Dynamic Variation:
Cool Hotel Pools
You'll fall in love with these urban oases
A lot of factors go into picking the perfect hotel. Is it close to what you want to see and do? Does it have a good restaurant or bar? Is it in your budget range? But one of the most important criteria: Just how cool is the pool? Read on for some of the Houston area's most-loved retreats.
Quicklinks:
Rooftop Pools
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There’s nothing better than a good view of Houston’s skyline, especially when you’re floating among the skyscrapers. These hotel rooftop pools are the place to be this pool season (psst...it’s always pool season in Houston).
On the seventh floor of the Thompson Houston (photo by Lance Childers) enjoy a luxurious oasis for summer time relaxation. The colorful cabanas are perfect for relaxing after time spent in the beautiful blue and gray porcelain-tiled infinity pool. The green space and warm lighting offer a luxurious, peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Houston, which is only a stone’s throw away.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston in downtown reflects the urban elegance and easy Southern charm of the city. A resort-style pool on the rooftop is likely where you’ll find yourself spending significant time thanks to the vibrant atmosphere, good music, and poolside drinks and bites.
Perched 110 feet in the air and surrounded by Houston’s soaring downtown skyline, the Marriott Marquis Houston’s amenity deck features a 530-foot long water feature that circumnavigates the entire state of Texas, from the Panhandle to north Texas around Dallas, to east Texas along the Louisiana border, to Houston and the Mexico border. Approaching El Paso, the river appears to disappear off the edge of the building with views through an underwater window looking down on Discovery Green Park below.
The pool at The Laura Hotel downtown offers staggering skyline views and is fantastic for a day of relaxation poolside. Cocktails, bottle service, and more are all available in the hotel’s daycation package. Reserve a cabana online today!
The Magnolia Houston’s rooftop plunge pool and hot tub offer a cozy retreat from the crowds that flock to cool off in the summer. This intimate space has a full bar, and giant views.
Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria may not technically be “rooftop”, but we’re counting it because it’s too good to miss. Perched on the second floor, this pool experience encourages dining, sipping and soaking. The crisp, Mediterranean vibe will have you hearing ocean waves.
This rooftop infinity pool sets the bar high. The Westin Houston, Memorial City features a striking infinity edge pool with breathtaking views and plenty of seating.
The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria is a prime location for this 5th floor outdoor pool, where guests can soak in views of Uptown Houston. Be sure to relax, rejuvenate, and revitalize in the hot jacuzzi tub.
The pool at the Hilton Houston Plaza Medical Center offers the pool deck that summer dreams are made of. The outdoor rooftop pool is spacious with ample seating, perfect for a day’s worth of sunbathing and splashing around. A poolside bar is also available on Friday and Saturday, rounding out this sunny and satisfying escape.
Day Passes
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Looking to enjoy the frills of hotel life, but just for the day? Many hotels across the city will provide poolside access when you book a spa treatment. Massage followed by a cocktail poolside, anyone?
Marriott Marquis Houston (photo) is known for its Texas-shaped lazy river. An overnight stay at this posh downtown hotel allows guests to book any 50-minute massage or facial at the Marquis' Pure Spa for access to the hotel pool, lazy river, bocce ball and High Dive bar and grill all day long.
Book a 50-minute spa treatment, and lounge at the Four Seasons rooftop pool all day long. You can also check on Resort Pass to buy a day pass. Unwind for the day at the rooftop pool oasis or enjoy a private poolside cabana suite with friends or family, complete with a patio, plush seating area and full bathroom. This is the ultimate “daycation” destination for Houstonians and visitors to enjoy, and don’t skimp on the poolside bites and beverages!
Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District (photo) offers poolside reservations for up to 4 people for $500 from 11 am to 7 pm. The cabanas are complete with sofa seating, complimentary bottled water and fruit tray, towel service, and more.
Whether you are a local Houstonian or staying at another hotel, enjoy the luxury outdoor heated resort-style pool of The St. Regis Houston with a Pool Day Pass, priced at $100 per person. Includes complimentary WiFi, valet parking, towel service and more.
The pool at the Omni Houston Hotel at the Galleria area offers two outdoor resort-style pools, lounge chairs, poolside food and drinks for purchase, and more. Adult passes are $55 and children are $25 on ResortPass.
The Hilton Houston Plaza Medical Center welcomes guests of all ages for a perfect day of fun in the sun. The rooftop pool is spacious with ample seating, welcomes adults for $25 and children for $10 for a relaxing daycation.
