Downtown pools/Four Queens

I convinced my wife that we will use a pool during our 3rd week stay in Vegas/Four Queens. It did cost me a new bathing suit. We are first time Vegas visitors... I understand that we will have to use the Binion's pool. Any issues, etc. using it?

 

Not really sure about Binion's (I know the hotel has been closed for quite a while). However, if you really want to use a pool, any reason why you can't stay at a place which has their own on-site pool like Golden Nugget, Plaza, or Downtown Grand?

 

Binions pool is great, IF and its a big IF they are open. The last few years it has not opened until June, and then only been open on weekends, and then only if they had staff. I quit staying at the 4 Queens because of this issue, so if a pool is important to you, I would chose somewhere else.

 

It is a long walk and a confusing elevator route to that pool. The music is terrible. It is often closed. I was there once when a wedding party took it over and closed it. For a pool downtown the Golden Nugget is certainly the best. Plaza might be okay, but there have been few reports after the remodeling. California has this little pool which always seems like it has been filled that morning with fresh frozen water. For small, inexpensive, places I like the Gold Coast pool. It is one of the very few outside heated pools with a Jacuzzi, a nearby workout room, semi shaded areas to sit, and very few people. For upscale I like the lazy river at Monte Carlo, especially early in the morning before people come. Going in with no tube rental and swimming while it whisks you around is just some of the best exercise I have ever had.

 

Better find another hotel with a pool.
Downtown Grand
Plaza
Golden Nugget

 

I'm not a "pool" fan...and I'm certainly not a big Golden Nugget fan, but if a pool is important for a downtown stay, then you want the Nugget.

Plaza pool is large, but based on what I've seen multiple times from my rooms there (I always seem to get a pool view), it's very plain, and kind of 'dead'.
If you want plenty of room in the pool & around it, then you want the Plaza.

If you want beautiful surroundings and some periodic eye-candy for you and your wife, then you want the Nugget.

 

WE already have the reservations made and paid at the Four Queens. WE are the type that just enjoy laying around reading, talking and taking a dip...NOT that I would be opposed to some eye candy strolling by. My wife understands that I do Window Shop. If Binion's pool is closed, would we be able to pay an entrance fee to the GN pool?

 

Which site did you book your rooms on? Some booking sites give full refunds up to a few days prior to the date of stay. I use LasVegas.com to book my stays, no problems with cancellations and rebookings, refunds show up on credit card statement within a few days. They also usually have the best rates for the downtown hotels. As far as pools go, the Downtown Grand has a nice pool and well-reviewed rooms, but they reportedly chip you with extra fees and charges.

 

I actually booked it through SWA. The cost for 5 nights at Four queens booked through SWA is $182.00
I just checked the prices downtown through Expedia for the same 5 nights...
plaza $284
DT grand $328
GN $495
The cost upgrade is not worth a better pool. Hopefully, Binion's pool is open. I think I'll email them and see if and when it will be open.

 

Hawki, think I recall seeing somewhere (maybe on their website) that DT Grand allows non-guests into their pool for a charge.

 

I emailed Binions reservations and got this reply...
"We are hoping to have the pool open by April 17. The weather is very unpredictable at this time of year. This past week was very windy and we don’t want anyone getting blown off the 25th floor. The pool is outside on the roof so weather permitting it will be open."

Either way, Hopefully, we'll find a pool to use while we are there.

 

Here is another option. Pack a small bag and take the SDX bus from Binions to the Stratosphere . It is a short ride and there won't be traffic. That pool is open every day and welcomes everyone, hotel guest or not. There are changing rooms, but there are no locked lockers so you have to watch your own valuables but if you are laying around, that won't be a problem, only if you are both swimming. That being said, I do it solo and set my bag right near the lifeguard and keep an eye on it. There is a Jacuzzi, and may be some eye candy. At the Binons pool, if it is open, you may be the only people there.

 

I don't care what anyone says about the Nugget but the Downtown Grand has the best pool area downtown. We showed up at 10:30am and there were like 3 people there. It didn't get busy until after lunch and even then it was still comfortably uncrowded.

The Nugget is a shit show by comparison.

 

to check to see if the D Grand will take folks registered elsewhere, call and ask to speak to the concierge. The main operator told me that it "depends on the day" That might be an alternative.

Another little pool I used to love because it was heated was the Oasis pool next to the Goldspike. The Goldspike is no longer a casino, but the Oasis Motel has rooms and so operates the pool there. I called, but they wanted me to leave a message. So, there is another call you might make. Both these are a good walk from the Four Queens, but if it is warm and you are not going to be wet for long anyway, they would work if you can get access.

 

Speaking from experience, you're gonna have an angry wife on your hands. Whatever couple of bucks you save are going to be gone and it's going to end up costing you more in the end. Plus the hard feelings. Cancel that reservation and get her a place with a pool on site or more convenient. MSS and California comes to mind. Just do the right thing.

 

Sounds like canceling for the OP's reservation is out of the question. Sounds like the Four queens was part of a package with SWA. I do agree that a call to SWAir may be worth it to see if you can get out of it. If you are in Vegas during fight week (4/29-5/4) you are welcome to 1 of my rooms keys for admission to the Flamingo pool. Me and the wife don't do pools! PM me if thats helpful!

FWIW I just called the DT Grand. There is NO CHARGE for using their pool. (702-719-5100)

 

Can you still make Hideaway pool reservations at Golden Nugget if you're not staying there? I'd look into that.

 

The truth be told, my wife won't be upset at almost any pool. We are just happy getting to Las Vegas for the 1st time. It is a low budget trip with a gambling budget of around $100 each per day. I've emailed the GN and MSS about using their pool as non guests. I am awaiting a reply.
Champster- Thank you for the offer but we'll miss those dates by 2 weeks.
The funny thing is that The wife Buying the bathing suit was a relatively Painless experience---Finding a pool to use it at is becoming a problem.

 

Look into Downtown Grand as well. MSS only has that baby pool at California and it is fine if you like an iced bath. Only the D pool in November has been colder than California in August. I've done both. If they really will let you in the Downtown Grand pool free, that is the place to go. For a while they showed movies there. I'm not sure now. Anyway, we are all pulling for you to both be happy. And thanks for the inquiry. I would never have thought of the Downtown Grand pool. I'm going to try that one at the end of September.

 

You might get lucky and the pool at Binions will be open. If it is, it has always been one of my favorite getaways in town. Fantastic views, lots of sun, misters, and semi comfortable chairs. The music can range anywhere from obnoxious hip hop blaring, to 70's classic rock. Just depends on the person working. I think it is about one of the lowest key pools in town. Easy to meet people, almost like staying in a small B & B, the area is so small. I have had the water temperature from freezing cold one day, to bathwater warm the next. The pool itself is VERY small, but deep. Like 10 feet deep. Pretty unusual for a roof top. The best part.....Rarely any kids. Priceless!