Using the pool at a Hotel when you are not a guest.
 

Has anyone tried using the pool area at a hotel when they are not a guest?

Were you asked for a hotel key at any hotel you stayed at previously?

Bellagio consistently asked to see a key to get into the pool area when we were there in July.

Golden Nugget always asks for room key.

Bally's asked for the hotel key.

Venetian was a pain about the key. I am pretty sure every hotel on the strip will ask.

MGM will ask for a key, you even have to go as far as walking though a turnstyle similar to a subway showing your key....although I have keys from prior stays so I am sure if you wanted in bad enough there would be ways...NY NY never asked me for a key, although their pool is nothing to get excited about compared to other strip properties

I did quite a bit of research on this question in preparation for a 9/11 Vegas daytrip I made after finding a $20 R/T from IAD.

The two pools that appear to be wide open to non-hotel guests are the Flamingo and Plaza. The Flamingo is thought by many to have one of the very best pools in town. At the Plaza, said to be the second best pool downtown after the Golden Nugget, you are supposed to be able to even get towels without a problem (not sure about towels at the Flamingo).

Even at pools that check, I've heard it's often possible to just flash a smile and breeze right in. At Luxor you will definately need to show your key to get towels and for someone to pull down one of the lounge chairs that are stacked in the corners. However, the gatekeepers are sharply off to the left as you walk in and, as I found out last week, it is very easy to slip right by them. Ended up just sitting for a while with a drink at a table soaking up the scene, no swimming or sunning.

For the risk averse and/or those with impeccable charachter, I found two places that will let non-hotel guests in for $15: Monte Carlo and the Riveria. I've read, however, that Monte Carlo's pool is rather skimpy. The Riveria's pool is supposed to be fairly nice, laid back and relaxing, although the hotel attracts a high % of seniors, a drawback if you enjoy eye candy.

Lastly, there's always the Wet n' Wild water park; although this is often crowded, noisy and teaming with kids.

If you're fix'n (as they're charmingly fond of saying in Nawlins) to crash a hotel pool in Vegas, I think your best bet is probably the Flamingo.

[This message has been edited by mtm767 (edited 09-17-2002).]

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Hi,

The Mandalay Bay also asks for a key for each guest (even children)when entering the pool area and they swipe it to ensure it is a current key ( so you cannot use a key from a previous stay)

Regards
TBS

Just to confirm what was said, Mandalay Bay does require a key for each guest, regardless of age. They make this very clear, so families checking in are advised to get a room key for each person staying in the room. This can be a problem if more than 2 adults are sharing a room, as they charge $35/night for each person over two in a room. On nice days, their pool area is absolutely packed, so they need tight enforcement in order to not turn away registered guests.

Reporedly, Monte Carlo is less strict, and allows a group in with only a single valid key.

Except the Holiday Inn Boardwalk!!!

You'll need a room key to get to Caesar's three pools. Enjoyable sights though!!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

bj-21.

Mandalay Bay wouldn't even let me walk into their pool area to check it out, and I was dressed in khakis ... no swimsuit/sandals in sight! They didn't even blink when I mentioned I was on a scouting trip for a Bachelor Party in a few months. No Dice.

At the Mirage (my second favorite pool) I legitimately needed to meet some friends poolside after checking out (thus no key). They let me by with only a little hassle.