When it comes to hotel and resort pools, there’s no shortage of options. From luxurious rooftop pools to family-friendly waterparks, hotel pools are essential to many travelers’ vacation experiences.
In addition to the different styles of pools themselves, hotels and resorts also offer a range of amenities and services to complement their pool areas. Some properties have poolside bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a cocktail or a delicious meal while lounging in the sun. Others offer cabanas and umbrellas to help you beat the heat.
Whether looking for a place to relax, a fun spot to splash around with the kids, or a stunning backdrop for your Instagram photos, a pool out there will fit the bill.
The Beach Club – Charleston, SC
The Beach Club in Charleston, South Carolina, is home to several stunning pools, each with breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor. For those looking to engage in fun group activities, the 30,000-square-foot tropical deck offers a bocce court, a life-size chess board, private poolside cabanas, fire pits, and access to a private beach.
The resort also features Charleston’s only waterfront tiki bar, where guests can enjoy The Beach Club’s signature Frosé cocktail. Alternatively, guests can relax at the seasonal harborside pool, which offers stunning views of the pier and private beach. The Beach Club has won the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards for the past five years.
The Ritz-Carlton – Sarasota, FL
Nestled in Florida’s Gulf Coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious and relaxing vacation. The resort offers a refined atmosphere that will leave guests feeling pampered and rejuvenated.
Although not situated on the beach, the resort’s private Beach Club on Lido Key, just 3 miles away, is accessible via complimentary shuttle service provided throughout the day. The resort offers two heated outdoor pools and hot tubs for guests to enjoy, complete with changing facilities and a pool-side dining service. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, received a four-star rating from the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards.
Caribe Royale Orlando – Orlando, FL
A perfect escape in Florida calls for plenty of sunshine and a refreshing pool to cool off in. The Caribe Royale Orlando’s pool is more than just a pool; it’s an experience. Surrounded by swaying palm trees, the expansive pool offers a tranquil setting with a cascading waterfall.
Vacationers will love the 75-foot waterslide that winds through twists and turns. The resort, which recently underwent a $127 million renovation, offers all-suite accommodations and is located just minutes away from Disney World. With its unbeatable location and luxurious amenities, Caribe Royale is becoming a destination for families seeking the best of Orlando.
The National Hotel – Miami Beach, FL
The National Hotel in Miami Beach is a luxury adults-only hotel located in the Art Deco neighborhood of South Beach. It is a Four Diamond Property that is widely recognized as one of the best hotels in the area. One of the hotel’s most notable features is its gorgeous infinity pool, which spans 205 feet. Surrounded by palm trees and bougainvillea, the pool is the longest in Miami Beach.
After a refreshing swim in the infinity pool, there’s no better way to cap off your day than with a delectable Spanish dinner at Mareva1930. The garden terrace, which overlooks the beautiful infinity pool, provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Nashville, TN
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind oasis in the heart of Downtown Nashville, look no further than The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel’s rooftop experience. Located on the 21st floor, this thoughtfully designed rooftop paradise in the SoBro district is the perfect escape. The striking pool scene is surrounded by stunning columns that perfectly frame the city’s skyline.
Vacationers can relax in plush lounge chairs or choose one of the four private cabanas that offer ultimate privacy and comfort. Adding to the overall ambiance is the living green wall that brings a touch of nature to the space. Adjacent to the pool, Denim, the hotel’s indoor-outdoor rooftop bar, serves elevated Americana cuisine that perfectly complements the rooftop experience. An impressive selection of wine, beer, and spirits make it a great spot for tourists and locals.
Hilton Anatole – Dallas, TX
Nestled within the Hilton Anatole sculpture park, JadeWaters is a water lover’s paradise that spans three acres. A perfect destination for families with children, the water park has a 7,000 sq. ft. beach entry pool, an activity pool featuring play areas, two 180-foot water slides, and a 630 ft. lazy river.
With tubes available, vacationers can float past waterfalls, sculptures, and beautiful landscaping, creating a truly immersive experience. The Kids Splash and Play Zone is designed for young children to have a blast with water, while adults can relax in the Leisure Cove Pool, which features a swim-up bar and in-pool seating.
Marriott Marquis Houston – Houston, TX
The Marriott Marquis Houston’s Altitude Rooftop & Pool is a top destination for those seeking an urban party playground. The rooftop is the world’s largest Texas-shaped lazy river, which takes a leisurely 15 minutes to float around. This rooftop paradise also offers an infinity pool, resort-style amenities, private cabanas, and stunning city views, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and socializing. High Dive, the rooftop bar, serves delicious cocktails to complement the experience.
The hotel is centrally located and features spacious suites, making it a popular destination for travelers. With a diverse assortment of dining outlets, including MLB legend-owned Biggio’s Sports Bar and the Spanish-inspired Cueva Wine Bar, the Marriott Marquis Houston offers a range of culinary experiences that cater to different tastes.
Coeur d’Alene Resort – Coeur d’Alene, ID
The BLU Infinity Pool Bar & Beach Club is an exquisite lakefront destination on Lake Coeur d’Alene. With its infinity-edge swimming pool, sun deck, and pool bar, this resort offers guests a serene environment to unwind and take in breathtaking views.
