hotels, hotel pool

vie-magazine-hotel-pools-feature-HERO

Photo Credit | Arlo Williamsburg

These Hotel Pools Are Making a Splash

June 2025

NEW YORK

Arlo Williamsburg – ART Williamsburg

Perched atop Arlo WilliamsburgART Williamsburg is the ultimate destination for a quintessential Brooklyn rooftop experience. With an incredible 40-foot swimming pool and panoramic views of New York City and the East River, this elevated space offers a blend of relaxation and energy where guests can sip expertly crafted cocktails while soaking in the sunset and admiring the sky-high 23-foot-tall mural by Thank You X. ART Williamsburg is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. The pool is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pool chairs and cabanas can be booked via ResortPass.

CHICAGO

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – Indoor Skyscraper Views

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago offers a taste of luxury living in Chicago’s coveted Gold Coast neighborhood, where guests are invited to forget the outside world, even if only for a few hours. A highlight is the hotel’s 52-foot heated indoor lap pool, which is topped by a glass atrium that brings in natural light and looks out to towering skyscrapers. Members of the exclusive Carlton Club also have access to the expanded fitness center and spa by K’Alma for an urban retreat in the heart of the Windy City.

hotels, hotel pool

Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Arlo Washington DC – ART DC

ART DC, the rooftop bar and lounge at Arlo Washington DC, is home to an exclusive outdoor pool that immerses hotel guests into a sleek, inviting space lined with plush loungers and a custom mural by the acclaimed artist ThankYouX. The indoor-outdoor rooftop offers stunning panoramic views of the Capitol Building and the iconic Washington, D.C., skyline and serves an exclusive menu by Chef Pepe Moncayo featuring Japanese-inspired hand rolls, yakitori and other expertly crafted dishes. The pool area is open exclusively to hotel guests every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FLORIDA PANHANDLE

Osprey Pointe at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Escape to a world of shimmering waters and sun-drenched serenity at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where four distinct pools offer their own slice of paradise. Watch the sky transform into a masterpiece of fiery hues at The Pool at Bayside, where sunsets over Choctawhatchee Bay are nothing short of spectacular. Find year-round bliss at the Phil Hummel Aquatic Center, with its inviting heated waters perfect for a refreshing dip in any season. For a truly tranquil retreat, the Linkside Pool on Audubon Drive promises uninterrupted relaxation in a peaceful, secluded setting. And when the ocean calls, head to the Beach House Pool – just steps from the shore – where the rhythm of the waves and the salty breeze complete the ultimate beachfront escape.

Hotel Effie – The Only Hotel Rooftop Pool on the Emerald Coast

Perched high above Florida’s dazzling Emerald Coast, Ara Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie invites guests into a world of refined indulgence. As the only hotel rooftop pool in the area, it offers a secluded paradise where luxury meets coastal charm. Lounge in style from the comfort of a private cabana, sip on expertly crafted cocktails, and savor mouthwatering dishes – all while soaking in breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon. Engage in playful competition with life-size chess or cornhole, or elevate your experience with rooftop yoga, wine tastings, open-air movie nights and electrifying live DJ sets. As twilight descends, the rooftop transforms into a sophisticated nightlife destination, where the sky blazes with color and the shimmering bay lights up beneath you. Whether basking in the sun or reveling under the stars, Ara Rooftop promises an unforgettable escape.

hotels , hotel pools

Photo Credits: Gary Bodgen/Hotel Effie

The Pensacola Beach Resort – Beachfront Pool Views

Perched above the shimmering Gulf, the elevated pool deck at The Pensacola Beach Resort is a sanctuary of relaxation and indulgence. Reserved exclusively for hotel guests, this private oasis features plush chaise lounges, a vibrant Tiki bar, and panoramic ocean views that stretch beyond the horizon. Sip on refreshing handcrafted cocktails and specialty island beverages, or enjoy light bites as you bask in the warm Florida sun. With over 800 feet of gulf-front property and an additional 800 feet overlooking Little Sabine Bay and the Intracoastal, the resort offers a blend of seclusion and coastal sophistication.

