Spring Break is here. These may be some tough economic times, but as anybody who has been in an airport this week can attest, families and college kids are taking trips in droves. Maybe it’s the excellent travel deals being offered right now, or just the fact that people were cooped up all winter due to a rash of snowstorms, but folks are definitely taking to the friendly skies. Many of them are headed to Las Vegas for a couple of days of “sinful” fun in the sun.
Vegas used to be known simply for its nightlife. The assumption was that most people would spend half the day in bed after staying out all night anyway. The Hard Rock Hotel’s world famous Rehab pool party changed all that in 2004. Suddenly Vegas hotels realized that there was money to be made by fostering a “daylife” pool scene. Now more than 30 Las Vegas hotels offer a nightclub-esque scene at their pools during the day.
Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel
The Granddaddy of them, the Hard Rock Café’s Rehab Party, is a jam-packed crush of nubile (or not) bodies and flowing drinks. With DJs spinning tunes and working up the crowd, every day is spring break at Rehab.
Wet Republic at MGM Grand
The 53,000 square foot “ultra pool” here combines a nightlife vibe with poolside pampering. The dress code states, “fashionable swim attire” which in the case of many of the women seems to translate as “skimpy.”
Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay
Want to get a little risqué and be a part of the topless (aka “European bathing” in Vegas-speak) scene? Mandalay Bay’s Moorea Beach Club is one of 11 pools that offer topless bathing to their patrons. The club also features poolside massage services, high energy tunes, and large daybeds for rent.
Azure at the Palazzo
Putting itself in direct contrast with the Rehabs of the world, Azure bills its atmosphere as one of adult sophistication. Offering champagne, frozen grapes, Evian mistings, iced towels, and even complimentary sunscreen application, Azure attracts the well-heeled crowd or those wanting to rub shoulders with them.
DayDream at M Resort
Created to cater to Vegas locals, DayDream offers the same adult pool scene at a lower price point. With an ice-railed bar and other material imported from Italy, DayDream has spared no expense in creating its sleek European feel. (Not European as in “topless” but rather as in “Italian travertine”.) The club especially caters to local women, with specials galore.
Tropicana
Can’t stand the idea of not gambling while you in Vegas but want to put in some time in the sun so that your friends back home all know you went somewhere for spring break? Both the Hard Rock and the Tropicana offer swim-up blackjack. And yes, they do accept wet money.
