Let's be real for a second. When you think of a Vegas pool day, your brain probably goes straight to those massive, sprawling beach clubs at Caesars or the multi-acre complexes at the MGM Grand. You think of palm trees, white sand, and maybe a DJ yelling at you to "get your hands up" at 2:00 PM. But if you’re staying at the Big Apple-themed resort on the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd, you’re looking at a different beast entirely. Honestly, the pool at New York-New York is one of the most misunderstood spots on the Strip. People either love it for the lack of pretension or they walk out after five minutes because they expected a tropical paradise and found a concrete oasis under a roller coaster.
It’s quirky. That is the best word for it.
You’re literally swimming underneath the tracks of the Big Apple Coaster. Every few minutes, you hear the mechanical clack-clack-clack of the lift hill and then a chorus of screams as people plummet toward the pavement. It’s not exactly "Zen," but it is uniquely Vegas. If you’re looking for a place to actually swim laps or get lost in a jungle-themed grotto, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a chill afternoon where you can actually find a chair without paying a $500 "food and beverage minimum," this might be your spot.
What to Actually Expect at the Pool at New York-New York
The layout is pretty straightforward. You’ve got one large, main pool and a hot tub. That’s basically it. Unlike the Mirage (RIP) or the Mandalay Bay, there’s no lazy river here. There are no crashing waves. It’s a large, heated pool that gets the job done. The deck area was refreshed a few years back, so it doesn't feel as "90s" as it used to, but it still maintains that classic hotel pool vibe.
The sun situation is the one thing that trips people up. Because the resort consists of several "skyscrapers" (the hotel towers), shadows are a major factor. Depending on the month and the time of day, you might find yourself chasing the sun as the shadow of the Empire State Building replica slowly creeps across your lounge chair. If you’re a serious tanner, get there early. Usually, the gates open around 9:00 AM, and by noon, the prime sun spots are claimed.
The crowd here is a mix. You’ll see families because, let’s face it, New York-New York is one of the more kid-friendly spots on the Strip. But you’ll also see plenty of groups of friends who just want to grab a bucket of beers and soak before they head to a Knights game at T-Mobile Arena next door. It’s unpretentious. Nobody is judging your swimsuit or checking to see if you have a "table" with bottle service.
The Cost of Lounging: From Free to Fancy
Standard lounge chairs are free for hotel guests. That sounds like a "well, duh" statement, but in modern Las Vegas, nothing is guaranteed. You just tap your room key and walk in. If you aren't staying at the hotel, you can sometimes buy a day pass through platforms like ResortPass, though availability varies wildly based on the season and occupancy.
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If you want to upgrade, you have options, but they aren't the "megaclub" style cabanas you find elsewhere.
- Padded Loungers: These are basically just nicer, cushioned versions of the plastic chairs. They usually come with an umbrella. If you hate laying on hard plastic, it's worth the $30–$50.
- Daybeds: These are great for couples. They’re circular or rectangular beds with some shade. It gives you a "home base" for the day.
- Cabanas: This is the top tier. You get a TV, a fridge stocked with water and soda, a safe, and a dedicated server. Don't expect a private bathroom or a misting system that rivals a NASA cooling lab. These are functional. They provide shade and a place to decompress away from the splashing.
Prices for these fluctuate. A cabana on a Tuesday in October might be $150. That same cabana on July 4th weekend? You’re looking at $500 or more.
Food, Drinks, and the "Hidden" Perks
The pool bar is where the action is. It's called the Brooklyn Bridge Bar (usually), and the drinks are exactly what you’d expect: expensive but strong. A souvenir cup is going to run you $25–$35, but the refills are slightly cheaper. Pro tip: if you’re trying to save money, New York-New York is connected to a CVS and several cheaper liquor stores just outside on the Strip. You can’t bring glass or outside coolers into the pool area—security will check your bag—but you can definitely hydrate before you head down.
For food, it’s standard poolside fare. Burgers, wraps, and fries. It’s fine. It’s not Gordon Ramsay, but it’s fine. If you get bored of the pool menu, the great thing about this hotel is the "Greenwich Village" food court inside. You can’t bring the pizza out to the pool, but it’s a two-minute walk if you want to dry off and grab a slice of Sirrico’s or a sandwich.
One thing people often miss is the proximity to the Park MGM and the Park itself. If the pool at New York-New York feels too loud because of the coaster, you can easily walk over to the Park for a sit-down lunch at Beerhaus or Eataly.
Is the Water Actually Clean?
