Las Vegas is one of the most in-demand destinations in the world for pool parties. However, with Marquee no longer erecting an overhead dome over its pool deck in winter, there aren’t any dayclub options during the off-season.
Repeat: There are no pool parties or dayclubs in Las Vegas this winter.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good swim in Sin City while it’s cold outside. Here’s a look at some of the best winter pools on and off the Strip.
The Palms
It’s been a rough year for the pool scene at the Palms. Its nightclub and dayclub concept KAOS opened to great fanfare, but closed about six months later. A dome was built over the pool deck and debuted on Halloween, presumably to keep the party going during winter, but the plug was pulled shortly afterwards. All that effort may seem like a giant waste, but the former dayclub area remains the main guest pool for the Palms resort. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all winter long and two people can enter with a single hotel key. The pool is heated and the dome remains overhead to block out the cold weather, making it the best hotel in Vegas for booking a cabana in the off-season and enjoying some cocktails or champagne by the water.
The Cosmopolitan
During the winter, the rooftop Boulevard Pool is transformed into an ice rink with themed drinks and fire pits until January 5. However, the more secluded Chelsea pool remains open all year long with the water heated up to 82 degrees. It’s open to hotel guests only and cabana service is offered based on a limited room service menu. Keep in mind — the cabanas aren’t heated and service is usually only available early in the day due to a lack of activity. So book a reservation in advance to be safe.
Mandalay Bay
Moorea Beach Club is a tops-optional adult pool in the summer, but remains open as a family-friendly option during the winter 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cabana rentals are available on a day-of basis and while the bar is always serving drinks, food may not be available on slower days. Moorea Beach Club is generally open to those staying at the hotel, but the concierge may accommodate non-guests on select days, usually for a $20 per-person charge. The sandy beach area is visible from the pool but closed off during winter.
Bellagio
The Bellagio has a beautiful Tuscan-style pool deck, surrounded by trees and landscaping. The resort keeps the main pool open all year long, but with limited hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during winter. The water is heated and cabanas are available to rent. Entry is exclusive to hotel guests.
Platinum
This hotel is about a block east of the Strip with condo-style guest rooms. It has indoor and outdoor pools and both are heated and open during the winter. While the extended hours of 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. are great for those who want to stay up late, there’s isn’t any cabana service and access is restricted to hotel guests only.
Golden Nugget
The Tank Pool at the Golden Nugget closes for part of the winter season, but reopens early on January 30. That means guests who brave the temperatures can lounge by the pool, enjoy the heated water and take a water slide through the famous shark tank, which contains hundreds of exotic fish. The second level cabanas are built into the main structure, allowing for extra reinforcement from any chill in the air. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with an extra hour until 7 p.m. for Jacuzzi access). The pool is available to hotel guests for free and outside guests for a $25 admission charge.
Embassy Suites Convention Center
Here’s a great option if you want to be near the Convention Center. Embassy Suites has an indoor pool that’s open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (for all ages) and until midnight for adults. The water is heated to 80 degrees. There’s also an outside Jacuzzi and lounge area, although no drinks are permitted. The hotel has a few other perks, including a free breakfast and daily happy hour on the third floor 5:30-7:30 p.m.
If you need more options, call your preferred hotel and ask about their winter pool schedules. Some will keep at least one pool heated year-round, but policies can change by the season — or even by the day, depending on how slow it is. There is a lot of misinformation online about winter pool hours, so always check in advance with the hotel directly.
