The 8 Best Hotel Rooftop Pools in the U.S.
Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.
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The Equinox Hotel, New York City
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Joule Hotel, Dallas
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1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
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Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
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Hewing Hotel, Minneapolis
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West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor
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Hotel Zena, Washington, D.C.
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Virgin Hotels, Nashville
In the summertime, there’s only one-must have hotel amenity: a rooftop pool. There’s nothing better than spending a long, hot day exploring a new city and then retreating to the rooftop for a cool, refreshing dip overlooking the skyline. Here are the best hotel rooftop pools in America worth planning a trip around.
Editor’s Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some hotel rooftop pools have limited amenities or may be temporarily closed. Please check with the hotel before visiting.
The Equinox Hotel offers one of the most unique perspectives of New York City―one where you can gaze down at the skyline and the landmark Vessel, all while floating in a rooftop pool. When you’re ready to dry off, there are plenty of daybeds to relax and take in the view until you’re feeling refreshed and ready to get back out into the city.
The rooftop pool at the Joule Hotel is for the daring (or at least the non-acrophobics). The uniquely designed 8-foot cantilevered pool juts out over the streets of Dallas, with a clear walled edge that makes you feel like you could swim right off the roof. If heights give you a shiver, you’ll be glad to hear that the pool is heated.
When you want to look at the ocean but not swim in it (we see you, fellow shark-fearers), the 1 Hotel South Beach is the only oceanfront hotel in Miami with a rooftop pool. Located 18 stories above the beach, this pool is only open to guests aged 18 and up. In addition to the rooftop pool, the 1 Hotel South Beach has three additional pools on the property―including a pool-sized hot tub.
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Ever surfed on a rooftop? It’s possible at Planet Hollywood, where the hotel’s rooftop is home to the FlowRider Wave-in-a-Box, an endless wave that lets anyone try their hand at surfing. When you’re done hanging ten, there are two separate pool decks and two pool bars to explore.
Although Minneapolis might not seem like the outdoor-pool type of destination, the Hewing Hotel has taken inspiration from the Nordic, with a sauna and pool rooftop experience. The outdoor rooftop pool is heated year-round (and feels more like a hot tub in the winter).
The West Street Hotel’s rooftop pool boasts a unique claim-to-fame: it’s the only rooftop pool with a view of Acadia National Park. Designed to be a relaxing environment, the pool is adults-only. Too tired from hiking Acadia to swim? Lounge floats are provided for free.
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Hotel Zena’s Hedy Rooftop is probably the only hotel rooftop named after Hedy Lamarr, the famous actress and inventor (who created the technology behind Bluetooth). Contemplate her accomplishments while sipping on themed cocktails at the poolside bar, take a leisurely swim, or relax in a private cabana.
If you came to Nashville for the music scene, know that you don’t have to stop the listening party if you want to take a swim. Virgin Hotels’ Pool Club hosts tons of concerts and a resident DJ to rock the rooftop pool 14 stories high.