One of the main features of any good Las Vegas Hotel is its pool deck. The quality and style of each hotel’s pool vary dramatically and depending on the time of year and type of traveler the importance of this is pretty varied. But for some, the Pool Deck is an essential part of a Vagas Trip, and having a wonderful and cool location to rest up and melt the stress away is all part of the trip. So in this article, we take a look at the Pool Deck of the Aria Las Vegas.
In our Aria Las Vegas Pool Review, we take a deep dive into the Pool Deck of the Aria. We explore the Vibe, the Layout, Themeing, Food and drink options, and the various reserved seating options that are available. The good news is if you are looking at the Aria, or are already booked, and want to know how the pool Deck rates, then The Aria Las Vegas Pool is one of the best in the City. Let’s find out why.
- Location – The Aria Las Vegas, Las Vegas
- Aria Pool Deck – 2 Pools – 3 Spa Pool
- Sky Pool Deck – 1 Pool
- Liquid Pool Lounge – 1 Pool
- Bars and Restaurants – Pool Bar – Salt and Ivy Restaurant
- Theme – Desert Oasis
- Drink Prices – $$$
Pool Area
The Pool Deck is made up of three Areas, There is the large Yucca Pool, the Smaller Palm Pool, and the Private Sky Pool. The areas surrounding the pools are lavishly planted with towering Palm trees, Yucca Plants, and Acacia and Pine Trees. This gives the area the pleasant feeling of an Oasis in the desert. This is exactly what the Pool is, somewhere to get away from the stresses of both life and the Strip. Vegas really can be manic and the Aria pool Deck is the perfect antidote.
Yucca Pool
The Yucca pool has large amounts of free Sun Loungers surrounding it and just a few Cabanas. This is what we would call the Main pool. The pool is lively with music playing most of the time, but this is just background music and not too intrusive if you are relaxing. The area is very open with great views of the Aria Tower and remains in full sun for most of the day. The large amount of trees and shrubbery means you can easily find shade if this is important.
The pool is actually quite deep, at least by Vegas Standards. Pools in Vegas are always very shallow, we assume as it’s less of a drowning risk, and while the Yucca pool is still not deep enough you cannot stand in it, It’s deeper than some of the barely waisy height pools in other resorts.
We normally find the pool to be relatively quiet and finding a chair free is much easier than most hotel pools. We often wandered up mid-afternoon and found a great spot with no problem.
Palm Pool
The Palm Pool is a fair bit smaller. There are more cabanas, daybeds, and reserved seating in this area and it has a more private secluded feel, but there are still lots of free beds, and it’s open to all. The Noise level is about the same, there are normally quiet and loud pools on deck such as this but we found little difference. In fact, as the Plam pool is directly next to the Liquid Pool Lounge, it can be quite noisy indeed when the party gets going over there! Overall the noise is loudest near the Pool Bar, and near the Liquid Lounge, so you can tailor your visit to your likes. If you like louder music head to the center of the deck, If you are looking for solitude there are some nice quiet corners away from the bars.
The Palm Pool is longer and thinner than the Yucca. The edges are perfect for perching, cooling your legs off in the water and it’s actually a nice pool for swimming, at least early in the day before it gets busy.
Overall both pools are great options, We suggest taking a minute to walk around and see which pool is in line with your mood, but you can always swap places, as it really is not often the busiest pool deck in town.
Spa Pools
Aria Recently added three heated spa pools at the resort. These are large and good for 10-12 people, more if you don’t mind being intimate. The water here is really hot and not best suited to a Vegas Summer Day, but nice in the cooler months.
These are not on the above map but are right by the entrance to the pool so you can’t miss them.
Sky Pool
The third pool on the Deck is the Sky Pool. This is for the Exclusive use of Sky Suites Guests. So if you are not staying in this ultra-exclusive part of the Hotel there is no access to this pool. Unless you pay for a reserved seat, DayBed, or Cabana.
