Key Points:
- Vegas pool cabanas cost $50-$150 per day at lower-tier properties and can be as pricey as $750 at upscale resorts like Wynn.
- Pricing is expressed as a rental fee, a food & beverage minimum spend agreement, or a blend of the two. Read the fine print before booking.
- Tipping is a pain, and you’ll likely be asked to tip on top of an auto gratuity you’ve been charged.
Sick of lining up at the pool like it’s black friday to stake your claim on a free lounger?
I’m here to tell you you no longer need to do that; instead, reserve a cabana and go down when YOU want.
You’ll not only have seating, but you’ll usually also have a TV, a fridge, and shade. It’s heaven.
I figured it would help to put together answers to a few frequently asked questions about cabana rentals in Las Vegas to help others as they navigate the pool scene.
Cabana Costs
Prices vary widely, depending on the property, amenities, pool quality, and demand.
They’re typically cheaper mid-week and during off-peak times, while weekend dates in the summer cost a pretty penny.
Low-end cabana pricing at “touristy” resorts lands in the $100-$200 per day range, while upscale options at resorts like Wynn and Caesars Palace run you $500+.
The cheapest cabanas on the Strip are at properties such as Excalibur, Luxor, Planet Hollywood, New York-New York, STRAT, and Paris.
Cheaper options on Fremont Street include Downtown Grand & Plaza.
Shop around in advance, as most pools have an online reservation system that gives date-specific pricing upfront. You can pick the exact cabana or daybed you want when you book.
You don’t even have to be staying at a particular resort to rent a cabana at their pool. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to gain access to a ritzier pool.
Below, you can find price info at both MGM and Caesars pools for your dates:
Cabana Billing – It’s Complicated
Las Vegas pool cabanas are billed as a flat fee, a food-and-beverage minimum, or a combination of the two.
Be sure to read the fine print to understand how your cabana will be billed.
A flat fee is exactly what it sounds like: A fee paid for the use of a Cabana that is not redeemable for drinks or food.
A food & beverage minimum billing arrangement means that the amount paid for the cabana can be applied to… food & drink. This is my preferred arrangement. I feel I’m getting more for my money… and I drink a lot… but mostly the first thing.
Others charge a combination. For instance, LINQ and Flamingo are pools that charge a flat rate upfront, plus a food and beverage minimum that must be met the day of.
Double Tipping
Be aware – You’ll be asked to double tip.
Recently, my group got our bill at the end of a long day, and it included an auto gratuity. Perfect. All good, right?
Our server then explained that the auto gratuity goes to “everybody but her”, and that we needed to leave a separate tip on top of the auto tip to reward her service.
Obviously, that’s BS, but we rent a cabana 2 days in a row annually at Palms for March Madness, and want to maintain a good relationship.
This is part of our calculus going into cabanas now, and I accept it, but I want you to be aware that “the pitch” is coming.
Cabana Benefits are Clear
Pools fill quickly, and seating can be hard to come by if you don’t get there early. Reserving a cabana ensures you’ll have some real estate & seating.
If you’re coming with a group, you can split the cost, which increases the value proposition.
Amenities differ from pool to pool. Most offer a fridge, TV, bottled water, a safe, and a personal server in addition to seating and shade. Some also offer complimentary snacks or light food options.
Unlike a free lounger, the safe lets you secure your cell phone, wallet, purse, etc. without dragging it into the pool with you.
As mentioned, renting a cabana can grant access to a hotel pool you’re not a guest at.
Cabana Cons
The main downside is the cost, especially at a top-tier resort. During peak times, a cabana rental can cost upwards of $750, though the hefty price tag is more palatable when split among a group.
Pool food and beverage pricing isn’t cheap either. Even if you scored a cabana with a minimum spend arrangement, you’ll burn through it quickly, paying $35 for a bucket of Bud Lights.
All in all, if you’re hoping to spend an entire day by the pool, a cabana is a solid investment as it ensures seating, provides shade, a safe for your valuables, bottled water, a fridge, and allows you to watch the game you bet on.
Especially if you’re hitting the pool with a group, having a home base and keeping the group together is a must.
Related Pool Articles:
Cheap Pool Cabanas in Las Vegas (a few nuggets of deep value)
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.