Poll : 04 May - 17 May 2011

Analysis

We were riveted by the voting in this poll, and not to say a little surprised by the winner. There were never more than a handful of votes between the Golden Nugget and Mandalay Bay, but The Tank led the entire time, ousting what has long been generally acknowledged as the top hotel-pool in town.

That said, we can totally understand why the Nugget took the #1 spot, especially in the light of the addition of the new Hideout pool (which we listed separately, since it is an adult-only pool, but guests have the use of both). What other pool complex can offer poolside gaming, a massive aquarium, complete with internal water slide, topless sunbathing (albeit limited), elegant cabanas, and a chilled-out adult pool? The only other contenders we can think of would be the new Garden of the Gods complex at Caesars, which gets extra points this year by opening up to the public, and MBay, which has restored its European-style sunbathing policy to Moorea Beach Club and also brings the Concerts on the Beach series to the table. But only local non-hotel guests can use the main pool, while the cover for Moorea's twice as expensive as The Tank for men.

As to the Flamingo, this has also been a popular choice in recent years, but there's been so much change that we need to check out the new scenario and hear your feedback before we can assess. For those who haven't heard, the GO Pool is no longer topless, and, more confusingly, is no longer the GO Pool. Or, rather, what used to be known as the Lagoon Pool is now called the GO Pool, and is open to guests of other Caesars Entertainment properties for $15 and to non-guests for varying sums; what was previously the GO Pool is now called the Beach Club and is apparently a small guest-only family pool. All very confusing.

And so, we're pleased to crown The Tank at the Golden Nugget the Best Pool in Las Vegas, as voted by LVA readers. Here's what you said about the winners, and some of the rest of the best:

• "I love the pool at Paris – where else can you swim in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower?" [Ed: Not in Paris, that's for sure!]
  
  
• Never use the pools, although the one at the Flamingo looks lovely."
  
  
• "Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate has a beautiful pool, as well as many wonderful cabanas to relax in, whirlpools, a poolside bar & snack counter, plus several different kinds of loungers surrounding the pool!" (A Pleased Owner from Canada)
  
  
• "I picked the Nugget – primarily because it had enough lounge chairs! Seriously, it was a great pool area -- very different with The Tank -- but the service could have been better. Usually I’m at Caesars but I always seem to have to walk through or around the casino to get to the pool areas – am I the only one who feels cheesy doing that?! Pools at Caesars are fine and the service is good. It just always happens that the pool and my room are far from each other. I’m staying at Encore in June so looking forward to a good experience there." [Ed: Be sure to post your review of the Encore pool(s)!]
  
  
• "Terrible's has a great little pool. There are lots of trees, plenty of lounge chairs, tables and regular chairs. It is never very crowded. It doesn’t attract the young party crowds and I have never seen any kids there."
  
  
• "Why would I travel over 700 miles just to go to a swimming pool? I can do that in many places much closer. Las Vegas is for gambling and entertainment."
  
  
• "Bally’s is a great pool if you want to chill, have a few drinks, and get some sun. Chairs aren’t crammed together and you don’t have get there at the crack of dawn to get a good seat. Deep end is a plus, too." [Ed: We're interested to hear if its transformation to the "blu pool" will affect anything, and if the admission of non-hotel guests will impact the spaciousness you appreciate there. As they're so far keeping it pretty low-key, we doubt much will change, unless they start throwing parties...]
  
  
• "I voted for MGM Grand due to the lazy river, attractive landscaping, large area devoted to the pools. and variety of pools (quiet or noisy, child or adult-filled). Mandalay Bay was almost my first choice because of the addition of the wave pool, but almost every time I have stayed ther, I can barely find enough space to leave my sandals and towel laying on the ground, much less a seat! Too noisy, too crowded. MGM Grand gives you enough room to relax and breathe.Tropicana It used to be my favourite as it was in a private area, easily accessed from the hotel rooms. Don't know what it's going to look like on the 26th though..." [Ed: We're intrigued to see what Nikki Beach is all about, too...]
  
  
• "This is a tough one for many reasons. Some of the best times were at the beautiful Red Rock Pool and I will never forget those (I hope), but I had to vote for the Mandalay Bay pool for the wave and lazy river areas. This summer I will try the Aria pool, so I will have a new one to compare." [Ed: Post a comment and let us know what you think.]
  
  
• "I'm too old to be going to pool parties :( But I'm young at heart :) " [Ed: You're never too old to be going to pool parties! Plus, it's not all about booze and boobs. Forget Rehab, Ditch Fridays, and Wet Republic, and check out something more sedate, like the free nightly parties at the Hilton, or the new concert series at Silverton. You'll find all the details in Cool Pools.]
  
  
• "Although I haven't actually used it yet, as a Jockey Club owner we have privileges at Cosmopolitan and I found the pools to be very appealing."
  
  
• "I like the M's pool because the property is out in the boonies and does not have the crowds you find on the Strip. Very relaxing."
  
  
• "I love the Venetian/Palazzo pool area because there are several small pools and hot tubs. Plus, you can virtually go any time of day and have access to a pool or hot tub in the shade. Vegas' heat is sometimes overbearing and it's nice to relax in the shade. The multiple pools and hot tubs located throughout both properties allow you to enjoy these treats. My favorite spot is the pool/hot tub area located in the tower above the parking garage of the Venetian. That is such a nice (usually quiet) relaxing pool."
  
  
• "Bellagio's pool, because in all the wildness and craziness that is Las Vegas, it is a peaceful, quite oasis." [Ed: There's a new adult-only pool called Cypress Pool opening this summer. Watch Cool Pools for updates.]