Review: Virgin Hotel Las Vegas Pool

Let’s start big picture here.

When Virgin Hotels took over the Hard Rock Las Vegas, it wiped away a piece of dubious Vegas history—the Rehab pool area, which ran from 2004-2018 and can be considered the original Vegas pool party, even spawning its own reality TV show. In Rehab’s place is now a beautiful, serene pool deck, outfitted with oversized white daybeds and loungers and cabanas that complements the resort’s redone Desert Modern style.

Any standout features or must-sees?

The two-story Elía Beach Club has an open-air entertainment stage, promising more of a music festival vibe rather than a packed nightclub feeling. But Virgin has also upped the usual Vegas poolside dining scene with Kassi Beach House, a dreamy Italian seaside-style restaurant from the same group behind the popular Élephante in Santa Monica. Indeed, Élephante’s famed whipped eggplant and Puccia bread is also served here as are Neopolitan-style pizzas, indulgent pastas, and delicious salads. There’s also a playful cocktail menu featuring slushies, spritzes and classics that you can customize. If you’re looking for a fun brunch by the pool in Vegas, Kassi Beach House is the place.

Was it easy to get around?

The main resort pool, which has a sand-bottom, is easy to get to from each of the three hotel towers as well as the Kassi Beach House and the Casa Calavera restaurants. However, the Élia Beach Club is only open on the weekends and does require tickets to enter.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?

The Virgin is very New Vegas in terms of its style and offerings. It's also much more laid-back compared to the established resorts on The Strip. But Virgin’s Desert Modern aesthetic is not just refreshing to experience, but soothing as well. Lounging at the pool here is simply very chill, even if the weather is scorching hot.