Category: Las Vegas Guides

Free Parking in Vegas

There is still plenty of free parking in Vegas. Not all are convenient or located right on the Las Vegas Strip but it’s easy to get to the The Strip from practically anywhere in Vegas. Besides outright free parking some resorts or casinos offer free parking for being members of their players club. This usually entails hitting their second tier which really doesn’t take much to achieve. We will discuss the free parking locations in Vegas and then talk about how you can achieve free parking through players rewards.

Free Parking in Vegas

The Strip

  • Wynn Las Vegas and Encore
  • Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
  • Venetian/Palazzo Hotel & Casino
  • Tropicana Hotel & Casino – may charge for parking when there are events at T-Mobile.
  • The Shops at Crystals – valet parking during business hours and no overnight parking allowed.
  • Fashion Show Mall – only during business hours and no overnight parking allowed.

Northern Strip

  • The Strat Hotel & Casino
  • Sahara Las Vegas
  • Circus Circus
  • Resorts World

Off Strip

  • Oyo Hotel & Casino

Free Parking at MGM Resorts and Casinos

There are two ways to achieve free parking at MGM Resorts and Casinos in Las Vegas. Both ways involve reaching Pearl Status with their players club program. Pearl is the second tier of the MGM Rewards Program. Pearl is relatively easy to acquire through either spending or gambling and once achieved is good the year it was achieved and the following year. Pearl Status can also be achieved by getting the MGM Rewards Mastercard. The MGM Rewards Mastercard is a “no fee” credit card which automatically gives you Pearl Status.

Free Parking at Caesars Resorts and Casinos

Much like MGM, free parking at Caesars Resorts entails reaching status in their players club program. Free parking is available to those that reach Platinum Status. Platinum Status can be achieved through either gambling or spending or by getting the Caesars Rewards Visa card. The Caesars Rewards Visa card is also a no fee credit card.

las vegas parking

Parking for Locals

Sadly free parking for Nevada Residents on The Strip is a thing of the past. At time of writing this Caesars Resorts (excluding Planet Hollywood) offers 3 hours free parking for locals but this seems to be a promotion that isn’t always active.

Fremont Street and Downtown

If you are staying or visiting Fremont Street you may be able to get free parking in a couple of ways. Many casinos downtown offer free parking for guests. Others will also waive parking fees by getting your slip validated for eating or gambling at their premises. This may not apply when there are events on. It’s best to contact the hotel you are staying at or visiting for more information.

Las Vegas is ever changing. We try to keep our lists updated as best as possible. Please see our other Las Vegas Guides to help you make your next trip a great one.

Tourist Scams in Las Vegas

There are lots of different tourist scams in Las Vegas. Many of the scams might be obvious but some of them are pretty clever. Nothing is free in Las Vegas and if it sounds too good to be true it’s probably a scam.

A few years back we were walking into the Planet Hollywood Mall. We were asked if we wanted a coupon book. I know that the mall offers shopping booklets with coupons so I said sure. The man wasn’t with the mall and immediately began harassing us to go to a time share presentation. A scam.

Tourist scams are everywhere in Las Vegas and here are a few of the more common scams.

tourist scams in las vegas

Tourist Scams in Las Vegas

Update Sept 5th, 2023

We just got back from Vegas and have heard a few stories of people approaching you asking you to take out your phone to get directions or an address for a place they are to meet a friend or to borrow it to make an emergency call. Do Not take your phone out and just walk away. They are trying to install apps or use your apps to steal money.