hotels, hotel pools

Photo Credits: The Pensacola Beach Resort

ST. PETERSBURG

SkyBeach Resort

Located in the southern tip of St. Petersburg, Florida, SkyBeach Resort invites guests to experience the perfect blend of history and modern luxury with its two resort-style pools. Both pools are original to the property (dating back to the 1950s) and capture the charm of Old Florida while offering elevated amenities. The expansive Headliner Pool, located just steps from the resort’s private beach, provides a vibrant escape with daybeds, cabanas and sweeping views of the Gulf. For those seeking tranquility, the Serenity Pool offers an intimate retreat with a soothing hot tub and a peaceful ambience, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Guests can elevate their poolside experience with refreshing drinks and delicious bites served by SkyBar + Grille, the resort’s beachfront restaurant and bar.

NAPLES

The Perry Hotel Naples

The Perry Hotel Naples includes a ground-level pool and a sophisticated adults-only rooftop pool offering a tranquil escape surrounded by lush palm trees and plush chaise lounges. Guests can unwind on cozy sofas or retreat to luxurious daybeds for added privacy, while poolside service ensures effortless relaxation with fresh towels, sunscreen and refreshing snacks. As day fades into night, the soft glow of ambient lighting transforms the space into an intimate retreat for warm Florida evenings. Just above, the rooftop experience reaches new heights with Tigress, the signature Cantonese-fusion restaurant by Chef Dale Talde, and Easy Tiger, the seventh-floor bar curated by mixology icon Lynnette Marrero, offering handcrafted cocktails alongside stunning panoramic water views.

 MIAMI/MIAMI BEACH

Arlo Wynwood

At the heart of Wynwood’s vibrant cultural scene, Arlo Wynwood’s rooftop pool deck, ART Wynwood, is a hidden gem offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Miami. Its crown jewel – a sprawling 76-foot heated pool – beckons guests year-round for refreshing dips and rooftop revelry. Luxurious cabanas, outfitted with sectional couches, mini fridges, and TVs, bring the comfort of a hotel room poolside, creating the ultimate retreat from the Miami sun. The rooftop also offers outdoor showers for a quick refresh before taking your first dip in the water. Poolside service delivers creative cocktails and globally inspired dishes, perfect for lounging or enjoying at the bar. By day, it’s a serene oasis; by night, it transforms into a high-energy hot spot, complete with live DJs and electrifying pool parties.

The Elser Hotel – An Urban Escape

The Elser Hotel is a luxury 646-room tower in Downtown Miami offering a unique urban escape that brings the city’s vibrant energy to life with innovative design and well-appointed amenities. The hotel features an expansive 19,000-square-foot sun deck, home to a stunning 132-foot-long L-shaped pool with pristine views of Biscayne Bay, PortMiami and South Beach. This poolside retreat features relaxing daybeds and chaise lounges, ideal for soaking up the Miami sunshine. Overhead is a showstopping 16-foot LED screen, which displays music videos, movies and sporting events, bringing the area to life. Enhancing the experience, the hotel boasts a massive hot tub offering incredible panoramic views of the Miami skyline. The pool area also hosts rooftop wellness experiences, including yoga and fitness classes, providing a balance of wellness and relaxation.

Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club – An Oceanfront Oasis

It’s always summer on Miami Beach. Fortunately, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection has two of the best hotel pools in Miami. For guests looking to unwind in peace, the adults-only cabana pool is the place to be. Additionally, the hotel offers weekly morning yoga sessions by the pool for guests to kick off their day in a serene outdoor setting. Families can escape the heat at the family and kids pool area, lined with gorgeous palm trees and salmon-pink umbrellas and design elements. Poolside cabanas are available for parents to relax as the little ones splash around. Both pools offer shaded palm trees and a poolside team to accommodate guests’ needs.

