gambling_girl

I'm planning a trip to Las Vegas with my 12 year old son this April. I've read that the MGM, the Mandalay Bay and the Monte Carlo all have excellent pools. Which is the best? Mandalay seems a little out of the way, but it has a wave pool, too, which I think my son would really like. Thanks much!

flopmeister

all three are excellent. but you will absolutely have the best time at the Mandalay pool. first, there's a real "beach" with waves that you can surf. Second, there is an actual pool. and third, there's a "river" you rent a rubber tube and snake down it all afternoon. Believe me, to a 12 year old this will be the nuts. And, from experience, don't hype it to him, let him discover it "for himself" and wow, he'll never want to leave. Mandalay is out of the way but in april, a short tram to luxor and a walk to NY NY and you'll be right there in the mix. for kids, i'll tell you monte carlo is bo-ring. MGM a litte better. ride the roller coaster at ny ny. that's fun. then think about an ATV tour where they take you in the desert on ATV's for 1/2 the day. they pick you right up at the hotel. if you stay at mandalay, remember to request fiji wing/strip view.

X_Bellman

I second the Mandalay Bay..Do a text search-you will find all kinds of info.

kcooke

I, too agree with flopmeister. I've stayed at Mandalay Bay several times with and w/o kids. My 2 stepchildren (13 & 16) have been there 2x and loved it! I don't know where you're staying but of the casinos you mentioned MGM & MB are fairly close and MC is a little further away. If you haven't been there in a while you'll be surprised how much walking you'll do and how much you'll cover. It's worth it too - you won't be disappointed.

joesorce

Call the hotel a week ahead, some pools are still closed in April.

Loki

Another for MB but look into Flamingo for something cheaper, more centrally located, and still a very nice pool area.

jayinla

The L.A. Times recently ran an article about swimming pools in Las Vegas. Here's a link: http://www.latimes.com/travel/destin...%2Dlas%5Fvegas

Darvy_Kuntz

Normally I'd say go to Mirage, but you've got a 12 year old, so I second the motion of Mandalay Bay.

I also agree that you shouldn't describe the pool area to him at all. It pales in comparison to the higher end waterparks out there, so if he's seen those, he'll be disappointed.

-Darvy, the travel gal

JES

MB--definitely!! I hated the MGM--way too big and some of the rooms are aweful. The pool doesn't compare.
Monte Carlo is very boring.
MB also has beautiful rooms and great restaurants and clubs (Rum Jungle is fun for an evening sans kids.