Golden Nugget’s pool complex, The Tank, is fun under the sun (and stars)
By Kiko Miyasato
Photography by Christopher DeVargas
Hair and makeup by Christiné Copeland
Styling by Nicole Chandler
Model: Kelly Hafen
Black Pearl bra ($78) and hipster bottoms ($50) available at Tommy Bahama, Juicy Couture sunglasses ($120) at Solstice Sunglasses, necklace ($15) at Francesca’s, all in Town Square; hoop earrings ($34) at Bebe, shirtdress ($50) at Bikini Bay, both in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort
In late 2006 Golden Nugget unveiled The Tank, a new pool complex that was part of the hotel’s $160 million propertywide renovation. And $30 million of that sum went toward building The Tank. Since its inception, the three-story outdoor oasis has drawn travelers from all across the globe, tourists wanting to experience the centerpiece of the complex—a waterslide that zips through an aquarium filled with various species of sharks and fish (it takes about 6 seconds to zoom down 53 feet of tubing). Don’t worry, swimmers are perfectly safe inside the waterslide, while the 5,564 square-foot, 18-foot deep aquarium secures wilder inhabitants.
Inside the aquarium, viewable from the first floor pool area, five different types of sharks roam the water—sand tigers, brown, nurse, blacktip reef and zebra sharks, more than 250 fish and a handful of sting rays reside there, too. A staff of six marine biologists watches over the creatures, with scheduled feedings and aquarium cleanings on the agenda.
Besides the salt-water habitat, the first floor pool area has an array of other sweet features—custom-made fiberglass loungers rest in shallow water, rows and rows of lounge chairs fill up space around the pool and five blackjack tables open in the morning for those wanting to do a little outdoor gaming.
Up on the second level are a handful of plush cabanas, as well as more cabanas on the third floor. Also located on the third floor is the European sunbathing area (meaning top-optional), where guests must be 18 years and older to enter.
Golden Nugget 10 a.m.-2 a.m. daily (swimming hours at The Tank pool only till 8 p.m.) 866.946.5336
For those wanting more of an adult experience, head over to The Hideout, located on the third floor. The Hideout, opened two years ago when Golden Nugget rolled out the final addition of its renovations with the completion of the modern, chic Rush Tower, is an intimate pool area (capacity is just above 300 people) for guests 16 years of age and older and boasts some fabulous amenities. An infinity pool is the centerpiece, surrounded by daybeds, oversize lounge chairs and a handful of cabanas. The Hideout also has its own fully stocked bar where you can take a seat and catch a game on one of the large flat screen TVs.
Overseeing The Tank, The Hideout and a staff of around 25 employees is pool manager Cally Pantelides. A 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Pantelides says there’s simply no place like Golden Nugget’s pool complex and its offerings. “We have people from all over the world coming to check out The Tank. We’re rated one of the best pools by Forbes’ Traveler. It’s a great crowd. It’s a family atmosphere. It’s a college atmosphere. It’s a very diverse age group. It’s like one world here and everybody comes together (to have a good time),” she said.
But, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down—The Tank and The Hideout are open for business through the wee hours. On the first floor of The Tank, guests can gather around fire pits, lounge on sofas and oversize chairs, take a dip in the Jacuzzi, play some blackjack, grab a drink at the H20 Bar or head upstairs to The Hideout for a swim under the stars or some snuggle time on a daybed.
