Dipping Into the Vegas Pool Analysis

I enjoyed Steve Friess’ insightful and informative review of the best pools, “Vegas’ Coolest Pools” (Sept. 15). Our family just returned from Las Vegas, where we stayed at the MGM Grand. We have a 6-year-old daughter, and pool recreation was our No. 1 feature. Having stayed at the MGM before, I knew its pool and Mandalay Bay’s were two of the best on the Strip.

Friess says he could not review or glimpse the pool at the Mirage. However, while waiting for Siegfried & Roy’s “Secret Garden” to open, my daughter and I had a clear view of the pool area and waterfall. She and I were even allowed to enter the pool area just to check it out. The employees were friendly and accommodating and told us to “feel free to test the water.” I liked the pool at the Mirage even better than the MGM. It was larger and more spacious. There are also several slides and waterfalls, with plenty of shade.

DAVID W. GOMEZ

Newport Beach

*

I travel to Las Vegas once a year and always try to stay at a hotel with a nice pool. I agree with most of Friess’ rankings and plan to stay at the Flamingo on my next trip. But I differ with his opinion of Treasure Island. The pool is small and usually crowded. The New York New York pool deserves an F because it is in the shade most of the day. Also, the Excalibur is better than the Luxor because it has two large (if not interesting) pools.

We stayed at the Mirage last month and liked the pool. I’d rate it about a B+, using your system.

ROBERT TROUT

Carlsbad

*

One important criterion wasn’t included: pool closing times. Many hotels close their pools at 6 p.m. Many times I’ve been forced to leave a swimming pool at an early hour. Now I ask hotel room reservation clerks what time the pool closes.

RON OLIVER

Newbury Park

*

The Monte Carlo’s pool closes at 6 p.m. Although management wouldn’t explain why, a worker said “they” wanted people to gamble, not relax at the pool. Friess gave the pool area a D+; it should have received an F.

MAURICE ROZNER

Long Beach