  1. Card Slappers – The Card Slappers are all over the Las Vegas Strip. They will hand you a card advertising an escort or call girl.  Contrary to what many people think, prostitution is illegal in Vegas. Most times the escort is not going to provide you with a service. They are there to rob you. They may slip you something in a drink or excuse themselves to freshen up while they steal your items.
  2. Free Dinner Scam – The scam involves a good looking person chatting you up and gaining your confidence.  They will tell you about how they scored a big win at the tables and want to take you out for dinner. They will do the old dine and dash and leave your holding the bill for dinner.
  3. Time Share Presentation – These people are all over the Las Vegas Strip. They will offer you free tickets to a show or dinner if you listen to their presentation. You will get some crappy seats to a show. You will have wasted your day and they will do everything to keep you there and get you to sign up. It’s not worth wasting an entire day in Las Vegas to get a pair of nosebleed seats.
  4. Casino ATM’s – So not a scam in the general sense but beware of the fees. Some of the bank machine fees in Casinos are 3x a normal ATM. Try and get your money elsewhere.
  5. Water Vendors – This should be a no brainer. Do not buy water from a person off the strip. I have seen them. The coolers are filthy and people report they have filled them up with tap water.
  6. Don’t Gamble on the Street – I have never seen them but apparently Three Card Monty and other games take place in Vegas. These are obviously not fair games. You have no chance of winning them.
  7. Distraction – Stay focused in the Casino. The scammers will work in pairs. One will distract you by dropping something or bumping into you. The other will steal your purse, bag or even try to get your tito slip.
  8. The Long Haul – Taxi cab drivers are notorious for trying to long haul you from the airport. Read more on our post Long Haul Taxi Scam.
  9. Pick Pockets – There are professional pick pockets everywhere in Las Vegas. They will work in teams. One will distract you while the other loots you. They look for people flashing money, cell phones or other valuables. They also look for somebody that appears or is drunk. Keep you wallet and purses closed and close to you and do not flash your valuables out in the open.
  10. CD Scam – These guys usually hang out on the bridges along the strip or around the escalators. They will ask you if you want a free CD of their terrible music. They will ask you your name and sign the CD Case and then be very aggressive in trying to get you to buy it because they ruined it by putting your name on it. Just keep walking and ignore them.
  11. Mentor Scam – These scammers will approach you in a casino and bar and tell you a tale of how they reached some kind of financial goal or got rich and then promise to teach you as a mentor for a fee. It’s a scam obviously.
  12. Fake Marijuana Stores – Marijuana stores are not allowed on The Strip or on Fremont St. The stores that have popped up are CBD stores and they are not selling THC. They package their material and even will tell you that they are selling THC. It’s a scam. Use Google and find a real Dispensary. I have personally use Planet 18 and The Reef, both highly recommended.

How to Deal with Scammers in Las Vegas

The easiest way to deal with the scammers is to simply ignore them. When they try to hand you a card, a cd or booklet just keep walking. They won’t waste their time on you.

If you engage them then they will focus on you and begin their targeted harassing grift. If you acknowledge them they will press you. So don’t do it.

If a scammer begins to engage with you tell them you are on your way to the airport and walk away. They have heard this a million times and will usually go away.

I have personally yelled at them with a loud voice to leave me alone. They don’t want to create a scene, especially with Vegas police so they will go away.

If you feel threatened just walk into the nearest store, casino or business. They won’t follow you in there. If so grab a security guard, they are everywhere in Vegas.

Surprising Facts about Las Vegas Hotels and Casinos

If you are planning on your first Las Vegas trip there are a couple of facts and or tips about hotels you should be aware of. There are extra costs or surprise fees that you might not be aware of.  Many visitors to Las Vegas are often shocked at resort fees, lack of in room fridges and coffee makers in their hotel rooms. These are all just normal facts about Las Vegas. Lets have a look at some of the surprising facts about Las Vegas Hotels and Casinos.

Surprising Facts about Vegas Hotels and Casinos

      • Mini-Fridges – Mini-fridges in most Vegas hotel rooms are not for personal use. They are stocked with expensive snack and drink options and have no room for your personal items. The fridges will often work off of pressure sensors that charge back to your room when an item is taken out. The hotels will often charge you if they catch you with your personal items in the mini-fridge. You can order a personal fridge in most hotels but that of course comes at an extra expense. It’s best to check with your hotel first to see if they offer a fridge. Treasure Island for example, has personal fridges in their rooms as well as higher end suites in most other hotels. We basically purchased as collapsible cooler from Amazon which is easy to pack and large enough to keep our stuff cold.