The main advantages of this pool are threefold. Due to the pool’s exclusivity, you can almost always find a lounger, secondly, when you do, that lounger is the super comfortable padded kind, and thirdly, the service you receive from that lounger will be much faster and more attentive. That said, the service at the main pool is really good anyway so that’s a minor improvement.
Other than that there is not that much to really get excited about. The pool is smaller and more enclosed. It’s really close to Liquid so you are going to get noised out on pool party days, and overall there really isn’t much to make us choose it over the main pool. If you are in the Sky Suites, the simple fact that it is available to you means the advantages make this the obvious choice, but if not, we would not lose any sleep, the main pools are just as good, and if you go for reserved seating, there is really no reason they chose the Sky Pool over the main.
Liquid Pool Lounge
- Wed-Sun 11 am – 6 pm
- Entry – $20
The Liquid Pool Lounge is the Aria’s Day Club Party Pool. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the Lounge offers Paid entry to Guests and Non-Guests to its slinky poolside lounge. Liquid aims to be more of an Ultra Lounge than a Full Blown Party pool, meaning the vibe is a little more refined and chilled out than the boisterous gatherings at Wet Republic and Tao.
You can still expect DJ entertainment with really big names hitting the decks on some occasions, although most days you get a Las Vegas Resident DJ.
We find the day takes a while to get going. The morning and early afternoon are pretty laid back, with a Lounge-chilled vibe. This gets more and more lively as the Bottle service and Minimum spending start getting polished off. The Tempo kicks off and it can develop into a full-on Pool Party Vibe.
This is not always the case though and on weekdays or quiet times the laid-back vibe persists until closing but it’s still are nice place to carry the party on, and after all a party is what you make it!
There are some really cool Day beds and Cabanas at the Liquid Lounge:
Day Beds and Cabanas at the Aria Pool
There are a huge amount of Free Sun Loungers available at the Aria Pool. Out of all the pools we have visited in Las Vegas the Aria seems to have the most availability, most of the time. While at Aria Pools we are fighting for any free chair, or being forced to arrive early to secure a spot, at the Aria, we can pretty much waltz up any time and grab a spot.
However, this is by no means guaranteed. There are over 4000 rooms at the Aria and there are not 8,000 available beds (assuming 2 people per room) so it is possible you may struggle at busy times, weekends, and holidays particularly. One way to guarantee you have a seat all day is to pay for reserved seating.
There are three main kinds, Reserved Seating, which is simply a reserved sun Lounger just for you, all day. It is also a nice padded Lounger rather than the basic type and will be positioned in a prime spot. You also receive dedicated service from the pool Servers all day.
The Second type is a Day Bed. This is a large double bed situated outside. This gives you a lot of space and a super comfy spot to call your own all day. Again along with a dedicated host to get you anything you want.
The final option is a Cabana. These are little poolside huts, able to accommodate up to 10 people. They have indoor seating, TVs, Cooling mist, private sunloungers, a personal outdoor patio, a fridge, a safe/storage unit, and free soft drinks and water. These are your own little space by the pool for the day. Perfect for families or small groups.
At the Aria the Prices charged for the Reserved Seating is a 100% rental fee, meaning any food or drink is extra. Some locations include F&B credit in the fee, but not here. This makes the Aria some of the more expensive Reserved Seats, Day Beds, and Cabanas in the City. The prices below are just a guide. These are priced as a live market and rise and fall depending on availability and demand. The following prices are typical, but on busy days they will rise, especially on holidays and Events.
Reserved Seating
Yucca and Palm Pool
- Price Average – $25-100
At the Resort pool, the Reserved seating is mainly around the Palm Pool and is largely poolside. However, there are a few at the Yucca Pool as well. This is not selectable at booking so if you want any in particular arrive early as they are assigned First come First Serve…which is the case for all Reserved Seat, DayBeds, and Cabanas.
