Dipping into hotel pools that are totally worth bragging about
Let’s be honest, when it comes to choosing a hotel for your summer getaway, you’re really only eying the pool scene. Some like it hot—an infinity edge and a tropical cocktail in hand—and others like it wild—real fish and waterfalls. Whether your style is to cannonball into vacation mode or meditate in the shallow end, we’re creating a splash with our list of the best hotel pools in the U.S. that will have you saying, “I can’t believe this is a hotel.” Curated by delving into the coolest hotel pools we could find all around the U.S., this list includes a range of qualifiers from family friendly to beautiful views to ultra-luxurious. Come on in, the water’s fine!
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Swim with the fish at the Four Seasons, where the ocean pool is built within the coast’s lava rock. The 1.8-million gallon aquarium pool, called King’s Pond, is home to more than 4,000 tropical fish. The resort even offers snorkel gear and fish ID cards, so you can get to know the resident sea life.
Show off your butterfly stroke at Dream Downtown’s glass-bottom pool, which sits above the hotel lobby. The rooftop pool deck, dotted with chaise lounges and cabanas, features a bar area, DJ booth, and even a sand beach, which creates the ultimate pool party vibe.
The Camelback Mountain range offers a rustic backdrop to the serenity of Arizona’s largest infinity-edge pool. Open 24 hours a day, the resort pool invites you to take an early morning dip and a lap under the stars. While surrounded by the desert landscape, wade over to the water’s flowing edge or seek some shade in a private cabana.
You’re miles from the ocean, but you’ve got the sand right at your feet at Nirvana Pool. The sand-bottom pool at Hard Rock offers a calm and peaceful getaway, where you can escape the Vegas chaos. With the sun shining, a drink in your hand, and your toes in the sand, suddenly the pool’s name will seem so fitting.
Amangani: Jackson, Wyoming
Photo via Carrie Patterson
Step into the lavish outdoor pool at Amangani, and you’ll let out an appreciative sigh, “Ahhh.” The heated infinity pool, with unbelievable views of the Teton and Snake River Mountain ranges, is the perfect haven to unwind in after adventures in the backcountry. Stretch out in the 115-foot pool at dusk and watch the sun slip behind the mountaintops.
Palm trees and private cabanas line the edge of the rooftop pool at London West Hollywood. The glam pool deck overlooks Beverly Hills, and the LA skyscrapers are visible on the horizon. Beat that SoCal heat: Make a celebrity-worthy entrance into the turquoise water, or simply wave down the poolside concierge for a fancy spritzer.
It’s only fitting that Temple Pool at Caesars Palace is adorned with columns, statues, and fountains. The regal circular pool looks like its straight out of Ancient Rome, so what are waiting for? Create some waves in the water, and snag a daybed and bask under the desert sun.
Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a labyrinth of nine pools connected by river rapids. Not only does the pool playground have waterfalls, caves, and slides galore, but it also features the world’s first water elevator. Splish and splash down the water currents and pull your best Tarzan moves as you charge across the rope swing.
Photo via Suzanne and Isaac Bruch
When it comes to Arizona heat, the poolside is the best place to be. The pool at the Ritz-Carlton is surrounded by a dry, cacti-covered landscape, which makes your splash in the water that much more refreshing. Score one of the lounge chairs stationed in the shallow end of the pool and stay cool without even getting up.
It’s always the perfect temperature for a swim in Harrah’s indoor pool. And the scene only gets hotter during The Pool After Dark, when the deck transforms into a sultry nightclub. Reserve a private cabana, hit the dance floor, or go for a swim while celebrity hosts and DJs entertain all night long.
Photo via Ketchem Bunnies
This pool’s unique cantilevered design hangs eight feet off the side of the hotel, giving you a coveted view of the city. Swim to the edge of this luxe outdoor pool, peer through the glass wall, and you’ll see Main Street below. Prefer to bask in the rooftop glory without making a splash? Lounge around in a poolside cabana and order a round of cocktails.
Venture down into the depths of the majestic subterranean spa pools and indulge in the tranquility of mineral baths and waterfalls. This underground oasis, with cavernous architecture, includes 20 water features and even fiber-optic stars on the ceiling, creating the most rejuvenating ambience.
The Mosaic Pool sits on the coast bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From the pool deck, with the ocean views and salty air, it’s like spending the day at the beach, but without the risk of getting sand in your swimsuit. Head down to the rectangular pool in the evening for a spectacular view of the sunset over the sea.
Exploring Aspen means taking advantage of the amazing scenery every chance you can, and this rooftop pool lets you do just that. The Aspen Mountains surround the pool deck and water garden, providing the ultimate eye candy as you soak in the heated water. Take a few laps while dreaming of what’s next on your list of outdoor adventures.
Get ready to practically live in your bathing suit at this resort where you have free range of the six acre water park. After spending the day flying down water slides, dancing under the water tower, and floating down the lazy river, you’ll be happily waterlogged and ready to dry out under the Texas sunshine.
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of bliss at this adult-only pool. Guests 21 and up can escape to these scenic waters without getting hit in the head with an inflatable alligator. Wade around in the oval pool and soak up the sweeping views of the golf greens and valley in the distance.
Paddle over to the edge of the Spa Infinity Pool and you’ll be greeted with the best seat in the house for viewing the red rocks and Pikes Peak mountain range. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, this heated pool is for reserved for adults only. Go on and take a dip in this peaceful retreat and breathe in that fresh mountain air.
This chic pool deck takes inspiration from the French Riviera: simple yet stylish. Recline under the shade of a canopy, overlooking the rolling hills of wine country, and relish the fresh aroma of complimentary eucalyptus-infused towels. Between soaking in the pool and ordering a round of chilled local vino, you’ll find yourself saying “c’est la bonne vie,” with a smile on your face.
If your style is hip and trendy, then get your beach bum over to the pool deck at McCarren Hotel. As one of the largest pools in NYC, this 21-and-up pool deck really sets the scene with trippy artwork on the walls and bleacher-style seats. Score passes for day or evening swim, and get ready to see and be seen.
Mondrian: Los Angeles, California
Covered in flowers and vines, this charming pool deck serves up sweet views of the LA cityscape. Dip your head under the surface and listen for the underwater soundtrack, or chill out on the daybeds with a cocktail from the poolside lounge, Skybar. At night, lanterns light up the pool deck and the lounge whips out the DJ sets.