In an ongoing effort to appeal to the masses, the city of Las Vegas regularly makes mention of being family-friendly. And while that’s great for some, Las Vegas doesn’t get the nickname “Sin City” by embracing a G-rating.
The Las Vegas Strip is first and foremost an inhibition-free escape for adults. While some hotels have found their niche with kid-conscious activities and ambiance, others offer a more mature side as adults only resorts on the Strip, or close to it. While only about 5% of Las Vegas’ visitors report traveling with children under the age of 21, the growth of a “no kids allowed” mantra is an enticing marketing strategy.
Why choose adults-only resorts?
As a parent, there is great appeal to the idea of a child-free vacation, but that’s not the only group who finds this concept enticing. There are many reasons to take a trip, one of which is relaxation. For adults sans children, continuing that environment in a vacation setting is often a priority.
There’s also the ambiance. Adults-only resorts are typically more modern, with newer amenities and state-of the-art-technology. They offer opportunities for romance, adult conversations and upscale cuisine at exclusive restaurants. You can even go a little more unfiltered and uncensored when guaranteed to not be in the presence of children.
While many resorts cater to adults, there are no true adult-only properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Children are typically not allowed access to casino floors and other gaming areas, bars, nightclubs and select pools, but they are welcome in most other public spaces and as hotel guests. Many have incorporated adult-only pools to allow some rugrat-free recreation, and with a little digging you’ll even discover some “toptional” options like the Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, or the Radius Rooftop Pool at The STRAT.
READ MORE: Splash Around In More Las Vegas Strip Pools »
Some hotels have tried to deter families with the enforcement of certain policies, like charging for extra guests, extreme crib rental fees, and child free swim areas. At one time Bellagio even attempted to ban strollers, but reconsidered so families could enjoy the garden displays together. In most cases, the hope is simply that families consider more inclusive hotels like Excalibur and Circus Circus when making their reservations as the existing policies aren’t stopping anyone from giving it a go with their littles in tow. But fear not toddler and teenager averting friends. There is an incredible new hotel where you have to be 21 or over to walk through their doors located in downtown Las Vegas.
The Mirage Las Vegas (from USD $59 )
The Mirage Las Vegas
Lowest price guaranteed
Adult’s Choice: Circa Resort Casino
On Feb. 19, 2019, construction on Derek Stevens’ latest brainchild began. Stevens, along with his brother Greg, own The D and Golden Gate and wanted the new property to pay homage to Las Vegas’ rich history. Over 11 million pounds of rebar, 12 million pounds of steel and two million pounds of dollar bills later—in other words, it cost $1.2 billion to build Circa—the resort opened on Oct 28, 2020.
If adults were to create a checklist of hotel must-haves, I imagine you would see sports, swimming, slots, cuisine, cocktails and comfort. Circa has all that and then some. Plus, its adjacent location on Fremont Street is optimal for experiencing Vegas.
Home to the world’s largest sportsbook, you don’t even need to enjoy sports to appreciate this three-story betting sportsbook experience. There’s not a bad seat in the house to watch 24 different sporting events at a time.
Rivaling the command center at NASA, the Sportsbook Control Room requires about 10 people to operate the screen. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, plan ahead. Reservations are recommended and even with room for an audience of over one thousand you’ll want to guarantee yourself a seat, especially when it’s main event time.
Not to be outdone by the sportsbook, Circa also built America’s largest pool amphitheater, Stadium Swim. No kids are allowed at its six pools, swim-up bars and 14-million pixel screen. It doesn’t get better than that.
One of the coolest features of Circa is the incorporation of Vegas Vickie. The vintage neon cowgirl greets visitors in the lobby where she is surrounded by the hotel’s elevated cocktail lounge bearing her namesake. Enjoy those pre-dinner cocktails at Vegas Vickie’s and then head on over to Barry’s Downtown Prime for some of the city’s finest steaks and seafood. Barry’s transports you to a modern take on 50s era glamour and hospitality.
There is, however, one boutique hotel on the Strip that has tippy-toed around the concept of adults only.
Adult’s Choice: The Cromwell
While not exclusively adult-only, The Cromwell is another great option for those wanting an adults only vibe, but one located on the Las Vegas Strip. In 2020, The Cromwell made news when they announced they would become the first adults-only resort of the Las Vegas Strip. That said, the hotel is mostly adults only and currently welcomes guests of all ages to stay the night in their incredible rooms. Children are also welcome to enjoy a few spaces inside the hotel, The Curios Gift Shop and the Giada restaurant, the destination for the iconic Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian cuisine.
This boutique hotel, by Caesars Entertainment, has just shy of 200 rooms and suites for guests to enjoy, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in its sophisticated aesthetic and adults only entertainment options.
Located on the rooftop deck, Drai’s Pool features 15 cabanas, 10 bungalows, 40 daybeds, eight pools and absolutely no one under 21 years of age. If you time your visit just right, you’ll get to experience top-notch DJs poolside as part of Drai’s Beachclub. For late night fun, there’s Drai’s Nightclub and Drai’s After Hours.
The Cromwell Las Vegas (from USD $103 )
The Cromwell Las Vegas
Lowest price guaranteed
Will Las Vegas Continue the Adults Only Resorts Trend?
The adults only resorts have only recently made their return to Las Vegas and their long-term success is still to be determined. Their presence is known, the appeal is there and many are here for it, but only time will tell. Numerous adult-only resorts have successfully positioned themselves across the globe, it only makes sense that the United States offers some up in the adult entertainment capital of the world.
Who knows? Maybe all-inclusive is next.
