Memorial Day Weekend Means Pool Time In Las Vegas

Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off the summer in Las Vegas, typically drawing more people than any other weekend other than New Year's Eve. It also marks the official opening of The Stirling Club's outdoor lagoon-sized pool.

You might not find the pool listed among the most lavish or known for having the biggest parties. What you will find is a a much more private and discriminating experience with the pool's opulent mosaic tile, whirlpools, and and chaises.

Memorial Day Pool Party at The Stirling Club.

Beginning at noon on Sunday, May 30, The Pool Pavilion will be serving complimentary hotdogs, fresh lemonade, snow cones, and cotton candy. There will be a live DJ, and plenty of room to swim and socialize. The Pool Cafe will also be open.

Five More Pools To Explore In Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay. Frequently rated the number one pool in Las Vegas (and best in the U.S. in 2006 by TripAdvisor), Mandalay Bay delivers an 11-acre tropical lagoon with a sandy beach plus three pristine pools and a lazy river.

The expansive pool area also features nine private bungalows, 100 cabanas, and beachside lounges. It hosts several beach concerts and tends to be crowded. For Mandalay guests (ages 21+) without children, an additional admission charge will provide access to the Moorea Beach Club, which is a European-style pool area.

Wynn Las Vegas. It has taken the pool at Wynn Las Vegas some time to receive recognition, but online reviews have helped it gain more attention. It consists of two circular pools connected by a channel of water. Like Mandalay Bay, there is also a European-style pool area (behind the main pool).

Most of the attention has been lavished on its cabanas, which are well-constructed buildings with overhead fans, refrigerators, and personal servers. The more lavish VIP Tower Suite cabanas have WiFi, minibars, flat screen TVs, and access to quieter pools. Nearby, there has been some buzz centered on the new Encore Beach Club, which is a new pool complex for adults (ages 21+).

The Venetian. Centered inside The Venetian Gardens, there are two standard pools and one lounger pool typically described as being quieter and more relaxing than the most popular. What makes the pool stand out is its location behind zigs and zags of neatly trimmed hedges.

The Venetian is frequently given kudos for its cabanas, which include all amenities such as cordless house phones, flat screen televisions, DVD players, personal safes, refrigerators, and more. The Riva Restaurant by Wolfgang Puck is accessible poolside. The Venetian is also home TAO Beach, which serves as its adults-only (ages 21+) area with lively entertainment.

Caesars Palace. Since its expansion to add more pools for a total of eight in the 5-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, Caesars Palace has made great strides in providing guests with several different experiences. While areas around the Temple Pool are tiered, other pools are more secluded, more swim oriented, or more open for better sun. You can find one of the better write-ups here.

The Venus Pool Club is Caesars Palace's contribution to European-style (ages 21+) bathing. The club is known for lavish cabanas and vibrant entertainment. Unique services in The Venus Pool Club include frozen towels, Evian face spritzers, body massages, and Skyy Vodka-infused snow cones on the drinks menu.

MGM Grand. The MGM Grand frequently makes the top five of most pool lists, with its Grand Pool complex featuring five pools, including a river pool. The complex is also one of best landscaped and has three large whirlpools, tropical landscaping, fountains, and waterfalls. It typically has more lounge space than many others.

For a more vibrant party atmosphere and saltwater pools, Wet Republic is a hot spot favored by celebrities, especially among E! Entertainment Channel celebs. On Memorial Day weekend, pool parties will be full swing with dozens of entertainers that include Sharam, Freddie Le Grand, Dirty South and DJ Chuckie.

Almost all Las Vegas pools are reserved for hotel guests, with exception to scheduled entertainment. Likewise, The Stirling Club pool is open to members only. However, visitors may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, to arrange guest passes for membership consideration. She can be reached at 702-784-4603 or by email via The Stirling Club Web site.