Hotel Continental – A MiMo Masterpiece

Originally established in 1948, the newly renovated Hotel Continental, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, is a boutique lifestyle hotel in Miami Beach’s vibrant Mid-Beach district. The hotel blends retro-chic design inspired by Miami’s midcentury charm with modern traveler conveniences. At the heart of the property is the Miami Modern (MiMo)-inspired pool, a playful icon of the city’s past, nestled under the original 1948 Continental sign. Cool beverages are served daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Every Friday from 7-9 p.m., enjoy the hotel’s Dive-In Cinema (movie nights by the pool) featuring complimentary soft drinks and a vintage-style popcorn machine. Relax and unwind with a variety of feel-good, family-friendly films.

The Gates Hotel South Beach – A Tranquil Retreat

The Gates Hotel South Beach is a tranquil retreat located along the Collins Canal on beautiful Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach. The hotel’s expansive ground-level pool deck overlooks the canal and features custom double-sided cabanas. The deck, where most of The Gates’ weekly programming takes place, leads to the restaurant and includes lounging areas, a communal table for outdoor dining and a bar. The pool is nestled between the Pool Bar and the Lobby Bar, a perfect spot for sipping on refreshing cocktails and indulging in bar bites.

The Gabriel South Beach – Glass-Bottom Showstopper

Located on Ocean Drive, The Gabriel South Beach is nothing short of showstopping when it comes to its two pools. During the week, the lush courtyard pool, adjacent to the hotel’s outdoor eatery and bar, offers a relaxing ambience in the middle of a bustling city. Friday through Sunday, guests can enjoy live DJ sessions, providing the perfect soundtrack for a South Beach escape. The hotel’s glass-bottom rooftop pool (enveloped in a mural by Danish artist and philanthropist Mikael B) is situated six stories above the open atrium overlooking South Beach’s pristine shoreline.

The Goodtime Hotel – Strawberry Moon

The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a boutique hotel located in a central, historic section of South Beach. The hotel’s centerpiece is Strawberry Moon, a 30,000-square-foot, high-energy pool club named for the full moon that occurs closest to the summer solstice. This oasis evokes the glamour of 1950s Acapulco and Havana, offering a tropical-chic, Instagram-ready day club and bar perched above the busy streets of South Beach. Soft shades of mint, coral, pink and white set the scene, while twin pools lined with bold stripe tiles are divided by a central runway shaded by palm frond structured canopies. Scalloped cabanas and daybeds are available for daytime rentals, and an open-air bar offers craft cocktails. From Friday through Sunday, the space transforms into an upbeat pool party atmosphere featuring top-tier DJs, exclusive VIP cabanas and bottle service. For a calendar of upcoming events, click here. To reserve a table or purchase tickets, click here. Pool parties are complimentary for hotel guests.

hotels, hotel pools

The Betsy – South Beach Ocean and Miami Skyline Views

The Betsy is a 130-room, family-owned and -operated, independent oceanfront resort in Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. Guests have two pools to choose from: the Rooftop Pool, an infinity pool offering a full bar and food service with sprawling views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline, and the family-friendly Courtyard Pool, offering a more tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush vegetation.

KEY WEST

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort – Saltwater Heaven

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort offers a hidden sanctuary of lush tropical grounds with three saltwater pools where guests can relax on chic chaise lounges or daybeds with premium shade and plush comfort. This modern waterfront resort also offers an adults-only pool with cocktails provided by the resort’s late-night poolside service.

MYRTLE BEACH

The Ellie Beach Resort

The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, is an oceanfront retreat that blends upscale comfort with vibrant coastal energy. Guests can unwind by one of the resort’s four outdoor pools or enjoy the tranquil indoor pool for year-round relaxation. Beyond the five pools, The Ellie also has three waterslides and is debuting a splash pad for the little ones this summer. In between pool and waterslide sessions, guests can relax in spacious ocean-view rooms and suites, each with well-appointed design elements ideal for family vacations, beach getaways and groups. The resort’s exceptional waterfront dining spaces include Ocean Blue, featuring American cuisine, and Southern Tide Bar & Grill, a charming eatery on the Springmaid Pier with stunning views of the shores of Myrtle Beach.

hotels, hotel pools

— V —


Share This Story!

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST STORIES FROM VIE