Wet Republic pool party aims to provide customers with many different experiences

At their best, dayclubs and pool parties are bright-sunlight versions of traditional, after-hours nightclubs.

And when it comes to the art of offering both the vibe and the amenities of a traditional nightclub in the light of day, Wet Republic remains a Las Vegas original.

"We've built up Wet Republic over the last four seasons to be the premier pool party in Las Vegas," says Derek Silberstein, vice president of operations for Angel Management Group, which operates the ultra pool at the MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Wet Republic was "the first pool club that was similar to a nightclub," Silberstein says.

Like a nightclub, it operated on a three or four day a week schedule. It offered amenities -- for instance, a 4,100-square-foot deck designed to also serve as a stage for shows by visiting celebs -- just like those you'd find in a nightclub.

From the start, Silberstein says, Wet Republic has helped to "shape the standard of day life in Las Vegas."

Among the amenities at the 53,000-square-foot venue are two saltwater pools, six dipping pools, several waterfalls and, for pre-party convenience, dedicated valet parking.

One particularly welcome feature of Wet Republic is how the venue was designed to offer "a lot of different experiences for our customers," Silberstein says, from six lavishly appointed bungalows and 16 party cabanas for VIPs to ample lounging space for the rest of us.

This season, a number of chaise lounges have been replaced on the pool deck with "nightclub seating," Silberstein adds, large banquettes that help "contribute to the party atmosphere."

The DJ booth -- which each summer hosts stints by a roster of nationally and internationally known DJs -- has been remodeled for this year, as has Wet Republic's 2,500-square-foot lounge area, which features a 60-foot-long marble-topped, shaded bar.

Such changes, Silberstein said, create "more of that nightclub feel" and foster "a great sense of energy."

The result is that you don't have to be a VIP to enjoy the party at Wet Republic. "Our GA (general admission) guests have a great time," Silberstein says. "I think that's one of our biggest assets at the venue -- the different types of environments."

Given such attention to detail, it's not surprising that Wet Republic each year turns into one of Las Vegas' most reliable celebrity magnets.

"We've always been a destination for A-list celebrities," Silberstein says. "Celebrities love it at the pool, and they feel taken care of."

Yet, Wet Republic loves locals. "We have always been very locals friendly," Silberstein says, and locals even receive complimentary admission on Fridays and Sundays.

Otherwise, admission is $20 for women and $40 for men on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and $20 for women and $50 for men on Saturdays and Sundays. Note, however, that these prices are not in effect on holidays and during special events.

Wet Republic opens at 11 a.m. Thursdays through Mondays. For more information, call 891-3715 or visit www.WetRepublic.com.

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