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| - I came here last Sunday because my friend and I were staying at the MGM and wanted to experience a Vegas pool party.
The first thing we noticed was the TSA-like security going in. We entered the pool area just outside of the hotel, walked past the regular pools, and then reached the line for the Wet Republic pool. We were on a guest list so we got in the guest list line and didn't have to wait at all. Hands stamped and IDs checked, we went to a security checkpoint. I just had a small wrist wallet so I didn't think they would search me, but they thoroughly checked it. We then presented our IDs to a second employee, got our hands stamped again, and finally made our way into the party. See what I mean by TSA-like? I get that they're trying to prevent drug use as well as underage people trying to sneak in, but it seemed a bit excessive.
We didn't have towels or water with us but I'm pretty sure those wouldn't have been allowed in, because as we quickly found out, they charge for towel rental, water bottles, and even pool chairs. They have cabanas and loungers but of course you have to rent those as well. If you're planning to go to a pool party here, keep in mind that the only thing you can bring in is yourself, your swimsuit coverup, your ID, and your phone. Oh, and drinks start at $10 for soda or beer. (My friend and I went to Fat Tuesday on the ground floor of MGM to have some drinks before going to Wet Republic. They were much cheaper, and likely stronger as well.) On the plus side, they put soda in these cool plastic cups with lids and straws that you can refill with water to avoid having to spend yet another $10 on a Smartwater. At least it's a good souvenir, right?
Because my friend and I didn't want to have to spend $50 to rent a locker, we put our stuff away from the pool behind a trash can. I then slipped off my flip-flops, left them on the edge of the pool, and almost got in before a security person rudely barked at me that I couldn't leave my shoes there and they needed to be along the perimeter. I moved my flip-flops, confused by his reaction and wondering what's so wrong with leaving them right by the pool. Maybe if they were Dolce and Gabbana instead of the Target summer line, he wouldn't have cared.
Once we got through security and put our stuff away, the actual experience was pretty fun for the first hour or so. Hanging out in the pool kept us comfortable despite the 108 degree heat that day, the music was good, and like anywhere in Vegas, there were lots of pretty people. But as the afternoon went on, things got more and more crowded to the point where it was difficult to move around in the pool, let alone swim or relax. We stayed to see if it would get any less crowded, but they just kept letting more and more people in, so we finally left about 2.5 hours in.
I would recommend Wet Republic as a somewhat fun experience that should be done at least once if you are so inclined. It's Vegas - why not try something new? However, I was put off by the airport-style security, seemingly endless rules, rude staff member that I interacted with, and charging for very necessary things like water in 100+ degree heat in Nevada in the summer.
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