Las Vegas isn’t known for its balmy summers daytime temperatures
often climb over the 110-degree mark and that’s miserable in
anybody’s book. But at night, when the sun takes a break from
burning the hides off people, the temperatures dip to a dry 80 or
90 degrees. That’s when the fun really begins as several Las Vegas
resorts host parties and special events poolside.
The biggest summer event has to be the Mandalay Bay Concerts on
the Beach running from May through September. To call this a
poolside event is a misnomer because the concerts are actually
staged in the pool. A huge stage is built in the 1.6 million-gallon
wave pool and concert-goers enjoy the show while sitting on the
beach or wading in the water.
This year’s series kicked off on May 5 with Cheap Trick. Future
events will include Sugarland, the Go-Go’s, Pat Benatar, Styx, the
Beach Boys and the Doobie Brothers.
A new feature has been added to the pool amenities just in time
for the concert series:Beach Bungalows are now available in the
sand just a few feet from the wave pool. The cabanas-on-steroids
can accommodate up to eight guests and come with a music system
with CD player and iPod port; 40-inch LCD televisions; bar and
refrigerator; private changing area; and a phone. For larger
groups, two bungalows can be rented side-by-side.
The bungalows go for $350-$700 per day and for $200-$400 per
night for a concert, not including the cost of concert tickets.
Tickets run from about $40 up. (877-632-7800;
www.mandalaybay.com)
The Flamingo Las Vegas is also offering a series of events in
the hotel’s 15-acre tropical pool area. Starting on May 16, the
hotel will host Pure Pink, a pool party where women are the guests
of honor. The parties will feature drink specials, giveaways and
special entertainment. The parties are open to anyone, but women
drink free from 8-9 p.m. (www. flamingolasvegs.com)
As the sun begins to dip, the Flamingo hosts happy hours from
4-8 p.m., Tues.-Sun., beginning May 24. Drink specials include
two-for-one on frozen cocktails and Fosters Oil Cans. The event
features a DJ, giveaways and free shots hosted by Bacardi models.
Guests will have a chance to win a 2006 Jeep, which will be awarded
over Labor Day weekend.
On Monday nights, the pool is the site for Battle of the Bands,
where amateur musicians compete for prizes. The events, open to
guests of all ages, run from 7-10 p.m. from June 5 to Aug. 27.
The Flamingo pool is also offering live gaming in the Beach Club
through Sept. 30. (702-733-3111; www.flamingolasvegas.com)
Another longtime favorite poolside event is the Imperial
Palace’s Imperial Hawaiian Luau that kicked off on April 18 and
runs through Oct. 28 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning
at 6:30 p.m. The event, now in its 15th year, includes a Polynesian
Revue with hula lessons, sing-alongs and fire-knife dancers.
Authentic Polynesian food is served buffet-style and the Mai Tais
and Pina Coladas are non-stop. General admission is $33.95 ($20 for
children) and VIP seating is $54.95 ($41 for children).
(888-777-7664; www.imperialpalace. com)
While the I.P’s event targets the babyboomer set, the Hard Rock
Hotel sponsors an event definitely aimed at a younger crowd.
On April 30, the hotel will reopen its annual Rehab, an outdoor
beach club that runs from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. This is the
place to see and be seen for those young enough to still look good
in swimwear. (800-473-7625; www. hardrockhotel.com)
Other events are in the planning stages and TravelAge West has
it on the best authority that some innovations are in store at
several major resorts, but they don’t want to talk about them yet.
For example, look for a new European (read topless) pool area at
the Mirage and new adult areas at Caesars.
When the weather gets hot in Las Vegas, the party moves out to
the pool. Be sure to ask about poolside events when booking your
clients’ summer Las Vegas vacations.