Las Vegas Hotels

      • Resort Fees – Resort fees are always a shock to first time Las Vegas visitors. Most hotels will charge you an extra daily fee per room on top of your posted rate. The fee is for WiFi, gym use and other things you will never use in Vegas such as boarding passes and newspapers. The fee is paid directly to the hotel. If you are booking via a third part site such as Expedia and Travelocity you will still have to pay this fee to the hotel at the end of your stay. It varies but can range from $20 – $40. Resort fees are rarely waived unless you are a higher tiered member or high roller. You can see the fees in our Current Las Vegas Resort Fee Guide.
      • Coffee Makers – Much to the dismay of many Vegas hotel rooms do not include a coffee maker. The casinos do not want you in the room drinking coffee. They want you on the floor playing or spending money in their shops. Every hotel has a coffee shop or Starbucks but it is not cheap. Prices are generally pretty high. Many people who insist of having coffee bring a smaller coffee maker with them or even pick one up when in Vegas. We detailed a few coffee places in our Where to get coffee in Vegas post.

Coffee in Las Vegas

      • ATM Fees – ATM Fees at machines in Casinos and along The Las Vegas Strip can really vary from place to place. It’s best to check first as some along the strip can be as high as $10. The Walgreens and CVS stores are reported as being respectable at a few dollars. The best is Casino Royal located beside Harrahs at only being $1.
      • Snacks and Drinks – Buy your snacks and drinks anywhere besides a Casino store. The prices are often very over inflated. The best spots are again The Walgreens and CVS stores which are located all over the strip. You will be very surprised what a Casino store will charge you for a simple bottle of water. We always buy a small case from Walgreens or CVS.
      • Not so Cheap Breakfast – The days of finding a cheap breakfast at most of the casino restaurants is long gone. Every casino and hotel will have a breakfast spot on site. The problem is that the cost of that breakfast is way over priced. We tried a couple of places in hotels and were shocked with a $60 bill for a regular breakfast for two. We would have been better off with the Breakfast Buffet price and food wise. You can still find a McDonald’s or Denny’s on the strip for a cheaper breakfast.  The area around Casino Royale has a few cheaper fast food breakfast type spots or we recommend Hash House at The Linq or Peppermill Lounge. If you want to dine cheap you will really have to do your homework.

Essentials to Pack for a Vegas Vacation

A Vegas Vacation is a unique travel experience. The weather can be hot during the day and it can be quite cool at night depending on the time of year you visit. The properties are massive in size which means lots of walking. Having the proper gear and supplies for a trip to Vegas is important. We will Lets just assume that you will bring a bathing suite and shorts, that’s is given. Lets look at some of the essentials to pack for a Vegas Vacation.

Realistically, you don’t have to load all of this stuff up on the plane with you. You can pick up many of the items listed below at a Walgreen or CVS store. Just don’t buy they from your hotel or casino store, they are way over priced.

Clothing Essentials

  • Comfortable Shoes – We were logging anywhere from 6 to 10 miles a day on our last Vegas trip. There is no way you want to do that in a pair of uncomfortable shoes. I bring a pair of walking type shoes for daytime gawking and a pair of dressier shoes for fancier dinners or functions.
  • Jacket or Long Shirt – One, it can get cooler at night and secondly you might need a long shirt if you are going anywhere with a dress code.
  • Long Pants – Same reason as above.
  • Hat – That sun can get to you if you are sitting around a pool or just walking up and down The Vegas Strip. If you plan on being outdoors bringing a sensible hat just makes sense.
  • Sunglasses – Again the sun is merciless in Vegas and who is kidding who, you might want to hide those bloodshot eyes the next day.

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen – No brainier here. You have to keep that skin protected in the hot Vegas sun.
  • Lip Balm – You might forget about this one but my lips always get chapped in Vegas. Hotels are dry at the best of time add that to the dry desert air and it’s extra dry.
  • Nasal Spray – It happens every trip. My nose dries out in the dry desert air and when it does it’s uncomfortable. Nasal Spray is on the list this year.
  • Pepto Bismol – I prefer the Pepto tablet. They are easy to carry around and they do the trick when I get that “buffet tummy”.
  • Headache Pills –  This one is self explanatory.  Who hasn’t had a sore noodle in Vegas?
  • Ear Plugs – If you are unfortunate enough to get a room over top of a night club you will be glad you packed these.

