Las Vegas tourists and residents alike enjoy splashing around in pools and trying to cool off as temperatures hit the triple digits. But with our economy languishing in the doldrums, it’s sometimes hard to find enough dough to pay for the experience. So, here’s our Las Vegas Backstage Access listing of the most sneak-friendly pools in Las Vegas. Enter at your own risk!
Tropicana – 3801 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Start at the Reno Avenue entrance at the southwest side of the Tropicana. It’s maybe not the classiest place, but it’s gigantic, including a swim-up bar, blackjack tables, and two separate hot tubs.
Flamingo – 3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Go in the parking garage, walk down the metal staircase, go across the street and head directly into the extremely crowded pool area. Could be there is staff members at entrance, but usually not a problem to enter.
Riviera – 2901 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Their very deep pool isn’t fancy with waterfalls, bars and such, but very relaxing. They don’t ask to see a room key to get a beach towel, just think of a name and room number and write ’em down before you enter.
Artisan – 1501 W. Sahara Ave. Valet park your cark and saunter through the lobby. Features a cool grotto with foliage and comfy lounge furniture. Not a bar at the pool, but you can use the pool phone to call the bar and a bartender will bring your cocktails poolside.
Golden Nugget – 129 Fremont Street Security guards stand sentry at the door, but just look like you’re going swimming, bring your own towels, and wait for families to go through and follow them. Huge waterslide that goes through a shark tank. Very luxurious with cushioned deck chairs and VIP areas.
The second season of “Paris Hilton’s My New BFF” premieres Tuesday on MTV, but instead of hanging out and partying in Las Vegas, the filthy rich socialite heiress has plans for finding her next hot and fabulous cohort–in the United Arab Emirates. 
Vegas Backstage Access (VBA) 