Key Points:
- Cabanas are billed as a rental fee, food & bev minimum spend agreement, or a combination of both
- Renting a cabana will almost always get you into a pool, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.
- Off-Strip resorts will often have cheaper options. Don’t shy away from making a day of it.
Pool cabanas in Vegas are an amenity I slept on for way too long, assuming the price would be out of reach.
I was dead wrong.
Cabanas guarantee you seating at a busy pool (without lining up at 8am!), shade, a TV, and other perks that the commoners clamoring for free loungers don’t enjoy.
Notably, a cabana reservation almost always allows you entry to a Las Vegas resort pool, even if you’re not a hotel guest.
Cabana pricing can be complicated, and it’s important you read the fine print before booking. They can be billed as a:
- Flat rental fee: A flat fee for use of the cabana. Any food & drink will be an additional expense.
- Minimum spend agreement: You’re agreeing to spend a pre-defined amount on food & drink in exchange for the cabana.
- Hybrid billing: A combination of the two, with a flat fee and a minimum spend.
Unfortunately, more and more pools have transitioned to a flat rental fee model for cabanas… which is disappointing.
I’ve been on a recent cabana kick, shopping options for upcoming trips, so I figured it’d be fun to share some nuggets of value I’m seeing out there.
Note: The base full-day prices I reference are midweek. Expect elevated rates on weekends or during peak times.
On The Strip
Excalibur
Cabanas at Excalibur start at an absurdly cheap $75 per day (flat rental fee).
I had to double-check, but all the expected amenities are there, including a mini-fridge, a safe, a TV, 4 loungers, and a table that seats 4, among other perks.
If you’re coming with a group and plan to spend a day at the pool, you’d almost be insane not to reserve one.
The Signature at MGM Grand
The Signature is connected to MGM Grand via an indoor walkway, and cabanas start at just $100 (flat rental fee).
Included in the cabana are 2 loungers, couch seating, a TV, bottled water, and more.
While the pool pales in comparison to MGM Grand’s, which is among the best pools in Vegas, The Signature is a great option for folks who prefer a chill, relaxing experience.
The Cosmopolitan
Boulevard Pool cabanas start at $600 for the full day, billed as a food & beverage minimum, which significantly enhances the value.
Every other MGM property on the Strip has moved to rental-fee billing, and I assume Cosmopolitan will eventually follow suit… but it hasn’t yet.
In addition to the normal amenities, cabana rentals come with a “complimentary fresh fruit platter (upon request)”. Be sure to request it!
Planet Hollywood
Lower Deck Cabanas at Planet Hollywood start at $125 (flat rental fee) for the full day and come with a 55″ TV, 2 lounge chairs, and can accommodate up to 8 guests.
They look a little “bare bones”, but comfortable enough.
Uniquely, Planet Hollywood’s pool is home to the Flowrider, which allows you the opportunity to surf.
Resorts World
Cabanas surrounding Resorts World’s aptly named Cabana Pool start at around $400 for the full day, billed as a food & beverage minimum.
Of course, you’ll have access to the entirety of the sprawling pool deck, which includes an infinity pool overlooking the Strip.
Sahara
Mid-week cabana rates for The Pool at Sahara start at round $350, billed as a food & beverage minimum, and the scene itself is one of the more unique options on the list.
The Pool is like a mini Stadium Swim, with a giant video board as its feature amenity.
Notably, the pool is open to the public, for free, whether you’re staying at Sahara or not.
Fremont Street
Downtown Grand
Downtown Grand’s refreshed cabanas look sharp and start at just $150 for the full day, billed as a minimum spend agreement.
I’ve grown to love Downtown Grand’s rooftop pool deck. The pool is tiny, but there’s plenty of seating, free yard games, and affordable drinks (5 16oz PBR for just $15, and other domestic buckets are $25).
Plaza
Perched on Plaza’s rooftop, cabanas start at $175 on weekdays ($50 rental fee + $125 food & beverage minimum).
Like Downtown Grand, the body of water isn’t huge, but the views are great.
Nearby Off-Strip Options
Palms
I recently spent 13 hours in a Palms cabana, and it was awesome. Whole-day pricing starts at a $400 minimum spend agreement for a lower-level cabana, but upper-level cabanas have their own plunge pools and start at $500. Recommended.
Rio
Cabanas surrounding Rio’s adult-only pool start at $125 (rental fee) for the entire day.
Cabanas in Las Vegas span the spectrum from luxurious to budget, but cheap cabanas in Vegas exist… I just wish I had figured that out sooner. I slept on them for far too long.
Related Vegas Pool Tidbits:
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.