Misc

  • Water Bottle – Some people like to have their own water bottle to carry with them. Vegas is one those towns where drinking water is important.
  • Solo Cups – I usually grab these when I get to Vegas. I like to pour a drink from the hotel room and take it with me or when I buy one on the Strip pour it in the cup.
  • Beer Koozie – I have a Beer Koozie in the pocket of every jacket I own. They keep your hands dry and your beer cold.
  • Small Cooler – Most hotels do not have a fridge you can use. They are stocked with snacks and drinks. We bring a small collapsible cooler that we can fill with ice to keep our drinks cold.

Tech

  • USB Plugs – More and more hotels in Vegas have usb plugs in the room  but it’s not guaranteed. I throw a few of these in my bag.
  • External Batteries – When you are away from your room for longs periods of time taking photos or posting on social media  you can drain your battery on your phone or camera fast. You can find small portable batteries or even phone charger cases on Amazon fairly cheaply. We have noticed more USB Charge stations over the past couple of years.

Documents

  • Drivers Licence or Passport – I was at Ellis Island on my birthday and my drivers licence expired that day.  They would not give me a card or let me use my coupons because the computer would not accept my information. It’s important to make sure you have your information up to date and handy. I am not a fan of walking around with my Passport but some clubs and bars will not accept a drivers license and require a Passport.

Vegas Vacation photo

Best Bars in Vegas with a View

You are headed to Las Vegas and you are looking for that perfect place with a great view to enjoy a drink. This review of the best bars in Vegas with a view should help you. There is nothing like having a cocktail and getting looking over the Las Vegas Strip. Surprisingly there aren’t as many places to get a good strip view as you would think. For a town with as many sights and lights as Las Vegas you would think you would have dozens of options but that’s not the case. Still there are some real solid options to get a drink and enjoy the Vegas skyline. We were going to set a price range for each place but just count on expensive. A view isn’t cheap in Vegas, or is anything else.

Updated 2018/09/03 – The Mandarin Oriental has been purchased by The Waldorf Astoria.

Best Bars in Vegas with a View

Many people ask what is the best time to witness the Vegas skyline and that really is a matter of preference. During the day you really get an idea on how massive the buildings and attractions are. It’s something that at night is almost hidden or obscured by the lights. At night obviously the lights are an amazing sight to see and a must do when in Vegas. A third great time is at sundown itself. There is something really special about watching the strip lights come on as the sun dips behind the horizon. We will show you a few photos of each prospective.

Skyfall Lounge at The Delano

The Skyfall Lounge sits atop of the 64th floor at The Delano at the south end of the Vegas strip.  The lounge gives you an amazing 180 degree of Vegas from the south.  The video above is not ours but it gives you a great shot of the view.

  • Location: 3940 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119
  • Hours: Daily 5 pm – 12:00 am
  • Dress: Smart Casual
  • Cover: No
  • Website: Skyfall Lounge

Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay

foundation room vegas photo
Photo by fictures

The Foundation Room sits on the 63rd Floor of Mandalay Bay at the south end of the strip. Not exactly a club or a bar it’s described as more of a high end lounge. The photo above is a typical view that you will expect to see from the balcony view. Your view is looking down towards MGM and up the strip towards the bend at The Paris. There is a cover charge which you reportedly do not have to pay if you dine there.

  • Location: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
  • Hours: Daily 5 pm – Close
  • Dress: Smart Casual which means no shorts, sandals, hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sports apparel, tank tops, sneakers and athletic shoes.
  • Cover: $30, Reported free access if you dine at the restaurant.
  • Website: Foundation Room

Sky Bar at The Waldorf Astoria

The Mandarin Bar has been renamed to The SkyBar as the property has been purchased by The Waldorf Astoria. The SkyBar is located on the 23rd floor of the The Waldorf Astoria hotel which sits just in front of the Aria Hotel and Casino. While it may not sit as high as the two bars to the south the view is stunning. The glass to ceiling walls give an impressive view. There is also a tea room located next door if you are looking for a different experience with a view. Not our video we found this gem on YouTube.

