The Park predates the current writer's first visit to Las Vegas by almost a decade, but it apparently was a hotel-casino that formerly occupied the plot at 300 N. Main Street which, today, is part of Main Street Station. The Park existed only from 1987-1990 and could perhaps be the subject of a future QoD in its own right; all that we can say now is that Main Street Station does not have a pool although its guests are welcome to use the (small) rooftop facility at fellow Boyd property the California, as are guests of the Fremont, which also has no pool.
Other downtown hotels that don't have pools include: El Cortez (and Cabana Suites), Golden Gate, and Four Queens. Even though Binion's hotel is currently closed, their popular rooftop pool has been opening during the summer months and was available for use by guests of the Four Queens; however, a helpful staff member informed us that this summer the pool is unlikely to open, since new regulations about pool safety are forcing the property to undertake construction work in order to comply.
The Plaza pool is also currently closed, along with the hotel. The former's currently taking reservations from September 1, and may open sooner, but we doubt they'd reopen the pool that late in the season this year, so we're guessing if it does reopen, it won't be until 2012.
The good news, however, is that a few downtown properties do have pools open, including the Golden Nugget, which just won our recent Reader Poll on the Best Pool in Las Vegas. The property's undergone some major remodeling and additions over recent years, including the addition of the family-friendly Tank pool area, with its shark aquarium and water slide, in 2007. Last year saw the new Rush Tower open with its own adult-pool area (must be 16+) called The Hideout, which features the new H20 bar, fire pits, hot tubs, and other amenities for those looking for some relaxation.
The Gold Spike also just received a major facelift from the Siegel Group (also owners of the boutique Artisan, Rumor, and Mt. Charleston Lodge properties, among other things) and the upgraded pool launched this weekend, with the introduction of free weekly pool parties.
Fitzgeralds has a small unheated outdoor pool. As mentioned above, the California has a small rooftop pool available for use by hotel guests and those of fellow Boyd properties downtown. The long-shuttered Lady Luck had an outdoor pool but we've heard on the grapevine that when (if?) the property finally reopens, the pool will not be part of those plans.
For details about all the best pools in town, including those that are open to non-hotel guests, host parties or concerts, or permit topless sunbathing, check out our ever-popular Cool Pools feature.
