(A major perk here is that the pools are always heated to between 78 and 94 degrees, which sounds odd in the city’s 100-plus-degree temps, but is so crucial. It plays to a pretty specific demographic: sports lovers who come for its Stadium Swim pool complex-pool, lounge seats, sports bar and bungalows all facing a massive, 40-foot-high HD TV that always has a major game playing.

The soaring, streamlined tower was an instant landmark, and the place has distinguished itself as an unapologetic, adults-only temple of fun. And what a tribute to all the fun and wackiness of Downtown. But until Circa opened in October 2020, no new hotel had been built here for 40 years. With the continuing renovation and expansion of the Fremont Street Experience, the rotating programming at the Mob Museum, and the renos in the Arts District, it’s come a long way.

Set the scene For years, Downtown Las Vegas has been threatening to gentrify. Why book? In a city of superlatives, it seems Vegas was lacking a few things, like Nevada’s longest bar and the largest sportsbook in the world, as well as massive pool area facing a 40-foot-high screen devoted to professional sports watching.