heels, and don’t forget your credit cards.

Caesars Palace
Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis/Venus Pool Club
Thursday-Sunday, $20 entry fee for men to all pools. No fee for women, Caesars hotel guests or Seven Stars guests. The Venus Pool Club charges $20 admission for men and $10 for women Sunday-Thursday; $10 more Fridays and Saturdays.
Leisure concierge: 702-731-7266

The draw: Nothing screams old-school Vegas fun like palatial Caesars. Garden of the Gods is the largest pool area on the Strip, with seven pools spread over 4.5 acres. The Venus Pool Club is 10,000 square feet. That combats the biggest drawback at pool parties: proximity to the pool and a place to rest your “bikini-ed” bottom. The scene: If you want wild and crazy, this may not be for you. Venus is classy and not as over the top as other pools. Good DJs, live music, food and drinks.

The Venetian
Tao Beach
Fridays and Sundays, $20; Saturdays, $30 for men and $20 for women. Monday-Friday: No cover.
702-388-8538

The draw: Rooftop pool with nice views. You might see a celeb. Drawback: Tiny pool and not much room to stand around unless you rent a cabana. No open seating. The scene: Known for good, loud music and a rowdy young crowd.

Aria
Liquid Pool + Lounge
$10
702-693-8300

The draw: Smaller and classier than other clubs, two secluded pools. Drawback: Extremely pricey cabanas ($1,000?) and daybeds. No place to sit other than in the pool if you don’t want to pay the big bucks.

The Cosmopolitan
Marquee Dayclub
Fee varies
702-698-7000

What makes it special: The Cosmopolitan is a newer hot spot, which makes the eighth-floor Marquee fresh and all the rage. If you think a cabana sounds nice, check out the three-story bungalow lofts for daily rental for larger groups.

Mandalay Bay
Moorea Beach Club
Fee varies, but generally $10 for women and $50 for men on the weekends.
702-632-4760 or 877-305-3136

The draw: Great, clean pool and beach. You can move back and forth between the pool and poolside casino. The scene: Those in the know say this spot has just the right amount of energy. Loud and fun, but not out of control.