Las Vegas Hilton pool parties entice with music, food, view

We're hardly the type to question others' motives.

But, with the great view of the Strip, the food and drink specials, the unfailingly desirable company and the other delights offered by the Las Vegas Hilton's "Cool by the Pool" parties, why would anybody want to get up out of their chaise lounge and exercise?

Oh well. Different strokes and all.

The daily summertime happy hour events were created about three years ago, said Las Vegas Hilton spokesman Ira David Sternberg, with the simple goal of creating "a great environment" for both hotel guests and locals.

That's right. Locals are welcome. And there's no cover charge, not even for them.

One of the parties' primary attractions is the view of the Strip from the hotel's third-floor pool deck. Other attractions include cabanas available for rental, a spacious spa, a snack bar featuring such eats as $2 shrimp cocktails and $3 ceviche, and a poolside bar that offers two-for-one drinks, and daily drawings at 7 p.m.

Oh, yeah. And an adjacent fitness center.

Live entertainment is provided by longtime local favorite Tommy Rocker, as well as guitarists Kenny Owens and Bert Lynch, who play on an alternating basis.

But, most of all, the primary attraction is the vibe.

"Ours is a very fun, relaxed vibe, not intense, not driven by putting as many people as we can into one place as possible," Sternberg says.

"It's really meant as a fun environment. You've got the music, the food, the pool, the view. It's just a relaxed environment."

Unless, of course, you're one of those worker-outers. But we make no judgments.

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

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