We've been to Vegas many times, but have just decided to go for a long weekend in the middle of August. We want a nice pool--and also a lazy river would be perfect--but not a million kids or frat boys surrounding us. We're considering Monte Carlo, Luxor, and Excalibur, plus Golden Nugget downtown. I think that only MC has a lazy river, but I'd like recent guests to offer their opinions/recommendations. Thanks!

We did stay at the Golden Nugget last summer, and really enjoyed the new pool. I didn't notice a lot of young kids though some teenagers. It's much smaller than the strip pools, though I still think it's a good choice especially if you are leaning towards staying downtown.

We've stayed at the MC during the summer and the pool area is very busy and the lounge chairs are lined up so you are shoulder to shoulder. If you get there early you are best to find a quiet spot away from the lazy river or wave pool if you want to relax (but it would be my choice) The Excalibar pool is very plain and we found there were quite a few families (lots of kids) especially on the weekend. Have never stayed at the other 2 so can't comment.

Far and away the best pool experience for adults can be found at the Wynn.

You certainly won't have "a million kids or frat boys" surrounding you.

Uh, Gekko, while we'd love to stay at the Wynn, it's not in our budget!

moondoggie, prices have been coming down. If you go at the right time (no Saturday), you can get a place like the Wynn for $159 a night.

The Monte Carlo pool is very small, relative to the size of the hotel, from what I remember. I like the MC as a low-key option compared to other spots but the pool is not the selling point.

Have you looked at the Mirage? Their pool area is one of the better ones.

What if I add MGM to the mix? They have a lazy river, I believe. I have also heard that the Mirage is WTW kids...

I love the MGM pool and it does have a big lazy river. I was there in April and there weren't many kids, but of course now that schools out, who knows. I'll be at MGM next week so I hope it will be as nice as April was.

Using Google, you can get a decent overhead view of the pools where you're looking.

Just click on maps. Then type MGM, Las Vegas (for example.) By zooming in on their satelite view you can get a pretty good feel for what it looks like.

In Vegas you definitely get what you pay for. If you want to avoid families with children and "frat boys," you must pay for the privilege.

www.wynnlasvegas.com

Keep in mind that many hotels close their pools in very early evening (6-7 PM). They want you to spend money, not swim.

You'll want to find a hotel that has misters, like the Mirage...because August will be 115 degrees in the shade!
MGM Grand has 3 or 4 pool areas and there must be a lazy river there somewhere. The Orleans has a nice pool, almost private during the day since the hotel is popular with heavy gamblers who often don't pay much attention to the pool. No lazy river though.

I did the google earth trick and the pools at the MGM grand look great; and definitely has a lazy river.

The Mirage has a nice pool not many kids either, but like he other reply said, its best to check out the pool times as we stayed at Luxor one year, the pool there shuts at 5PM on the dot! The best pool times tend to be the hotels further from the strip, Southpoint stays open later.

The Golden Nugget pool hours are currently from 10am - 8 pm. A real plus, if you want to stay downtown.
http://www.goldennugget.com/amenities/pool.asp

I would go for the Mirage is a good pool is what your after, in my opinion its the best pool complex in vegas.

You couldn't pay me to stay at Excalibur! It's the Vegas equivalent of a Motel 6, and it is SWARMING with kids!

Why not rent a house with a pool for a few nights? As already said, the pools at the big hotels close early and are normally swarming with people before that. A private pool is so much nicer!

The MGM pools stay open until 7 or 8, I believe. Since there are multiple pools, you should be able to find a quiet spot somewhere (and in the shade, if you're like me)!