Look, people worry about Vegas pools. With the sheer volume of tourists, it’s a valid concern. The staff at NY-NY is actually pretty diligent about skimming the water and maintaining chemical balances. Because it’s a smaller deck compared to the "mega-resorts," the staff can keep a better eye on things. Is it pristine? It's a public pool in a city with 40 million visitors a year. Use your best judgment, but generally, it’s well-maintained.
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Comparing It to the Neighbors
If you’re deciding between staying at New York-New York or, say, Excalibur or MGM Grand based purely on the pool, here’s the breakdown:
MGM Grand has the Grand Pool Complex. It’s massive. It has a lazy river. It also feels like a chaotic zoo most of the time. You will get lost trying to find your chair. The pool at New York-New York is the exact opposite. You can see the whole thing from the entrance. It's manageable.
Excalibur has more pools (four of them), and they’ve recently renovated that area too. It’s a bit more "family-centric" than NY-NY. If you want a slide, Excalibur has one. NY-NY does not.
Park MGM has a very "boutique" pool vibe. It’s more sophisticated, non-smoking, and honestly, a bit more "adult." If you want to feel like you’re at a chic hotel in West Hollywood, go to Park MGM. If you want to feel like you’re at a fun, loud, New York-themed block party, stay at NY-NY.
The Roller Coaster Factor
You cannot talk about this pool without talking about the Big Apple Coaster. It looms over the entire north end of the deck. For some, the noise is a dealbreaker. Every 90 seconds, there’s a roar. For others, it’s part of the charm. It makes for great photos. There aren't many places in the world where you can take a selfie in a hot tub with a 200-foot drop of a roller coaster directly behind your head.
Wait. One more thing. The wind.
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Because the towers create a sort of canyon effect, it can get surprisingly gusty on the pool deck. If the "Wind Advisory" flags are out, they might close the umbrellas. If they close the umbrellas, you are at the mercy of the Nevada sun. Wear sunscreen. A lot of it. The desert sun reflects off the glass of the towers and the water, hitting you from all angles.
Misconceptions and Reality Checks
A lot of travel blogs say the pool is "hidden." It’s not. It’s just located on the third floor. You take the elevators near the spa and fitness center.
Another common myth is that it’s open year-round. While some Vegas pools stay open in the winter (usually one heated pool at the bigger resorts), NY-NY often goes to "seasonal" hours. Usually, the full pool service runs from March through October. If you’re visiting in January, don't expect to be sipping a pina colada by the water. The hot tub might be open, but the main pool is often closed for maintenance or just because it's 45 degrees outside.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re heading down to the pool, keep these specific points in mind to make the day better:
- The Room Key Rule: You need your physical room key or the digital key on your phone. They do scan them. Don’t be the person who gets to the front of the line after walking through the whole casino in a towel only to realize you left your key in the room.
- Chair Strategy: The "Golden Zone" for sun is the south side of the pool (farthest from the coaster). This area stays in the sun the longest before the towers start casting shadows in the mid-afternoon.
- Hydration is Key: The walk from the elevators to the pool deck can be surprisingly long if you're carrying a lot of gear. Grab a large water from the vending machines near the fitness center—it’s cheaper than the pool bar.
- Mobile Ordering: Sometimes they have QR codes on the tables for food ordering. Use them. It beats standing in line at the bar when there’s a rush.
- Check the Schedule: If there is a major concert at T-Mobile Arena, the pool area can get crowded early with fans "pre-gaming." Check the arena schedule; if a big act is in town, expect a busier deck.
Ultimately, the pool at New York-New York isn't trying to be the most luxurious spot in Nevada. It knows what it is: a solid, fun, slightly loud place to cool off in the middle of the desert. It’s perfectly "Vegas" in its own weird way. If you go in expecting a quiet, meditative experience, you’ll be disappointed. But if you go in ready to hear some screams from the coaster and enjoy a cold drink in the sun, you’ll have a blast.
Before you go, check the official MGM Resorts app for the most current pool hours, as they change literally by the week based on sunset times and weather patterns. If the pool is closed for a private event (it happens), hotel guests can usually get access to the pools at MGM Grand or Excalibur, but you’ll want to confirm that with the front desk first. Don't just show up at another hotel's pool and expect to get in for free without a pass or a confirmed "sister property" agreement for that day.
Pack your flip-flops, leave the fancy jewelry in the room safe, and go enjoy the sun under the coaster tracks. It’s a vibe you won’t find anywhere else.