  • Location: 3752 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158
  • Hours: Sun – Thurs (4:00 – 1:00 am), Friday – Sat (4:00 – 2:00 am)
  • Dress: Casual but not set. People report that you don’t want to be undressed as in flip flops and a tank top.
  • Cover: No
  • Website: The Waldorf Astoria

107 SkyLounge at The Stratosphere

Does a 360 degree view from the 107th floor of the Stratosphere have you interested? You won’t catch another view of Vegas like this. The Strat is located fairly north of the strip and not a good idea to walk to at night. It’s a short Uber or Lyft. Admission is free and it’s highly recommended to visit at happy hour and see the sun set over Vegas.

  • Location: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
  • Hours: Daily from 4pm – 3am
  • Dress: Casual dress.
  • Cover: No
  • Website:  107 SkyLounge

VooDoo Lounge at The Rio

bar view voodoo lounge the rio

The VooDoo Lounge is located off the strip at The Rio Hotel and Casino.  The photo above is from our 2015 trip. We did VooDoo Zipline package from Groupon and had free entry to the bar. You get a great view of the strip from the rear.

  • Location: 3700 W. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103
  • Hours: Sun.-Thurs. (8 PM – 2 AM) – Fri.-Sat. (8 PM – 3 AM)
  • Dress: Casual dress.
  • Cover:
    • Sun – Thurs –  $10 Women/$20 Men
    • Fri – Sat – $20 Women/$30 Men
  • Website: VooDoo Lounge

High Roller at The LINQ

high roller view las vegas

High Roller is a 550-foot tall Ferris wheel located at the back of the LINQ Promenade. We are including it because you can do the Happy Half Hour all you can drink package or from views buy a drink in the bar and take it with you. It takes a half an hour to rotate and you get a 360 degree view of Vegas from the west side of the strip. We have done the ride during the day, dusk and night. We enjoyed them all.

view from the high roller

  • Location: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
  • Hours: 
    • Daytime Pass – 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Anytime / Night Pass – until 2:00 a.m.
  • Dress: None
  • Cover: See website as there are different packages for day/night and drinking package. See Groupon or Travel Zoo for deals.
  • Website: High Roller

These are probably your best go to lounges, clubs and attractions for getting a great view of Las Vegas while enjoying a cocktail. There are many other places along the strip where you can get a lower view. Check out places such as The Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris and The Giada at The Cromwell and the Beer Park.  Please let us know if we should add any more places.

Christmas in Las Vegas Guide

We have been visiting Las Vegas during the Christmas season for the past four years. We have put together this guide to show you what type of weather to expect, attractions and Christmas displays to visit and what to expect in general from crowds.

Christmas Weather in Las Vegas

The average temperatures for Vegas in December is a high of 58° F (14° C) and a low of 34° F (1° C).  We have found that the temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit from day to day. There have been days where we have been able to wear shorts and a t shirt by day and a long sleeve and pants at night. Probably more often than not you will require long pants by day and night, a short or long sleeve shirt by day and a light jacket at night. When the sun goes down and the winds pick up at night it can fairly chilly.

Las Vegas Crowd Levels at Christmas

There seems to be differing opinions about crowd levels in Las Vegas over the Christmas Holidays and December in general. By the first week of December Christmas decorations will appear in hotels and along the strip.

The first two weeks of December has The National Finals Rodeo in town for 10 days. This is the time period that we generally are in town for. It is  considered by many to be a busy time in Vegas but it’s a bit relative. Any of the casinos like The Mirage, MGM or Orleans that host nightly concerts or events will be busier than others that don’t. The NFR Experience website has a list of after dark events.

The following week and right up to Christmas Eve or a couple days before is generally fairly dead or empty in terms of crowd. This is because Christmas itself leading to New Years can be quite busy.

Vegas Shows Go Dark

Before you plan your big Vegas Christmas Vacation you should know that some shows go dark in December. This is especially true leading up to Christmas itself. It’s always best to check schedules in case you get your hopes up about seeing a show. For example, we never get a chance to see Brad Garret at his comedy club as he takes a few weeks off before Christmas and New Years.

Christmas Decorations and Attractions

One thing we have noticed over the past 5 years is that Vegas seems to be getting into the Christmas spirit more each year. There are lots of amazing Christmas Tree Displays. The Christmas music is hit or miss but you will find it in the lobbies, shopping areas and around the buffets. Lets take a look at some of the main displays and attractions.

