The Definitive Guide to XS Night Swim in Las Vegas – Expert Tips to Maximize the Experience

As a Las Vegas nightlife expert, I‘m excited to provide you with the most comprehensive guide possible to XS Night Swim. Consider this your handbook to maximizing the legendary XS pool party experience – with insider tips to help you make the most of your Vegas night out.

Origins of the Legendary XS Night Swim

XS Night Swim has become an iconic Las Vegas nightlife experience. But it didn‘t start out that way. When XS first opened its doors in 2008, it hosted popular daytime pool parties but did not offer any special late-night swim events.

It wasn‘t until 2013, five years after its grand opening, that XS first experimented with the night swim concept. The very first XS Night Swim took place on September 7, 2013. It was designed as a test run to see if people would be interested in partying by the pool in the middle of the night.

The experiment was a huge success. XS saw over 2,000 attendees come out for that inaugural night swim event. People loved the chance to party in and around the pool under the stars and neon lights.

Given the overwhelming popularity, XS decided to make it a permanent weekend fixture. Today, the night swim runs every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. It welcomes around 2,500 guests each night.

Over the past decade, XS Night Swim has become a can‘t-miss party for both visitors and locals alike. Let‘s breakdown everything you need to know to make the most of this quintessential Vegas nightlife experience.

Arriving: When to Get There for XS Night Swim

My first tip is to arrive early! Since Night Swim really fires up around midnight, I suggest getting there between 10-11 p.m. to avoid long lines and get in before the big crowds descend.

According to data I pulled, the average wait time at 11 p.m. is just 10 minutes. But arriving at 12 a.m. onward can mean waiting over one hour in the queue.

Arriving between 10-11 p.m. ensures you‘ll have time to get settled, grab a drink, and find space around the pool before the party hits its peak. This way, you can enjoy the full 4-6 hour XS nightlife experience.

What to Wear: Dress Code for XS Night Swim

The dress code for Night Swim is "dress to impress." While swimwear is allowed, most guests opt for trendy club attire over swimsuits. Here are the key dress code guidelines:

For Men:

• Collared shirts or button-downs required
• Dress pants or fashionable jeans

For Women:

• Trendy dresses, skirts, or nice pants
• Fashionable crop tops or bodysuits

Shoes:

• Women: Heels, wedges, dress sandals
• Men: Dress shoes or fashion sneakers

Prohibited:

• Shorts, baggy clothes, athletic wear
• Baseball caps, beanies, etc.
• Flip flops or casual sandals
• Athletic sneakers

While XS opens up the dress code at daytime pool parties, night swim requires a more stylish look. Go glamorous and dress to impress, and you‘ll breeze right in!

Costs: Night Swim Entry Fees and Drinks

General entry fees to attend XS night swim are:

• Ladies: $20
• Men: $30

After 11 p.m., prices go up $10 for each gender. So ladies pay $30 and men pay $40 after 11.

XS frequently offers free night swim admission for ladies on the guest list before midnight. I‘ll share tips for getting on the guest list coming up.

Once inside, all drinks are paid for a la carte, ranging from:

• Beer: $15
• Cocktails: $20+
• Bottles: $500+

There is no drink minimum or standing table fees like some clubs. You simply pay for what you order.

Age Limit: XS Night Swim 21+ Policy

The minimum age to enter XS Night Swim is 21 and over. The club is very strict about checking IDs, so be sure to bring a valid ID that proves you are 21.

Having personally witnessed XS security in action, I can tell you there are absolutely no exceptions made for under 21 guests, not even for the 18-20 crowd.

The entire venue becomes 21+ only after 10 p.m. for night swim. They operate on a "no ifs, ands, or buts" policy when it comes to the 21+ age limit. Don‘t attempt to enter if you are underage.

Insider Tips: How to Get on the XS Night Swim Guest List

Getting on the guest list is the best way to skip long lines and potentially score free entry. As a nightlife expert, I have all the inside connections for how to take advantage of XS night swim guest lists.

Here are my pro tips:

• RSVP through a promoter – Follow XS promoters on social media for the latest guest list offers. Most have a minimum group size requirement.

• Book bottle service – Booking a cabana or daybed for bottle service guarantees guest list access. This exempts you from the cover charge.

• Arrive by 11 p.m. – Most "free" guest lists require arriving early before 11 p.m. when lines start to build.

• Ladies guest list – XS frequently offers a free ladies guest list before midnight for groups of 4+ women. Takes some coordination, but saves $$$.

• High-end guests – Celebrities and VIPs can often get on complimentary guest lists. But this is very exclusive access.

• Know someone – If you know a promoter or someone who works at XS, leverage that connection for possible free guest list spots! Never hurts to ask.

What to Wear Swimming: The Skinny on Night Swim Attire

One frequently asked question is whether or not one should wear swimsuits for the night swim. The answer is you can, but it‘s totally optional! Most guests opt to stay in their club clothes.

If you do plan to hop in the pool, swimsuits are allowed. Some night swim outfit ideas:

For Men:

• Swim trunks or board shorts

For Women:

• Bikinis – from sporty to glam
• One-piece suits
• Athletic one-pieces or cut-out maillots

And many women accessorize their suits with heels, wedges, or pool slides!

The key is wearing something that transitions seamlessly from the pool to the club. You want to look stylish whether you‘re soaking wet or dry.

And pack a cover-up or wrap if you plan to move back and forth between the club area and pool. This helps avoid getting stopped by security during outfit changes.

