The Best Hotels With Waterparks in Las Vegas, Nevada

The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas has an epic wave pool and surrounding lazy river | Courtesy of Mandalay Bay / Expedia

10 August 2021

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Escape the heat of the Mojave Desert by cruising down the lazy river at Tahiti Village, swimming with sharks at the Golden Nugget Hotel or raving at Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand. Here are the best hotels with waterparks and resorts in Las Vegas.

Tahiti Village

An expansive pool area wit mock-beaches is surrounded by vacation apartment buildings.

Courtesy of Tahiti Village / Expedia

Tahiti Village has one of the longest lazy rivers in Las Vegas. Heated in the winter, cool in the summer, it’s lined with Tahitian torches and interrupted by four waterfalls. When you get out, thatched umbrellas and towering palms offer respite from the Nevada sun. Although this beach resort in Las Vegas’ calm atmosphere lends itself to a family vacation, the casinos are just a five-minute drive away. After a night on the Strip, continue the party in the adults-only hot tub at Tahiti Village.

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

A shark swims in an aquarium next to an indoor hotel pool.

Courtesy of Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel and Casino / Expedia

In the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget Hotel is home to the Tank, a $30m pool complex wrapped around a shark aquarium. Swimmers can gawp at the sharp-toothed residents, safely protected by reassuringly thick glass. The Tank also has a twisting water chute that cuts straight through the aquarium. It’s over quickly, but, perhaps, that’s a good thing. For grown-ups, there’s the Hideout, an adults-only enclave with a bar, infinity pool and cabanas.

Mandalay Bay

Sharks swim over a glass curved ceiling above and observation walkway.

Courtesy of Mandalay Bay / Expedia

If you’re a beach lover, Mandalay Bay is the best beach hotel in Las Vegas. Its 11-acre (4.5ha) pool complex is edged by 2,700 tons (2,449 tonnes) of real Californian sand. Surfboards are best left at home, but a roaring wave pool is an ample replacement. Mandalay Bay also has a lazy river, a lagoon and private cabanas. There are shops selling designer swimwear, plus a beach-side grill and bar. If the heat gets too much, head inside to the Minus5º ice bar, where everything, from the walls to the glasses, is made of ice.

Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

The outdoor pool, with a rock grotto and waterfalls, and several palm trees, at Flamingo Las Vegas

Courtesy of Flamingo Las Vegas / Expedia

If lazy rivers are a bit snooze-inducing, head to the Go Pool DayClub at the Flamingo. Here, house DJs and true international superstars entertain a raucous crowd wearing, well, not too much. Check out the events calendar before you go. The Flamingo’s Beach Club – one of Las Vegas’ best resort pools – has water slides, day beds and cabanas. It’s also right next to the Beach Club Bar and Grill, which serves snacks and drinks.

MGM Grand

Courtesy of MGM Grand Hotel and Casino / Expedia

The largest hotel in the United States, the MGM Grand has a waterpark to match. Sprawling across 6.5 acres (2.5ha), it includes four swimming pools, three whirlpools and tumbling waterfalls. The real party, however, is found at the Wet Republic Ultra Pool. The 54,500sqft (5,060sqm) complex is where DJs host weekly raves and swimwear-clad guests dance in party cabanas. To go big – is there another option in Vegas? – order signature cocktails and premium bottles.

Cancun Resort Las Vegas

Courtesy of Cancun Resort Las Vegas / Expedia

Comfortably outside the flashing lights of the Strip, Cancun Resort offers a more kid-friendly resort in Las Vegas. Central to its waterpark is a towering Mayan pyramid with a waterfall. Climb one side to access four water chutes, which end in a smaller pool, the Mayan Cove. Circling the waterpark’s edges are enough sun loungers and shade to properly shelter from the desert sun.

Polo Towers by Diamond Resorts

The glittering high-rise hotels of the Las Vegas Strip and the roof top pool deck of Polo Towers as seen from an aerial view.

Courtesy of Polo Towers by Diamond Resorts / Expedia.com

Polo Towers shuns Las Vegas’s bigger-is-better attitude to provide a refined swimming complex. Guests head to the rooftop, where chilling out on lounge chairs is accompanied by views across the neon-lit city, best enjoyed at night. Younger children can head to the aqua play park, where a splash pool and shooting fountains provide a welcome distraction.

Excalibur Hotel & Casino

Courtesy of Excalibur Hotel & Casino / Expedia | Courtesy of Excalibur Hotel & Casino / Expedia

Plucked straight from a fairy tale, the Excalibur’s spires and towers will ignite your inner kid. Fun is found across four pools – there’s one for adults only – and a waterslide. Indulge by booking a cabana, which comes with a television, refrigerator and ceiling fan. Overlooking the pool area is a spa offering hot-stone massages and facials.

Not a keen swimmer? Check out these boutique hotels and hotels with balconies in Las Vegas instead. For a top location, book into one of the best hotels on the Strip, or if you’re travelling with the whole family, check into one of Sin City’s top family friendly resorts.

Only here for a short trip? Read our guide for making the most of a weekend in Las Vegas. If you are a culture enthusiast, hit these top museums. After a day of exploring Sin City, unwind with a drink at one of these bars on the Strip.

These recommendations were updated on August 10, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

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