Sky Pool
- Price Average – $50-100
For those in the Sky Suites, these are not really a great option. They are no better than the already upgraded Sky Pool Loungers. You are just guaranteed a great spot all day. But for those without access to the Sky Pool, you can get in by reserving a lounger here. These are usually a touch more expensive than the Resort Pool Loungers, but this is the cheapest way to get a peek at the Sky Pool.
Day Beds
Yucca and Palm Pool
- Price Average – $100-300
Again the Resort Day Beds are spread across both the Yuccas and Palm Pool, and you need to get there early to get a choice. These are really plush beds and will make you the envy of most people at the pool. At first glance, these seem a lot more expensive than the Reserved Seating but remember these are per bed. If there are two or more of you, you need a bed each with reserved seating. With Day Beds you can share up to 3 people.
That said, for 3 it’s pretty cramped. These are primarily for couples, but if you are a tight-knit threesome it’s probably fine, they are pretty huge.
These beds also come with a neat storage drawer that not all DayBeds do. This is not secure, but it’s better than leaving your stuff out on display. You also get a side table and usually a personal umbrella. Service is normally very prompt also, you will say no more than you need anything as they make the rounds often.
Overall this is probably our preferred option based on Comfort and Value.
Sky Pool
- Price Average – $150-400
At the Sky Pool, there are only a few Day Beds available and they do sell out. These are by the water’s edge and are really plush. Again you get a nice table, Storage Draw, free bottled water, and great service.
Cabanas
Cabanas are where the High Rollers really start to Flex. Having your own little spot right by the pool is easily the best way to enjoy the day. These house up to 10 people…in theory, but it’s more like 4 comfortably, 6 at a push, and 8 if you are willing to alternate positions!
You get 4 of your own private Sun Loungers, along with indoor seating on various kinds of seating, including Sofas, Chairs, and Stools.
Palm Pool
- Price Average – $300-800
Positioned around the back side of the pool these are the most numerous Cabanas in the Pool area. These can feel a little squeezed in. If you get a middle Cabana there can be groups right on top of you on either side. Of course, you get privacy inside the Cabana but outside it’s not always as private as you like.
Yucca Pool
- Price Average – $325-800
The Palm Pools are just a little better but there are significantly fewer of these but they are better spaced out than the Yuccas. If you can get early and bag and end Cabana this is the best option.
These are really nice Cabanas though, as well as the Palm Pools, They give you a lot of space and have really plush interiors. There is a Nice Sofa area, Table and chairs, large TV, cooling mist fans, and a fridge and storage unit so you can safely leave your stuff while hitting the pool.
Palm Pool Mega
- Price Average – $325-800
If you want more space, the Palm Pool Mega Cabana, and there is only one, is set for 15 people. Like the Regular Cabana 15 would be a little crowded, but this monster Cabana can easily house 10 people. There is a super cool outdoor Sofa and 4 large Sun Loungers. It’s pretty pricey but when split between a large group it’s pretty affordable and perfect for a Mega Pool Day.
Sky Pool
- Price Average – $400-1000
The Sky Pool Cabanas are even more plush than the Resort Cabanas. This is pretty much the MO for the Sky Pool, similar but just a bit better. These Cabanas come with a pair of plush Sun Longers and a Super comfy Day Bed situated in the private patio area.
The locations are around the back of the pool area, so not exactly poolside, but offer great privacy and are nicely secluded.
Sky Pool Gazebo
- Price Average – $200-600
The Gazebo at the Sky Pool is a pretty unique take on the Cabana formula. This does not have a specified indoor area, instead, it’s a roped-off outdoor area with various seating options. The perfect spot for an all-day take-over of the pool.
There is a large and a small Gazebo for 10 or 6 people. This is nearly as good as a Cabana, but a fair bit cheaper.
Overall, choosing a Cabana, DayBed, Or Reserved Seating Option is a pretty heavy outlay for a single day’s entertainment, especially when you consider the cost of Food and Drinks on top. But it really is a nice way to live it up for a day. If you are planning one day of complete downtime, knowing you have a seat waiting for you at any moment and not having to play the lottery of musical Sun Loungers can be worth the money. We especially like the DayBed Option, When these are $100 they are quite a bargain, and having a super plush comfy spot all day really can be a good deal.
