Cool by the Pool at Las Vegas Hilton embraces relaxed atmosphere for guests

Sometimes, the best happy hour is the one that allows end-of-the-week survivors to simply relax and decompress a bit.

And, for a fun but relaxed vibe, food and drink specials and great scenery, the Las Vegas Hilton's Cool by the Pool might be just the thing.

The daily summertime series is entering its fourth year, and Rick White, the Las Vegas Hilton's vice president of brand marketing and entertainment, says the parties have become a popular destination among hotel guests, conventioneers and locals.

Cool by the Pool "really reflects who we are targeting as a property," White says, and that's "the 30-plus group, primarily."

All are welcome, he adds, but Cool by the Pool is "a different type of pool party" than many others around town.

It is, White says, "more relaxing, and it's a great way to end the day."

The absence of a cover charge or admission fee might be one lure. But also appealing are such amenities as the view from the hotel's third-floor pool deck, a nightly drawing at 7 p.m., two-for-one drinks, and a menu of such affordable but classy munchies as $2 shrimp cocktails and $3 ceviche.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., entertainment is provided by a rotating cast of performers including longtime favorite Tommy Rocker and guitarists Kenny Owens and Bert Lynch.

In addition, new this year is Old School by the Pool, a Friday night event that continues that day's Cool by the Pool. The event, sponsored by The Oasis, KOAS-FM, 105.7, runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and features live bands and a variety of food and drink specials, White says.

"It's something we're really excited about," he says, and there's no cover charge for it, either.

Cool by the Pool at the Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Road, runs daily from 4 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 732-5111.

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.