In the Swim in Las Vegas

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At Mandalay Bay’s 11-acre “water feature,” hotel guests can float leisurely on a lazy river, stop under an occasional waterfall for a little heady fun, or get swept to “shore” by artificial waves. (GARY FRIEDMAN / LAT)

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The Palms tries to draw a hip crowd with poolside cabanas and hammocks. (GARY FRIEDMAN / LAT)

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The Flamingo offers a water adventure that’s packed with waterfalls, slides and birds both live and concrete. (GARY FRIEDMAN / LAT)

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At Paris, a wide but ordinary pool at the foot of a Parisian landmark. Walk underneath the Eiffel Tower to dine at a French-style bistro. (GARY FRIEDMAN / LAT)

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The MGM Grand, Las Vegas’ largest hotel, goes the extra mile with a lazy river that takes almost 10 minutes to float around. (GARY FRIEDMAN / LAT)

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One pool at the Flamingo has a 14-foot waterfall. The hotel’s water area also contains another, more sedate pool for those who want to relax. (GARY FRIEDMAN / LAT)

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The classy Bellagio does not disappoint: Three of its pools have mushroom-like fountains in the center for its guests to sit beneath. (GARY FRIEDMAN / LAT)

By STEVE FRIESS

Sept. 15, 2002 12 AM PT

Getting there: Nonstop service from LAX to Las Vegas is available on United, American, Southwest, National, America West, Hawaiian and Delta. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $38.

Where to swim: Flamingo, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (888) 308-8899, www.flamingolasvegas.com.

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 632-7800, www.mandalaybay.com.

Palms Casino Resort, 4321W. Flamingo Road; (866) 942-7777, www.thepalmslasvegas.com.

Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (888) 987-6667, www.bellagiolasvegas.com.

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 880-0880, www.mgmgrand.com.

Four Seasons, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 632-5000, www.fourseasons.com/lasvegas.

Rio All-Suite Casino Resort, 3700 W. Flamingo Road; (888) 746-7153, www.harrahs.com (click on “Rio”).

Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (800) 288-7206, www.treasureisland.com.

Tropicana Resort & Casino, 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (888) 826-TROP (826-8767), www.tropicanalv.com.

Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 427-7243, www.caesars.com/palace.

Luxor Hotel & Casino, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (888) 777-0188, www.luxor.com.

Paris, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 796-2096, www.paris-lv.com.

Orleans Hotel & Casino, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave.; (800) ORLEANS (675-3267), www.orleanscasino.com.

Excalibur Resort Hotel & Casino, 3850 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 750-5464, www.excaliburlasvegas.com.

Harrah’s Las Vegas, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (800) HARRAHS (427-7247), www.harrahs.com.

Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (888) 236-7495, www.stratospherehotel.com.

Monte Carlo, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (888) 529-4828, www.monte-carlo.com.

Aladdin Casino and Resort, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 333-WISH (333-9474), www.aladdincasino.com.

New York New York Hotel & Casino, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (888) 696-9887, www.nynyhotelcasino.com.

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 857-1861, www.venetian.com.

For more information: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109; (800) 332-5333, www.vegasfreedom.com.

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In the Swim in Las Vegas

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