Exclusive First Look: Flamingo Las Vegas Has a New Pool Complex With 5 Adults-only Pools, a Wet Deck, and a Cenote-like Sanctuary

Travel + Leisure

22-05-2025

One of the most beloved pools in Las Vegas is ready to make its comeback.
After shutting down at the end of last year's pool season, Go Pool, the adults-only pool complex at the Flamingo Las Vegas underwent a bit of a facelift. Instead of a straightforward renovation for the facility, which originally opened in the mid-'90s, the hotel decided to rebuilt it entirely from scratch.
'We said, if we're going to put this much into repair and maintenance, let's start this thing over,' Dan Walsh, the hotel's general manager, told Travel + Leisure .
Ahead of the pool's big opening weekend, T+L got an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the new design, which includes plenty of palm tree-shaded nooks, bright pops of pink, and a broad configuration of lounge chairs, sunbeds, and couches. Cabanas and lounge chairs sit poolside.
While the former Go Pool had three swimming areas, the new incarnation boasts five. The largest of these is the main pool, which features an extended 'wet deck,' or shallow area where guests can sunbathe on loungers while keeping their toes wet. It's all part of the hotel's intention to maximize space, said Walsh.
'We tried to expand the footprint as far back as we could,' he told T+L. A former holding area was converted into a new VIP area (one of three), featuring a 60-foot rectangular pool with a fountain. To enhance the oasis-like, intimate vibe, a row of additional palm trees were planted, screening the VIP cabanas and providing a dash of tropical pizzazz.
One of the most noticeable changes to the new pool involves the grotto: a delightfully shady, cave-like sanctuary located next to the main pool. After expanding the interior, adding a circular infinity pool and a skylight, the space now feels like you've wandered into a Mexican cenote. A series of curtain waterfalls marks the entrance, ensuring that everyone stays cool and wet on those blistering, 115-degree days.
Another dramatic change: the DJ booth, which used to be near the entrance, is now atop the grotto, so the pink-accented podium can be viewed from pretty much anywhere you choose to swim.
That ought to satisfy Go Pool's loyal followers—and there are thousands of them. DJ sets occur here seven days a week—in other words, whenever the pool is open—and play a key role in the pool's success. Just don't show up here expecting a quiet afternoon nap. Rather, the pool's uptempo, celebratory spirit is so popular that there is often a line of people waiting to get in each morning.
Unlike other pools on the Strip, there is no entrance fee, which has also made it a hit with Vegas tourists. 'We don't charge to get in,' Walsh said. 'It's always been open to the public. People know it's a great party pool.'
If shade is what you're after, another cool place to sit is the circular swim-up bar. Located in the main pool, the wraparound bar is hard to miss, thanks to its bright pink, beach bonnet-shaped canopy, equipped with cooling misters and TVs. It's not difficult to imagine whiling away an afternoon here with a frozen daiquiri or a mojito. (Just make sure not to drink and dive!) The Flamingo Fizz and Cucumber Splash cocktails along with some poolside bites.
The new Go Pool is the latest in a series of enticing additions to the hotel, including Gordon Ramsay Burger, Pinky's (Lisa Vanderpump's lavish, glass-enclosed restaurant) and the retro-inspired Havana 1957, where you can eat Cuban classics while enjoying live Cuban music.
Next up, renovation efforts will target the hotel lobby, but Walsh promised there are no plans to attempt to 'modernize' the hotel. 'We want to keep the history of the Flamingo intact,' he said.
The Flamingo opened in 1946, making it the longest running casino-resort on the Strip. And with its flashing neon marquee sign, that heritage is what keeps guests coming back. 'Some of our team members have been with the hotel for forty years,' said Walsh. 'The connection they have with customers, that's a tangible thing.'
The hotel's most unusual feature also happens to be its biggest draw, and it's located right next to the pool. Neighboring Go Pool is a 4-acre wildlife habit that's home to pelicans, ducks, turtles, and of course, a flock of Chilean flamingoes who have become unofficial mascots for the property.
On a recent weekday, tourists lined up to take selfies in front of the flamingo pond. The tall, elegant birds preened their colorful feathers and posed for the cameras, enjoying the mildly sunny day.
'A lot of times I walk people back here, they say, 'I had no idea this existed,'' explained Walsh.
Perhaps that's why Go Pool has remained so popular after all these years. A tropical oasis in the middle of a desert is bound to attract all sorts of creatures: party animals, and otherwise.