Taking the Plunge
The pool area is a major draw for resortdriven casino guests . The responsibility of the designer is to “ create the ‘ wow ’ in the guest experience , exceeding their expectations ,” says Andrew Kreft , director of design for Lifescapes International , Inc . The firm encourages casino resorts to include the following elements in the pool area :
• Private cabanas , which give guests privacy and are a successful revenue source for the casino .
• Generous and multiple pools : a main pool , spa pool and children ’ s pool , when and where appropriate .
• Verdant landscaping , where appropriate , can soften the hardscape while adding character and charm to the environment . pool amid lush foliage . By day , it ’ s a sumptuous retreat where guests can lounge in private hot tubs and even order up a poolside massage . But at 10 p . m . every Wednesday , Friday and Saturday , it becomes the Pool after Dark , the city ’ s most popular nightclub , with a revolving cast of reality TV guests , and music by resident DJ Pauly D of Jersey Shore fame . In 2009 , Harrah ’ s added the Loft , a $ 1 million upper-level gaming area where guests can play blackjack or roulette while looking out at the party .
“ The Pool has three faces ,” says Howard Weiss , regional vice president of nightlife operations for Caesars Entertainment ’ s Eastern Division . “ It ’ s a resort pool seven days a week , a nightclub three nights a week , and a banquet facility on dark nights , where we cater to large companies and convention groups . If it ’ s January and there ’ s snow outside , you still feel like you ’ re on a tropical island . And the great part , from the resort perspective , is that it ’ s 82 degrees every day .”
Harrah ’ s Pool is inside due to the resort ’ s location in the Northeastern U . S . Indoor pools “ should be considered in any weather condition ,” says Bob Kelly , a senior vice president of Roy Anderson Construction . “ The indoor / outdoor experience can be wildly successful when done correctly .”
Hnedak Bobo Group has designed a number of large-scaled , atrium-oriented resorts , “ two of which have almost four acres under glass ” and can accommodate pools , says principal Dike Bacon . “ These environments are completely climate-controlled 365 days a year , and provide a multitude of opportunities to create outdoor experiences inside that are immune to climate changes . This is a very expensive proposition , however . The key to operational success of an atrium is to provide multiple revenue generation streams inside the space .”
Harrah ’ s Pool , for example , is adjacent to multiple venues targeted at millennials and non-gaming customers : a party pit outside the upscale Xhibition lounge ; a high-end cocktail and craft beer outlet in the lobby ; and new retail aimed at the 21-to-45-year old patron , says Weiss .
• A convenient pool bar and a casual cafe for poolside dining .
• Adjacent private clubs and other amenities , which truly make this area the heart of a great resort .
• Fountains and water features to add life and animation to the pool area .
• Ample perimeter lineal footage — because after all , everybody wants to hang out by the pool .
The success of the pool will have “ a major impact on guests ’ impression of the resort overall ,” says Kreft . “ This approach of layering space and detail makes for a more enjoyable day visit , allows guests to experience different offerings day after day , and dramatically increases the owner revenue stream if done well .”
THE DEEP END
These days , as casinos evolve into “ integrated resorts ,” the emphasis is on “ integrated .” Ideally , the pool is part of a “ progressional ” guest experience , interacting with other venues — restaurants , bars , shops , specialty gaming areas — like “ pavilions
50 CASINO DESIGN 2015