Liquid Lounge Cabana, Bungalows, Day Beds, and Poolside Couches
This is a bit of an odd recommendation. But if you are looking for a Cabana or Daybed experience. Then the Liquid Lounge may be a better value experience! They offer some seriously cool poolside seating options and loaded Cabanas and Bungalows and on the whole, they are MUCH more expensive than the Aria Pools.
For example on Comparable Days:
- Aria Pool Week Day Daybed – $150
- Liquid Pool Week Day Daybed – $250
- Aria Pool Weekend Daybed – $300
- Liquid Pool Weekend Daybed – $500
A sizeable difference! So why do we suggest this may be a better VALUE experience? Well, the difference is, that the Liquid Pool Seating is MINIMUM SPEND and the Aria Pool is RENTAL FEE.
That means the $150 Daybed at the Aria Pool is $150 down the pan, at Liquid, it comes with $250 worth of food and drinks!
We should point out that food and drink at the Liquid is substantially more than at Aria, but the drinks are better overall. This is a Party pool so could get pretty loud and is a very different experience from the Aria Pool. It is also only open 11-6 pm instead of 9-6 pm.
Still, it’s definitely an option to consider…These Pools Side sofas are pretty sweet!
Food & Drink
Sitting by the pool is hard work, you are likely to work up a hunger at some point, and of course, all that sun is going to make you thirsty, So it’s a good job the Aria is on hand to sell you some Food and Drink! The majority of Poolside Dining and drinks are provided by the Pool Bar but there is also the walk-up Salt and Ivey Restaurant for more refined dining options.
Water – There are several Water stations with disposable cups dotted around the Pool Deck. These provide filtered water on demand so remember the importance of staying hydrated, especially if you are drinking alcohol.
Restaurants and Bars
Pool Bar
The Main Pool Bar is situated at the Center is the Pool Deck. The Bar is off to the Side with the seating area stretching out between the Yuccas and Palm Pool. The Food menu is basic, limited to things like Burgers, Nachos, Chicken Tenders, and Turkey Wraps. Prices are also pretty steep, but about on par with the poolside dining options in Vegas. A CheeseBurger is around $20, Chicken Tenders are $25, with a Side of Curly Fries at $8.
The Food is decent, but you are not going to get teary-eyed over it.
Sky Pool – There is no Bar at the Sky Pool, and it’s a bit of a Trek over to the Main Pool Bar, but fear not service in this area is very attentive, and someone will happily head over and get your drinks and food for you!
Salt & Ivy
There are two things we really like about the Salt And Ivy, first is its wonderful location right by the pools and its fantastic outdoor deck, and secondly, the food is really good too! This is one of the better Pool Restaurants we have dined at and does not just offer the basic poolside food most Pool restaurants serve up, it’s a proper restaurant with some really nice menu options.
The Salt and Ivy ranks on our list of best places to grab Breakfast or Brunch at the Aria, and its Lunch menu is almost as good.
Chicken and waffles are really good from here as are the Dutch Baby Pancakes. The Lobster Toast is another highlight of the Breakfast/Brunch Options. Lunch isn’t quite as exciting, but they keep a Small Brunch Menu on all day, so you can still get Chicken And Waffles And Dutch Babys anytime. Other than that it’s Burgers, Sandwiches, and Salads, nothing too exciting but all decent…You can get a Lobster roll though for lunch and that is always a good choice!
It’s not quite a poolside dining, you are required to cover up at least a little, but there is a poolside entrance and it’s a great spot to wander over to and grab lunch, or start your pool day off here with a fantastic Breakfast then hit the pool for the rest of the day.
Pool Side Dining
The good news here is if getting up from your lounger is just too much effort there is absolutely no need. The service at the Aria Pool is excellent. Anytime you want a drink or food there is likely to be someone nearby to grab your order and bring it right to your lounger.
