What
The MGM Grand Casino Hotel is a great getaway hotel during the summer if you want inexpensive rates and plenty of pool time.
The hotel has five pools to satisfy the number of guests and the type of guests they host on a daily basis. You almost always find a chair to sit in. In fact, we have always found a chair.
The hotels five pools are the following:
Academy Pool: This is the main entrance pool. It is large and typically has both families and singles with some couples using it. On any one day it is typically the busiest of the pools.
Producer’s Pool: Another larger pool that is just off to the right from the Academy Pool. It typically has families, couples, and singles. It appears to have “racing lanes” for competitions and people who want to do laps.
Director’s Pool: This pool is in the very back to the right near the Director’s Bar. There are never children at this pool because it is Adults Only. The age range varies, but this pool tends to be a favorite of mid-senior age. You will find young-20s and 30-somethings as well, often renting the Cabanas for a group. During the week (Monday – Thursday) this pool is typically quiet, unless you go around a holiday. (Note: As of Summer 2016 it appears they now charge a fee to use the chairs at this pool. All seating is reserve only.)
Talent Pool: This pool is on the other side of the Director’s Bar. On slower days it is either closed or has primarily adults using it. On busy days, such as around a holiday, you will find families there as it has a water volleyball net.
Backlot River: This is the favorite with families is always packed with parents and their children. You can rent rafts and tubes to float along the “lazy river.”
Where
The MGM Grand is situated at the southern end of The Strip. It is directly across from the New York New York Casino. The pool entrance is about a five minute walk (depending on your speed) from both the West Wing and the Tower rooms.
Service/Amenities
The MGM Grand Pool complex offers the following plus much more:
- Two Bars (one near the Academy Pool and one near the Director’s Pool)
- A Restaurant/Grill
- Tubes / Rafts for the Lazy River
- Cabanas for Groups
- Daybeds Poolside
- Poolside Massages
Pros
Five Pools: With five pools there is a pool for pretty much every type of person, even those who want Adult Only and quiet.
Drinks & Beverages: With a grill and two bars there is no lack of food and beverages.
Staff: There are plenty of servers that come around on a regular basis to see if you need or want anything to drink or eat. They have always been pleasant and courteous.
Chairs: There is always plenty of seating, whether you are there on a busy day or a slow day. We have always found a seat, even if it isn’t right next to the pool.
Towels: They have plenty of towels. We always get two for each of us and we have never had a problem.
Bathrooms: They are easily accessible. At the Director’s Pool they are on just the other side of the bar.
Cons
Holidays: During the summer, right around any holiday, the pools are packed. That means even the back pools are loud. The noise from the family friendly pools does transfer over to the Director’s Pool.
Music: All of the pools play music, as is the case at most Vegas pools. They tend to play the music softer at the Director’s Pool, but it is still there. Plan to take earplugs or noise cancelling headphones if loud music isn’t your thing.
Shade: If you are hoping to find a place in the shade, plan to rent a cabana, daybed, or special chair with an umbrella. There are trees surrounding the pools but none that provide shade.
Information
Even during the busy times the MGM Grand Pools are our favorite. We really like that they have five pools, or four plus a lazy river really. Since we are child-free, we really enjoy the Director’s Pool. We have learned to go during off peak (no holiday) times. That pretty much ensures the Adult Only pool will be nearly empty. The family friendly pools tend to be quieter as well. It works well to get out to the pool in the early morning, get a good seat, and chill with a drink and a book. (Note: The last time we were there, 2016, it appears that the Director’s Pool is now reserved (paid) seating only.)
Website: http://mgmgrand.com/amenities/grand-pool-complex.aspx
Location: MGM Grand Casino Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
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