Located on the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, the private beach provides an exciting freshwater experience for families, complete with paddleboards and beach chairs. Access to this exclusive resort is available via a unique 16-passenger wooden taxi boat, which provides a thrilling ride to the luxurious BLU Infinity Pool & Private Beach.
W Scottsdale – Scottsdale, AZ
W Scottsdale’s pool area offers a Vegas-style party vibe complete with dancing, DJs, and bottle service, making it an ideal location for those seeking a fun-filled weekend. The WET Deck is a favorite among guests and is lined with private cabanas, VIP tables, daybeds, and lounge chairs. The pool area is for adults only, 21 and up, on Fridays through Sundays, making it the perfect spot for a weekend escape.
W Scottsdale is the perfect destination for those seeking a balance between a relaxed mid-week getaway and an electrifying weekend party. On the weekends, the hotel transforms into a vibrant party destination. Located in the heart of Scottsdale’s booming Entertainment District, W Scottsdale is the place to be.
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona Biltmore has an impressive seven pools, each offering guests a unique experience. Among them is the newly introduced Saguaro Pool, a sophisticated, adults-only oasis anchored by a 140-year-old Saguaro cactus. The pool area features chic alcoves and cabanas with plush amenities such as mini-fridges and TVs, providing the perfect space to relax and unwind. The Saguaro Bar is conveniently located nearby, serving refreshing cocktails and bites.
The Paradise Pool has also been reimagined to provide a fun-filled experience for the young and young at heart. Guests can enjoy hours of entertainment in the sun with the new 65-foot triple “The Twist” water slide and a children’s splash pad. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, 15 air-conditioned private cabanas are available.
The Resort at Pelican Hill – Newport Beach, CA
Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of the most magnificent properties in Southern California. Situated on 504 acres of stunning coastline, the resort offers an array of luxurious amenities, including the renowned Coliseum Pool. This Roman-style oasis is the largest circular pool in the world and provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the resort’s manicured fairways and the sparkling sea.
Guests can enjoy personalized service from pool attendants who provide everything from towels to cool drinks and delicious poolside fare. The Coliseum cabanas on the pool’s upper level are elegantly appointed and equipped with every imaginable amenity, including a Bose music system, 30-inch flat-screen HD TV, a mini refrigerator, and luxurious lounge chairs. Each private cabana also features an elegant dining table with chairs and drapes for privacy, offering the perfect retreat for a relaxing day in the sun.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara – Santa Barbara, CA
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara is a spectacular property atop 78 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with direct access to the sand. The resort’s pool scene is a highlight, with three saline pools, including the main pool and oval pool, offering breathtaking ocean views and a separate adults-only spa pool. The spa spans 2,000 square feet and features a comprehensive selection of amenities, including a redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and swimming pool.
The property also offers fireside lounges and a rooftop terrace, providing additional spaces for guests to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Gaviota Coast and Pacific Ocean. For an even more luxurious experience, guests can reserve a Riviera cabana or the ultra-luxe Oceano cabana, which comes with a dedicated server, entertainment station, fans, and more, offering the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence.
Level Seattle South Lake Union – Seattle, WA
Level Seattle South Lake Union offers an incredible pool experience with multiple outdoor and indoor pools. Guests can choose between two outdoor pools surrounded by comfortable loungers and luxurious cabanas, perfect for soaking up the sun while sipping on refreshing cocktails.
Those who prefer a more private and shaded experience can opt for the indoor pool and hot tub, which provide the same relaxation and luxury. For the more adventurous, the cold plunge pool offers a refreshing and invigorating dip that’s perfect after a day of exploring the city.
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, HI
The ‘Alohilani Resort in Waikiki, Hawaii, is a top destination for vacationers seeking luxurious oceanfront accommodations. The resort’s fifth-floor infinity pool deck offers breathtaking ocean views and a chic atmosphere. Private cabanas and tiered day beds surround the saltwater pool, perfect for lounging and soaking up the Hawaiian sun.
Guests can also enjoy elevated al fresco dining at SWELL Restaurant and Bar, which features a sustainable happy hour menu with locally sourced products and craft cocktails. As the day turns into night, the deck features live music and “Light Monument” short-film series that showcases local art. It’s the ultimate spot to enjoy a picturesque Hawaiian sunset while sipping a cocktail.
Wailea Beach Resort – Wailea, Maui
Wailea Beach Resort in Maui, Hawaii, is a true tropical paradise with 22 acres of luxury and three stunning pool experiences. The Maluhia Pool is the resort’s signature heated adults-only infinity edge pool with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from its multi-level pool decks and floating overwater cabanas.
The NALU Adventure Pool is perfect for families and offers large cabanas, splash zones, and four water slides, including Maui’s longest at 325ft. The Olakino wellness pool is an adults-only space featuring specialized fitness classes, meditation sessions, facials, poolside cocktails, mocktails, and bites.
Featured Photo Credit: [@iggy74/DepositPhotos]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States.
Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.