Las Vegas was built in a desert, and the city has spent decades perfecting the art of the hotel pool. What started as a rectangle of water behind a casino has evolved into sprawling aquatic playgrounds — some with actual beaches, some with wave machines, and some that double as full-blown dayclubs with DJs and bottle service.
But not every pool is right for every visitor. A family with kids needs something very different from a group of friends chasing a party. This guide ranks the best hotel pools in Las Vegas by what they do best, so you can pick the one that fits your trip.
The Rankings at a Glance
| Pool | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Mandalay Bay Beach | Families & beach lovers | 11-acre sand beach + wave pool |
| Encore Beach Club | Adults & partygoers | Dayclub with DJ headliners |
| Luxor Pool | Budget & families | Multiple pools, relaxed vibe |
| Bellagio Pool | Luxury & quiet | Elegant courtyard pools |
| The LINQ Pool | Casual & central | Affordable, social atmosphere |
Mandalay Bay Beach — The Best All-Around Pool
If you only visit one pool in Las Vegas, make it Mandalay Bay Beach. This is not a pool; it is an 11-acre aquatic complex built around a real sand beach and a wave pool that produces genuine, rideable waves. There is also a lazy river, separate pools for lounging, and cabanas for rent. It is the closest thing to an ocean in the Mojave.
Mandalay Bay Beach earns its top spot because it works for almost everyone. Kids love the waves and the sand, adults love the cabanas and the lazy river, and the sheer size means it never feels as cramped as smaller Strip pools. For the full breakdown, read our dedicated Mandalay Bay Beach and wave pool guide.
Eleven acres of sand, a wave pool, and a lazy river — Mandalay Bay is less a hotel pool and more a water park with a casino attached.
Encore Beach Club — The Best Party Pool
Encore Beach Club at Wynn is where Las Vegas pool culture reaches its peak. This is a dayclub in every sense: DJ booths, champagne towers, VIP bungalows with private pools, and a crowd dressed to impress. The pools themselves are beautiful — tiered, with palms and daybeds ringing the water — but the real attraction is the scene.
If you want to dance in waist-deep water to a world-class DJ at 2 PM on a Tuesday, this is your spot. Cover charges and bottle service minimums apply, and they are not cheap. Reserve well in advance, especially for weekend events and headline DJs.
Adults-Only Means Adults-Only
Encore Beach Club and other dayclubs enforce a strict 21+ policy. If you are traveling with children, skip the dayclubs entirely and head to Mandalay Bay, the Luxor, or another family-friendly pool.
Luxor Pool — The Best Budget-Friendly Option
Not every Vegas pool day needs to cost three figures. The Luxor has one of the most underrated pool decks on the Strip: four separate pools spread across a large, well-maintained area, with plenty of free loungers, reasonable food and drink prices, and a relaxed atmosphere that is welcoming to families. Cabanas are available and surprisingly affordable compared to the megaresorts.
The Luxor pool is the smart choice if you want the Vegas pool experience without the Vegas pool price tag. It is rarely overcrowded, the staff is friendly, and the Egyptian-themed surroundings are a fun backdrop.
Bellagio Pool — The Best for Quiet Luxury
The Bellagio's pool deck is a series of Mediterranean-style courtyard pools set among gardens, fountains, and statues. It is the most elegant pool environment on the Strip, and it skews quieter and more refined than the party pools. If your idea of a pool day involves reading a book in a chaise lounge with impeccable service, the Bellagio delivers.
Cabanas here are plush and private, and the poolside food from the Bellagio's restaurants is a cut above standard pool fare. Note that the Bellagio pools are for hotel guests only — you cannot buy a day pass the way you can at some other properties.
The LINQ Pool — The Best Central, Social Pool
Sometimes you just want a straightforward, fun pool in the middle of the action. The LINQ's pool is exactly that: affordable, centrally located, and social without being a full-blown dayclub. It has a lively bar, a good mix of locals and tourists, and a relaxed dress code. It is a great choice for solo travelers or small groups who want to meet people without committing to the intensity of Encore.
How to Choose the Right Pool
Ask yourself three questions before you book:
- Who am I with? Families should prioritize Mandalay Bay, Luxor, or the Excalibur. Adults seeking a scene should look at Encore, Wet Republic (MGM Grand), or Stadium Swim (Circa, downtown).
- What is my budget? Cabanas at top pools run $300 to over $1,000 on weekends. Free loungers are available at most hotel pools for guests, but day passes for non-guests cost $20–$100+.
- Do I want quiet or energy? The Bellagio and the Wynn's quieter pools offer serenity; the dayclubs offer a festival vibe. There is little in between, so pick your lane.
Pool Season and Hours
Most Strip pools open in March and close by October, with peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours typically run from around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though dayclubs stay open later and some pools offer night swimming in summer. Outside of pool season, many hotel pools close entirely or reduce to a single heated pool — check before you book a winter trip.
For year-round aquatic fun that does not depend on the season, our Mandalay Bay Beach guide covers the closest thing Vegas has to a permanent water park. And when even the pool water feels too warm, retreat indoors with our indoor attractions guide or grab one of the best milkshakes on the Strip.
The Verdict
Las Vegas hotel pools are not an afterthought — they are a primary attraction, and the city has refined them to a science. Match the pool to your vibe and you will have one of the best afternoons of your trip. Mismatch it, and you will either be bored at a dayclub or overwhelmed at a family pool. Use this guide to get it right, and your Vegas summer will be genuinely amazing.
