AdamDowntown Grand – “Pool Deck”
The Downtown Grand’s “Pool Deck”, formerly named “Picnic”, is an unassuming antipode of the Golden Nugget’s congested pool scene. The DTG Pool Deck is quiet, uncrowded, and mostly free from children. Better yet though, it’s very inexpensive.
The Downtown Grand Pool Deck: a nice place to spend the day when you’re around Fremont. https://t.co/C0j272A488
— Vegas Fanboy (@VegasFanboy) May 2, 2015
I heard great things about this underappreciated spot, so my group and I decided to rent a cabana on a busy Saturday of our trip. Despite it being fight weekend, there was plenty of space and lounge areas to be had. Also, much to our delight, our cabana rental was only going to cost us $100 in food and beverage purchases. Basically, all we had to do was rack up a tab equal to or greater than $100 in order for the rental fee to be waived. If you’re going to rent a cabana and on a budget, I’d try to find a property that offers this kind of rental agreement. A few MGM properties work this way and it can be a fun, economical way to spend a day in Vegas.
Our cabana was able to comfortably accommodate all 6 of us bros. In fact, a few of us sprawled out and got a quick nap in. The service was mostly efficient. It was never bad. The servers couldn’t have been nicer and our drinks were brought over promptly. The food, however, took a while to be delivered. This wasn’t a big deal though, as we had time to kill. They did go out of their way to get us what we wanted. I’m assuming it’s because they didn’t want to disappoint a celebrity like me. I was in need of coffee upon arrival, but I wasn’t in the mood for a hot drink given the heat of the morning. Despite it not being on the menu, they whipped up a pitcher of iced coffee for the group. It would have been easy to say no, so these little things add up to make for a good experience.
The pool itself is quite small. It’s like an incredibly frigid Roman Bath. You’re not going to be able to get any laps in; it’s more for taking a quick dip or keeping your feet cold. The pool is surrounded by a few cabanas and canvased areas for loungers. What’s nice is that there is a shaded area for non-paid lounge chairs. In most pools, you have to pay a premium to get out of the sun.
There are also a few fun-tivities for those young at heart. I saw the ping pong table when I walked and didn’t give it any consideration, almost laughing at the fact that it was there. Then, sure enough, after a few beverages, there I was playing in a heated and controversial game. I still don’t think it was fair. I had the wind in my face! Anyway, there’s also an area to play “bags”, which was in use by a few other patrons during most of our stay.
The original “Picnic” name was adopted, I’m assuming, because of the communal picnic tables in the bar area. The tables are bordered by two big flat screen TVs. They don’t get much use normally, but came in handy during the Kentucky Derby. This is another good spot to convene if you need to get out of the sun. If you’re not renting a cabana and want expedited drink service, head up to the bar and give the nice tapsters some work. The bar area, like the Golden Nugget, features a few blackjack tables for some poolside gambling. The Pool Deck, almost expectedly, had a cheaper entry fee. Each table offered a $5 minimum.
In short, the Pool Deck is now my go-to pool when staying Downtown. Locals can get in for $5, which includes a free drink ticket. Non-locals who are not staying at the Grand can get in with a two drink minimum. Know that I’m glad you’re reading this, but I hope many of you don’t go. I like the fact that it’s relatively uncrowded. It’s rooftop views don’t offer too much to look at, but it’s a novelty nonetheless. Oh yeah, as for the total cost of the cabana for 6 “grown” men? It came out to under $250, tip included. A small price to pay for a good day.
Overall:
- Small, but uncrowded
- Not too many kids
- Inexpensive food and beverage options
- Cheap private cabana rentals
For another review of the DTG Pool Deck, check out episode 12 of the Comped Vegas Podcast.
If you’re looking for other, inexpensive cabana rental options, here’s the short list: Cheap Las Vegas Cabana Rentals
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