Memorial Day pool time

(note: This was written for Orbitz Travel Blog and may be posted there in the near future in some form. I look forward to writing more for them.)

Memorial Day is considered the first day of summer and that is very true when it comes to the Las Vegas pool scene. Beginning on Memorial Day, hotel pools in Vegas become the place to go during the day. Whether your body is toned or not, everyone goes and loves the pool to beat the Vegas heat.

One general tip: If you have a group and you want to sit together, hit the pool early if you want to get a lounge chair. This applies even more if you are in town on the weekend or a holiday. If you go late, you will be lucky to get one. Either go as a group or assign one or two people to go early and reserve chairs.

Best all-around: MGM Grand Pool Complex. At six acres, it has four pools, three whirlpools, waterfalls, lazy river, bar, . According to their website, at least three will be open every day at 8 a.m. during the summer and the “Backlot River”, opens at 9 a.m. Negatives: Crowds. The MGM is the biggest hotel in Vegas and a LOT of people will venture to the pool area.

Best family pool: Flamingo. Truthfully, I love this pool. It has four pools, two jacuzzis, and water slides with a kiddy pool over 15 acres. It's designed to be a tropical paradise. Very picturesque. This is the pool where you will find me the most. You might also spot a wedding or two at the pool if you go early in the morning or at sunset. Negatives: According to the Flamingo website, a hotel room key is required for entry before 1 p.m. So it could become crowded with locals and people staying elsewhere in Vegas.

Best pool party: Hard Rock Hotel, Rehab Sundays. This is where the beautiful people hang out all day Sunday. The party takes over the pool at the off-strip Hard Rock. The line to get in Rehab can be long, but it is the best party in Vegas on Sundays. There are other hotels who are adopting the “pool as a nightclub” strategy: Tao Beach at Venetian, Ditch Fridays at Palms, Bare at Mirage are examples. Tip: Check to see what is happening at the pool in your hotel. Including cost and times. For example, Rehab is free for individuals staying at the Hard Rock.

My suggestions are just that. There are a lot of good pool options all over Vegas. If the hotel pool is important to you, check it out online before booking your stay.

One final tip: Hotel pools are not public pools. If you are not staying in that hotel, you might have to pay an admission fee to get in. So if there is a pool you want to go to, call the hotel and ask for the pool and check on the admission fee.