Holiday Menus and Buffet Lines

Vegas is open on Christmas like any other day. It would be impossible to list where to dine for Christmas dinner. Your best bet would be to search out where you want to dine and look at their website or call to see if there are any Christmas dinners planned. Buffet lines can be fairly busy especially during NFR in early December and closer to Christmas. Plan accordingly.

The Bellagio Conservatory Christmas Display

You can expect crowds as The Bellagio Conservatory is the Cadillac of Christmas displays in Las Vegas. This is probably one of the most stunning Christmas displays you will ever see.  There is moving train, moving polar bears and a small area where it snows.

Bellagio Christmas Display Vegas

Las Vegas Christmas

Christmas displays in Vegas

Aria and Crystals Mall

Our next top spot is to a less degree Aria lobby and more importantly the Christmas Tree at Crystals Mall. This first photos is the display at Aria and then the tree at Crystals.

Aria in Las Vegas

Crystals Las Vegas Christmas Tree

The Wynn

Last year was our first visit to The Wynn. We went to see the Christmas display and we were not disappointed. Not as grand as The Bellagio it was still a site to behold.

The Park and T-Mobile Arena

The Park area is relatively new but that doesn’t mean that they don’t celebrate Christmas. You will another large Christmas tree as well as decorations, lights and music. It is especially lively if there is a sports event or concert in the area. Visit at night to get the full effect of the lights. Last year in 2017 they had a skating rink but it was not real ice. It was plastic surface and it was very small.

This view is from the the open outdoor bar inside the t-mobile arena.

Golden Knights Vegas

Fremont Street Experience

I wouldn’t say that Fremont St goes overboard with the Christmas spirit but they do have a tree. They also have a number of filthy Santa’s but they might have those on any other given day.

The Best of the Rest Christmas in Las Vegas

Many of the casinos will also decorate their main lobbies or their shopping malls with Christmas cheer. For example, The Mirage, Caesars Palace and Harrah’s put up miscellaneous decorations. The Venetian also does up the area where the waterfall is located (photo below).

Christmas Activities in Las Vegas

There are a few Christmas themed activities to visit which we have not taken part in but are recommended. This would be The Ethel M. Chocolates Cactus Garden holiday display which is free to visit. There is also The Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where you can drive the track or take a tram which is lite up Christmas lights and decorations. There are generally Groupon deals for both of these activities.

Ice Skating in Las Vegas at Christmas

Our first trip back in 2014 there was ice skating located at Caesars Palace and we have heard that there was also skating at The Venetian. For the past couple of years there is only ice skating at The Cosmo. They have a real ice surface on top of their pool and you can rent skates.  You can also reserve a fire pit area and do the whole smores experience. There is also a Groupon for this event. We tried it one time and had a great time.

This is a stock photos as ours did not turn out well.

 

Las Vegas Swimming Pools Guide

One of the greatest activities in Las Vegas is it pools. Pool season in Las Vegas is a life of its own. Most of properties have a number of pools and options to suite everyone’s needs. If you are looking for a family pool experience or more adult pools you will be able to find what you are looking for on our Las Vegas Swimming Pools Guide.

The following list shows:

  • A link to each hotels pool page, if they have one.
  • Notes if the pools are year round or seasonal
  • Hours of operation
  • Temperature (which may not be accurate)
  • Links to any specialty pools or clubs

Updated: December 2nd, 2021

Las Vegas Swimming Pools Guide

Aria
Year-round;
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (hours are seasonal)
82°F (spa pools heated to 101°F)
Liquid Pool Lounge (adults only)
Bally’s
Seasonal; While pool is closed guests can use the pool at Paris
74°F
Bellagio
Year-round;
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. (hours are seasonal)
84°F
Binion’s Gambling Hall
Seasonal; Guest from Four Queens may use pool at Binion’s
Not heated
Caesars Palace
Seasonal
83°F
California
Seasonal (Until September 30);
8:00am – 8:00pm
Not heated
Circa
Year Round
 