This is for the whole Deck, Service is a little more focussed with you having reserved seas and Day Bed or Cabana, but there are still plenty of servers wandering around waiting to help. Just remember to tip.
Drinks and Drink Prices
Drinks are not cheap at most Las Vegas Pools and the Aria is no exception. Again the below prices are typical as the pool does employ Surge Pricing techniques so on busy days and holidays these prices may be higher!
Beers tend to be around the $11 mark, with a good selection of Domestic and Import, although we are pretty disappointed at the craft selection. There is also a selection of Seltzers as well. These can all be Mix and Matched at 6 for $60 ($10) – a $6 saving or 24 for $216 ($9 each) – a huge $48 over individual price, which is nice if you have a large group.
Wine is served in 250ml cans, not our favorite, and priced at $14 or $55 for a 5-can Bucket, which works out at $11 each. Being canned wine it is ok, certainly not great, but just about passable.
The Cocktails are not the best we have had. These tend to be sweet and pre-mixed, but they are usually pretty strong. A 12oz will cost in the range of $16-17($1.33/oz). A 32 Oz (93c/oz) in a souvenir thermal cup is $30-31 or you can get the monster 55oz for $48 (87c/oz). The range is pretty small and they are all sweet and fruity type drinks, Mojito, Berry Breeze, Pina Colada, Rum Punch, Cucumber Cooler, Margarita, no classics or short drinks. You can also get a selection of Frozen Cocktails such as Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Mango Slush, Miami Vice, and Daqari’s. These are a few $ more.
Overall it’s not the best pool drink line-up. Prices are similar to most pools, and by that we mean extortionate, and they will always be served in disposable cups. You can’t really beat an ice-cold beer or icy cocktail as you relax by the pool in the Vegas heat though.
FAQ
Can I Bring My Own Drinks
No. Outside food and drink are not allowed. And while you might get a water bottle past the security, bringing in your own booze is definitely not allowed. The official line is safety but in reality, they want a captive audience to sell food and drinks to.
You may be allowed to bring certain items in from venues within the Aria such as Starbucks, or the Aria Patisserie.
Do We Have to Reserve Sun Loungers?
There are always free Sun Loungers at all Las Vegas Hotel Pools, however, we often see the confusion here, and people think they HAVE to pay to use a lounger. Honestly, the way Vegas seems to nickel and dime everything, we can understand this view, and maybe the future has this in store. But for now, there are Free Loungers. These are just first come first serve. So there is never a guarantee of a lounger.
At the Aria, there are a lot of loungers and the pool often feels less busy than most Las Vegas hotels. As such getting a lounger is no issue at all most of the time.
Can I Use The Sky Pool if Staying at the Resort
The Sky Pool is restricted to just Sky Suites the only way to access the Sky Pool without staying there is to book a reserved seating option.
Do I need to stay at the Aria to Use the Pool?
Yes and No. The Pool area is reserved for guests. Key cards are required to access the pool deck and you will be turned away without a card. However, if you have booked a Cabana, Day Bed, or Reserved Seat you can use the pool. However, access is not guaranteed and they can decline to provide you with your booking if the pool is very busy.
Finally, the Liquid Lounge is open to all, assuming you pay the entry fee!
Is there Sun / Shade / Umbrellas?
We all enjoy pools differently, some are sun worshippers, others like to shade themselves from the harmful rays, and others a bit of both.
The Good news with the Aria is you get the best of all worlds. The Deck is in FULL sun for most of the day, so if you love basking all day then you will have no trouble here, just remember that sunblock.
However, due to the heavy planting and tall Palm Trees surrounding the Deck, there are lots of shaded spots where you can get out the sun as well. There are quite a few umbrellas but not enough to go around so you will need to stake out one of these out early.
Have Your Say
What are your thoughts and experiences with the Aria Pool Deck? Have you visited the deck, what did you make of the pools, the seats, and the overall vibe? Did you reserve seating? What did you pay for food and drink? Let us know any thoughts you have in the comments and if you have any questions just fire away.