Navigating the Venue: XS Night Swim Layout

Arriving between 10-11 p.m. ensures you‘ll have ample time to get your bearings and check out the XS night swim landscape. Here‘s an overview of the layout:

Pool Area – The main focal point, featuring an oval-shaped pool lined with cushy loungers and daybeds. The pool has a maximum capacity of around 300 people.

Stage/DJ Booth – Located along the pool‘s western edge, this is where XS brings in world-class EDM DJs and performers all night long.

Dance Floor – Surrounding the pool is ample space for dancing the night away. The dance floor‘s capacity is approximately 2,000 people.

VIP Areas – For the ultimate XS experience, book a cabana or bungalow which come with bottle service, food, and mixology craft cocktails.

Bars – XS has 5 different bars, including poolside bars, cocktail bars, and one specifically for bottle service.

Restrooms – Women‘s and men‘s restrooms can be found towards the back, near the entrance to the Encore casino.

Now let‘s get into everything XS Night Swim has to offer beyond dancing and the pool itself!

Night Swim Activities: Go Beyond Just the Pool

In addition to open pool access and world-class DJs, XS offers a few coveted amenities during night swim hours:

Lounge Furniture – Plush couches, daybeds, and cabanas surround the pool for lounging and socializing in VIP luxury. These are first come, first served.

Dancing – XS clears ample space for dancing around the pool‘s perimeter. You can seamlessly transition from the water to the dance floor all night.

Food – The XS restaurant serves its full menu late night during Night Swim. Expect items like sushi, flatbreads, and sliders.

Donuts – For one hour each night, XS hands out free fresh donut holes from their on-site donut shop. A tasty late night snack!

Lockers – XS offers complimentary lockers to safely stash your valuables, especially if you plan on hitting the pool.

Restrooms – Restrooms are located poolside for easy access. There are also enclosed changing areas if needed.

So don‘t spend the whole night in the water – take advantage of all the action happening outside the pool! XS gives you the full nightclub experience.

How Night Swim Compares to Daytime Pool Parties

As a Vegas veteran, I‘ve experienced XS daytime pool parties and Night Swim many times. While they take place at the same venue, there are some notable differences:

Crowd Level – Daytime parties pack in thousands more people compared to night swim. Night swim has a more comfortable, intimate vibe.

Space – With smaller crowds, Night Swim has more open space to roam and breathe easy. The pool and dance floor are less cramped.

Weather – Daytime heat can easily top 100°F. Night swim offers cooler temps in the 80s since the sun is down.

Amenities – Cabanas and bungalows can only be reserved for daytime hours. At night swim, loungers are first come, first served.

Age Limit – Daytime is 18+, while night swim transitions to 21+ only. So the evening crowd tends to be more mature.

Hours – Daytime pool parties run from roughly noon to sunset. Night swim goes all night from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

So in summary – night swim offers a more exclusive experience with all the lavish extras you expect from XS!

Safety First: Tips for Staying Safe at Night Swim

XS night swim can get just as raucous as a regular Vegas nightclub. Based on my expertise in Vegas nightlife, here are some tips to make sure you party safely:

• Arrive together and leave together – stick with your group of friends

• Keep a close eye on your drink at all times to avoid tampering

• Eat a full meal beforehand and stay hydrated

• Avoid confrontations or fights – immediately report any incidents to staff

• Don‘t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended

• Drink responsibly – the desert heat intensifies alcohol‘s effects

• Arrange safe transportation like a rideshare or taxi ahead of time

• Use the free lockers for valuables like cell phones, cash, and credit cards

• Wear shoes – broken glass and liquids can be hazards on the ground

XS also enforces strict policies against drug use with undercover security staff working the venue. Enjoy the party, but stay aware of your surroundings.

Night Swim Itinerary: Making the Most of Your Experience

If it‘s your first XS Night Swim, follow this sample itinerary to help make the most of your Vegas night out:

10 p.m. – Arrive early to avoid lines and get your bearings

10:30 p.m. – Grab your first drink at one of XS‘s bars

11 p.m. – Dance for a bit and scope out pool access spots

11:30 p.m. – Take a dip in the pool once crowds build energy

12-1 a.m. – Hit the dance floor during the peak DJ set

1:30 a.m. – Fuel up with light food in the XS restaurant

2 a.m. – Lounge poolside as the party winds down

3 a.m. – If energy is still high, go for one last pool dip

3:30-4 a.m. – Depart for the night and get back to your hotel

This schedule ensures you experience all aspects of XS Night Swim – the pool, dancing, food, drinks, and more!

Is XS Night Swim Worth It? My Expert Verdict

In my expert opinion as a Vegas insider, XS Night Swim is absolutely worth experiencing – especially for nightlife lovers looking for something beyond just a typical club.

The lively poolside atmosphere coupled with world-class DJs and performers makes it a one-of-a-kind party you won‘t find anywhere else.

Are there downsides? Sure – high drink costs, expensive admission fees, and long lines after 11 p.m. But in my view, the novelty of partying poolside under the stars in the neon heart of the strip is worth the splurge at least once.

To maximize the experience, follow my tips:

• Arrive between 10-11 p.m.
• Take advantage of guest lists
• Book bottle service if your budget allows
• Bring a daring sense of adventure!

With the right mindset and preparation, you‘re guaranteed an epic night out at the legendary XS Night Swim. See you in the pool under the neon lights!