Circus Circus
Seasonal;
Pool 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Daily
Slide Tower – Only Mat Racer Slide Open | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Weekdays
Slide Tower – All Slides Open | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM – Weekends
82°F
The Cormwell
Seasonal
Encore
Seasonal;
8 a.m.-7 .pm
.82°F
Excalibur
Year-round; (Slide Pool Seasonal)
Pool Hours Vary
80°F
Flamingo
Seasonal;
9 AM – 5 PM
74°-84° F
Go Pool – 21+
Four Seasons
Seasonal
85°F
Fremont
Guests use the pool at the California
Not heated
Gold Coast
Year-round;
Winter hours: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Summer hours: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
80°F
Golden Nugget
Seasonal; Feb. 10th – Nov. 15th
Not heated
Green Valley Ranch
Year-round
Not heated
Harrah’s
Seasonal;
9 AM – 6 PM
Not heated
LINQ
Seasonal;
Mon. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Luxor
Seasonal;
While pool is closed guests can use the pool at Excalibur
80°F
M Resort
Seasonal;
10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
82°F
Las Vegas Swimming Pools Guide
View of Treasure Island Pool, May 2017
Main Street Station
Guests use the pool at the California
Not heated
Mandalay Bay
Year-round;
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
82°F
MGM Grand
Seasonal;
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
82°F
Mirage
Seasonal;
Daily 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
(Closed for maintenance in December)
Oasis Pool open to all guests in Winter Months
75°-78°F
Private Oasis Pool and Bare Pool
pools in las vegas
View from The Mirage Pools, May 2017
OYO Hotel & Casino
Seasonal
 
The Park
Seasonal;
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
80°F
New York-New York
Seasonal;
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
70°-75°F
Orleans
Seasonal;
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Daily
78°-80°F
Palace Station
Seasonal;
Sunday – Thursday: 9 am – 10 pm
Friday & Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm
Palazzo
Year-round;
Winter hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Summer hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (hours are weather permitting)
82°F
Palms
Seasonal 9am – 7pm
75°F
Paris
Year-round;
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (hours are seasonal)
83°F
Planet Hollywood
Seasonal;
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
71°F
Plaza
Year-round
9am – sunset
Heated
Red Rock Resort
Seasonal;
9 am – 5 pm Monday – Thursday
9 am – 6 pm Saturday & Sunday
78°F
Rio
Seasonal;
9 AM – 6 PM
Not heated
Sam’s Town
Seasonal;
8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Memorial Day through the first week of September
78°F
Santa Fe Station
Pool Currently Closed
Signature at MGM Grand
Seasonal;
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
82°F
Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino
Seasonal
Silverton
Seasonal
78°F
South Point
Year-round;
9 a.m.-5 p.m. (hours are seasonal)
Stratosphere
Year-round;
Winter hours :9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Summer hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
78°F
Suncoast
Seasonal;
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunset Station
Seasonal;
9 am – 8 pm
74°F
The D
Webste points to Circa Pool which is Year-Round
Treasure Island
Seasonal;
Varies 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Closed Mid Nov to Mid Feb
78°F
Tropicana
Seasonal;
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Heated
Tuscany
Year-round;
Winter hours: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Summer hours: 7 a.m.- 10 p.m.
75°-80°F
Vdara
Seasonal; Guest can use pool at Aria
Virgin Hotel (Formelry Hard Rock)
Seasonal
 
Venetian
Year-round;
Main Pool 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Venezia Pool: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Hours are seasonal
80°F
Westgate Las Vegas
Seasonal;
84°F
Wynn Las Vegas
Year-Round;
Winter Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Summer: 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
82°F

We have gleaned our Las Vegas Pools Guides from a number of sources but mainly from each pools website. Vegas is always changing and while we strive to keep our list updated it may contain errors. Please let us know if any of our information needs updating. Make sure you check out the rest of our Las Vegas Guides.

Best Apps to Use When Visiting Las Vegas

Having a good collection of Apps on your smartphone can be important when visiting Las Vegas. There are so many options when it comes to entertainment, shows, dining and attractions. Having the right Apps on your iPhone, Android or tablet can save you time maneuvering between properties and find you unique places to visit.

