[Tiger Beer]

I recently saw some photos of it, looks like there is a fake mini-beach with waves as well? Is that correct?

Is it available to the public at all (even for a price?) or ONLY for guests?

Anyone go there? What's your assessment?

[SinCityModern]

Hey Tiger...The pool area is now closed with the exception of one pool. There is a wave pool, a lazy river and a European sunning area. It is only open to hotel guests. But it is a nice treat to check in for the night to "get away".

[cb at sea]

It's only for guests, but the entire pool area is great! Several normal pools, a sandy "wave pool", the lazy river.... there's another pool or two that they've put in since I was last there.

[airics]

most hotel pools are for guests only

[lvkewlkid]

monte carlo is very similar and last time we were there, they didn't require a key...

[Tiger Beer]

Found a good article on pools, beach hotels, etc.:

SKIN CITY - New York Post

This Palms bash, which attracts 2,500 to 3,000 partiers each week, is just one spot where you’ll now find some of the world’s hottest beach-like experiences in the middle of the desert. That’s because Vegas, the unofficial capital of fake breasts, is also becoming the unofficial capital of fake beaches. Mandalay Bay is home to a $30 million beach expansion and now offers a three-story beachfront casino.

Over at the Venetian, TAO Beach’s May opening brought in New York A-listers like Jay-Z and Diddy, and prominent New Yorkers continue to favor this spot.

And while even cheesy spots like the Rio and Flamingo now have expanded beach/pool offerings, the places like the Hard Rock and the Palms that started the trend are as strong as ever. The reasoning behind the pool expansions is simple, Palms owner George Maloof says.

“You get more revenue out of a space that generally has been reserved for your in-house guests and you create a good vibe as long as you keep it under control,” he says.

“You’ve got to watch things. People drink. They get a little crazy.”

And that’s often the attraction. The truly hot pool/beach spots aren’t for kids. Think a Jenna Jameson-hosted thong party at the Hard Rock and European-style topless bathing.

So if you’re 21 or over and ready for some saucy fun in the sun, here are our picks for a day at the (fake) beach.

HARD ROCK

One amusing thing about the Hard Rock Hotel Beach Club’s Sunday ReHab shindig is that it’s not hard finding partiers who’ve driven hours from areas with real beaches to soak up Vegas’ sexiest weekend scene.

And while, yes, you’ll find your share of hooker types, you’ll also get great music (the Hard Rock is known for bringing in top DJs) and such a wide assortment of beauties among the crowd of around 3,000 that you’ll have plenty to gawk at, no matter what your type. No wonder that the dudes who’ve shown up to leer include randy celebs like Snoop Dogg and Howard Stern.

For a calmer experience, visit Monday’s Relax party. There, you can play blackjack poolside or listen to chill house music while eating Vegas’ best poolside food (killer nachos!).

Admission: ReHab is free for hotel guests. Otherwise, $20 for women, $30 for men. Pool is available to non-hotel guests on other days for $20.

BARE AT THE MIRAGE

This European sunbathing spot is managed by the Light Group, responsible for many of Vegas’ best nightclubs, and it shows. The high-class service (from women in cute red two-pieces) is some of the best pampering you’ll get that doesn’t involve a lap dance. The day I visited, a lovely staffer named Annabel chatted up my party while treating me with Evian Mineral Water Spray, and she didn’t seem cloying at all.

Bare’s upper VIP area with its own glass-walled pool is just a few steps above everyone else. But the cozy feeling adds to the sexiness.

I noticed at first that everybody who was topless leaned toward the category of “probably should not be topless.” But then a group of hotties took the day bed next to mine, and I admit that I didn’t mind when they started undressing. Annabel, clearly a professional, didn’t even stare once.

Admission: $10 to $20 (weekends) for women and $30 to $40 (weekends) for men.

PALMS

The Palms has always had a younger vibe than the Strip casinos, and you’ll definitely feel this at the Palms Pool and Bungalows, which unveiled a $30 million expansion and launched Ditch Fridays last year. And while there’s no topless pool action, that hardly matters given all the gals popping out of their tops.

You can do Ditch on the cheap with $30 buckets of Miller Lite or opt for a cabana. That’s $350 plus a two-bottle minimum on Fridays.

Admission: Ditch Fridays is free for hotel guests and local women; $20 otherwise.

MANDALAY BAY

The 11-acre Mandalay Bay Beach megaplex with four pools is so big that it feels like you’ve been transported onto a tropical island. And while the wave pool is fun for the whole family, the European-style Moorea Beach Club is adults-only. If you want to stare like a true VIP, check out the Villas Soleil (starting at $750 for a day) atop the beach, which offer great views of Moorea and beyond

Admission: Only for hotel guests. Mandalay Bay Beach’s pools are free, while Moorea Beach Club charges $10 for women and $40 to $50 (weekends) for men

TAO BEACH

During the day, TAO Beach at the Venetian is all sexiness meets Zen-like calm with big beds to luxuriate on and a comforting orange color scheme. At night, the space is transformed into a sweaty dance club.

Admission: Open to public; price varies, with some events free if you can get on the guestlist.