There is one question my daughter always asks once I tell her we are going to stay at a hotel: "Is there a pool?". I know I am not alone in this and in fact some people plan vacations and where to stay based on how nice the hotel's pool is. Maybe they are looking for family fun, or perhaps they just want a serene and luxurious setting to spend their afternoons. This is a look at some of the best hotel pools to be found for either option.
Note: Images are courtesy of their respective websites.
Dive in to Luxury
These pools offer beautiful vistas, serene surroundings, or a taste of the luxurious lifestyle that pleasure seekers crave. Spoil yourself a little bit with a dip in one of them.
Situated on the pristine shores of Sunny Isles Beach, this luxurious Mediterranean-style resort boasts three oceanfront swimming pools. The pools are surrounded by lush gardens and cabanas, offering a serene retreat with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. The family-friendly environment, combined with a separate adults-only tranquility pool, ensures relaxation for all guests. The service at the poolside is exceptional, with attendants offering chilled towels, fruit, and refreshments throughout the day.
The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip. Elevated on the rooftop, the pool offers multi-level decks with cabanas, daybeds, and plenty of seating. The space transforms from a lively daytime hangout to a chic evening venue, often hosting outdoor movies and live music. The combination of stunning city views, high-energy ambiance, and luxury amenities makes it one of the most popular pool spots in Las Vegas.
The Setai offers a unique pool experience with three parallel infinity pools, each maintained at different temperatures (75, 85, and 95 degrees Fahrenheit). Surrounded by towering palm trees and lush greenery, these pools are designed to cater to guests' preferences for warm, moderate, or cool water. The beachfront location allows for seamless transitions from poolside lounging to beach relaxation. The luxurious setting and attentive service create an exclusive, tranquil atmosphere for guests seeking a sophisticated retreat.
This resort’s pools are a major highlight, particularly the King’s Pond, a 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium carved out of lava rock. It’s home to over 4,000 tropical fish and a spotted eagle ray, offering guests a unique snorkeling experience right in the resort. Other pools include the adults-only Palm Grove Pool, surrounded by lush vegetation, and the Seaside Saltwater Pool, ideal for families. Each pool offers a distinct experience, catering to different guest needs and preferences.
The Coliseum Pool at Pelican Hill is an iconic circular pool that’s almost as famous as the resort itself. Measuring 136 feet in diameter, it’s one of the largest circular pools in the world, and it’s surrounded by private cabanas and Italian-inspired architecture. The pool’s perfectly balanced water level creates a mirror-like surface, reflecting the surrounding colonnades and palm trees. With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, this pool offers a serene and luxurious escape.
The Bellagio’s Mediterranean-inspired pool area features five courtyard pools, surrounded by lush landscaping, classical sculptures, and private cabanas. Guests can choose from several different pools, each offering a unique atmosphere, from the more social pools with lively energy to quieter, secluded spots perfect for relaxation. The architecture and design evoke the elegance of the Italian Riviera, making it a picturesque spot to unwind. The addition of poolside spa services elevates the experience further. Don't forget to take in the famous Cirque du Soleil show "O" while staying here. It is the only Cirque show that is performed in a pool and it is amazing.
Amangiri is set in the heart of the Utah desert, and its pool is a masterpiece of design, seamlessly blending into the rugged landscape. The pool wraps around a massive natural rock formation, creating a stunning visual that makes it feel as though the pool is part of the desert itself. The minimalist design and tranquil environment provide a peaceful retreat, with the surrounding mesas and canyons offering breathtaking views. It’s an oasis of calm, perfect for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
One of my favorites by far simply based on the setting, the pool at the Banff Springs Hotel, located in the heart of Banff National Park, offers a luxurious and serene experience surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. This iconic hotel's pool area includes both indoor and outdoor options, allowing guests to relax in warm waters while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The indoor pool is a grand, Romanesque-style facility with large arched windows, letting in plenty of natural light, while the outdoor pool, heated year-round, provides a unique opportunity to soak amidst the snow-capped peaks in winter or under the summer sun. The pool area also features hot tubs and a sun deck, making it an ideal spot for relaxation after a day of exploring the park's trails or skiing the nearby slopes. While staying in Banff make sure to visit the local natural hot springs for a soothing soak after a day of skiing.