Best Apps to Use When Visiting Las Vegas

Google Maps

Vegas is enormous and there are a zillion food, drink and entertainment options. Admitted it’s easy to get directions from hotel staff, visitors and there is lots of signage. Having a decent map app can help you figure out fast where you need to go and Google Maps will even give you directions to get there. What we like best is that you can pre-download the entire Vegas region to your phone so that you can use it if you find yourself with no cell coverage.

Best Apps to Use When Visiting Las Vegas

Uber and Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft are solid options for travel in Las Vegas. They have their own pick up and drop off spots and there are plenty of drivers so getting a ride never takes long. Rideshare is pretty smooth in Las Vegas. Read our ride share Location post for pick up and drop off spots at Current Uber and Lyft Pick Up and Drop off Locations in Las Vegas.

Open Table

Las Vegas has amazing and unique dining options. Restaurants can be busy as well and we love to make reservations through Open Table. It saves time and effort when making dining reservations. We also love to look up places that we might want to visit, read the reviews and browse the photos.

Best Apps to Use When Visiting Las Vegas

Groupon and Travel Zoo

The two powerhouses of group buying in Las Vegas. We rarely head to Las Vegas without a handful of purchases on these two apps. You can get amazing deals on attractions and activities, food and drink and show tickets. We are fans of the deals for The High Roller and discounts at restaurants such as $50 for $30. One of the great deals that comes and goes are discounted shopping cards at Miracle Miles Shopping Malls. They will basically sell 1/2 price cards for use at all shops. We stocked up on drinks at ABC and Vegas Knights gear at Lids.

Players Clubs Apps

We always have the main players clubs apps loaded on our phones when we head to Vegas. Especially the for the hotel that we are staying at. Mainly we have Mlife, Total Rewards and B Connected as those are the hotels that we frequent. They are great apps for checking on property maps, entertainment schedules, dining options and for checking your Players Clubs standing and points.

TravelVegas

This was the one Vegas specific app that we like to download for out trip. It has a number of guides, maps and attraction listings. What we like about it is that it takes all of the Groupon, Travel Zoo and other deals websites and lists them in one handy place. It also allows you to bring up a map and it shows all of the deals in your proximity.

My Vegas

MyVegas is a game played on Facebook Android and iPhone. You play the games with chips to earn loyalty points which you can trade for freebies at Las Vegas hotels, restaurants and attractions. On Facebook you can play MyVegas and My Konami. On your smartphone or tablet you play MyVegas, My Konami, Pop Slots and Blackjack. You sync all of the games with your Facebook id so that your loyalty points all go to the same pot.

If you have not heard of the game before and think it’s a scam it is most certainly not. We have personally cashed in free tickets to KA, Beatles Love, 2-1 Terry Factor tickets, numerous buffets, attractions such as the Secret Garden as well as free nights at The Mirage.

We are going to do a big MyVegas post soon which will give you tips and tricks to get the most out of the game.

myvegas photo
Photo by eastcoastgambler99

Night View of the Las Vegas Strip

Night View of the Las Vegas Strip

An incredible photo of a night view of the Las Vegas strip. According to NASA Las Vegas is the brightest city when viewed from space. There is an estimated 9,900,000 light tubes in Vegas. Sources state there is nearly 15.000 miles of neon lights in Vegas. It costs nearly $127 million a year to illuminate the strip.

Night View of the Las Vegas Strip

The amazing part about flying into Las Vegas at night is witnessing the lights. You go from total darkness to the amazing display of bright lights that you see in the photo above. Not only is it bright, it is much bigger than what most people believe. When you think about Las Vegas you think about The Strip and Fremont St. You can see from the photo that Vegas is quite large with many neighborhoods and houses. The population in 2016 as estimated at 632,912.

Las Vegas Street Scene 1955

Las Vegas in 1955 was very different then what it is today. This Las Vegas street scene photo from 1955 shows the Golden Nugget and a host of other casinos and hotels that are no longer part of Vegas. The Golden Nugget was built in 1946 and is still a prominent part of the Fremont St experience. If you get a chance stop by and see the shark tank.

Las Vegas street scene 1955

Make sure you click on the photo for the larger image.