Visiting Houston and want to start or end your trip with a dip? The Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental offers an outdoor saltwater pool that is equal parts refreshing and luxurious. Day passes include access to the pool, food and drinks available for purchase, lounge chairs, and more.
Family-Friendly
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As part of the Omni Kids Crew at the Omni Houston Hotel (photo), little ones will be entertained from sun up to sun down. Starting with a welcome bag of goodies, fun activities in your room, and not one but two outdoor pools.
The Four Seasons offers summer fun for the whole family to enjoy! Kids are all set for the summer in the 55-foot climate controlled pool, perfect for day-to-evening fun.
The St. Regis Houston is known for its luxurious accommodations, and while it may not scream family-friendly, the staff takes great measures to provide a fun experience for the littles. From Texas-shaped pancakes, to child-sized robes and slippers, to high tea at The Tea Lounge. Don’t forget the resort-style outdoor pool perfect for all ages.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa aims to please guests of all ages at their luxury resort. Families can take advantage of three, temperature controlled resort-style pools complete with a 3 foot rock slide, jacuzzi, Little Lagoon kids pool, and more.
Outdoor Pools
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Leisurely soak up the sun, and grab a light bite with a cocktail in hand at any of these luxurious Houston hotels.
A stunning oasis located just off the hotel lobby, The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston’s sparkling pool (photo) sets a new standard for poolside lounging. Relish in all of its splendor as private cabanas, a sleek fire pit and contemporary chaise lounges transport you to a tropical sanctuary.
A truly spectacular urban locale awash in green space and within steps of the 445-acre Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston Zoo, Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District is the perfect place to soak up sun and culture. Up the road at Hotel Zaza Memorial City, guests can dive into the resort-style pool, The Beach Club.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa (photo) offers a state-of-the-art pool complex featuring a large resort pool, a 25-meter by 25-yard sports pool, a beautiful garden pool and a shaded children's wading pool that are heated year-round.
A true oasis in the center of a busy city, Omni Houston Hotel is the ultimate hot spot. With two outdoor swimming pools, one of which is heated for year-round enjoyment, vacation life has suddenly never been better. Pro tip: Make sure to order passion fruit juice off their poolside service menu.
Located in Uptown Park near the Galleria, Hotel Granduca Houston makes their pool a centerpiece of their property. In-room amenities include balconies overlooking the property’s pool and gardens. The beautiful courtyard and pool oasis is perfect for enjoying Al Fresco dining at Il Giardino.
The St. Regis Houston’s pool offers not only a place to cool off, but plenty of space to hang out. The spacious deck includes covered table seating and plenty of lounge chairs making this a prime hangout for friends who want to stay a while.
Free private cabanas? Live your best life at The Whitehall Houston. This charming downtown hotel brings the personality of the Bayou City to every aspect of the hotel. Surrounded by shaded dining areas and lounge chairs, the pool at The Whitehall offers an idyllic escape every season of the year.
Relax in one of Houston’s hippest pools while enjoying delicious drinks and bites from a brand new bar concept called Soluna that blends influences from Latin America, South Texas, California and more! Heights House Hotel located in The Heights neighborhood features poolside drinks, cabanas for escaping the direct sun, and events throughout the year that keep the energy and vibes high.
Tucked away in one of Houston’s hippest neighborhoods, Montrose, adjacent to the Menil Collection, Hotel Saint Augustine is an upscale boutique hotel that offers guests an intimate cloistered circular courtyard pool perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Indoor Pools
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Located on the 24th floor of Hilton Americas-Houston (photo), the 75-foot heated indoor pool features skyline views of Houston and makes for the perfect spot to swim laps, lounge poolside, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the hotel’s oversized whirlpool.
The Aloft Houston Galleria is blocks away from the Galleria Mall and walking distance to restaurants and shops in a buzzy area of town. After a long day of exploring, retire to the indoor heated pool, complete with lounge chairs, towels, and space to relax in an energetic part of the city.
Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Heights I-10 is located off I-10 across from Memorial Park and just minutes away from The Galleria and Downtown. The indoor pool is spacious and features tables, lounge chairs, and an intimate indoor space for relaxing after a long day or post-workout in the onsite gym.
Explore more PLACES TO STAY IN HOUSTON, and remember to check out HOTEL DEALS to save on accommodations.
Photos: Courtesy of hotels mentioned on this page.
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