The MGM Grand Pool Complex is a massive, 6.5-acre water paradise featuring four pools, three whirlpools, and a lazy river. The sprawling area offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, float down the lazy river, or enjoy a drink at one of the poolside bars. The Wet Republic Ultra Pool provides an exclusive adult experience, with live DJs and a more vibrant atmosphere. The variety and scale of the complex make it one of the most popular pool destinations in Las Vegas.
Set amidst 54 acres of lush gardens and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the pools at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, offer a luxurious tropical retreat. The resort features several pools, including a three-tiered pool with cascading waterfalls and a children’s pool with a slide. The infinity edge of the main pool creates the illusion of the water merging with the ocean, enhancing the sense of tranquility. The poolside cabanas and attentive service ensure a relaxing and indulgent experience.
Frolicking with the Family
These pools offer a combination of safety, fun, and engaging activities, making them ideal for family vacations where children are the focus.
Stormalong Bay is a sprawling 3-acre water wonderland. The sand-bottomed pool gives kids the feeling of being at the beach, while the lazy river offers a relaxing float. The main attraction is the life-sized shipwreck with a 230-foot waterslide, perfect for thrill-seekers. There are also shallow play areas for younger kids and a quiet pool for families looking for a more serene experience. Lifeguards and various poolside activities ensure safety and fun throughout the day.
Note: From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance.
Aulani's Waikolohe Valley features a massive pool area designed with families in mind. The Waikolohe Stream allows kids to float through gentle rapids, while the Menehune Bridge offers interactive water play with slides, bridges, and water cannons. The Keiki Cove is perfect for toddlers, with small water fountains and shallow areas. Aulani also hosts pool parties with Disney characters, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. The combination of Hawaiian culture and Disney fun makes this a top family destination.
Known as the "Water Park Capital of the World," Great Wolf Lodge offers an extensive indoor water park experience. The park features multiple pools, ranging from splash zones for toddlers to thrilling slides for older kids. The wave pool, lazy river, and interactive play areas ensure there's something for everyone. With lifeguards on duty and temperature-controlled environments, parents can relax while kids enjoy endless water fun. Special events, like pajama parties and character meet-and-greets, add to the family-friendly atmosphere.
Ok, not exactly North America but close enough and awesome enough to be included here. The Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis is a 141-acre water paradise, offering a mix of thrill rides and kid-friendly pools. The Mayan Temple features multiple water slides, including one that passes through a shark-filled lagoon (safely enclosed in a clear tube, of course). The river rides range from a gentle current to adrenaline-pumping rapids. For younger children, Splashers is a water playground with shallow pools, mini-slides, and water cannons. The abundance of water activities and the beautiful Caribbean setting make this a top choice for families.
The 950-foot lazy river at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort meanders through lush landscapes, providing a relaxing float for families. The FlowRider wave machine offers a fun challenge for older kids and teens looking to try bodyboarding or surfing. The sandy beach area is perfect for building sandcastles and splashing in the shallow water. With multiple pools, including a dedicated kids' pool, this resort ensures that children of all ages have a safe and enjoyable experience. Family-friendly dining options and poolside service add to the convenience.
The JW Marriott’s pool complex is a water lover’s dream, especially for families. The lazy river is a standout feature, winding through tropical landscapes with gentle currents suitable for all ages. The kids' pool area includes water cannons, fountains, and small slides, ensuring that younger children have a space to splash and play. The poolside cabanas provide a shaded retreat for parents, while the attentive staff offers drinks and snacks to keep everyone refreshed. The resort’s proximity to Orlando’s theme parks adds to its appeal for families.
The Sonoran Splash pool at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a kid’s dream, featuring two 200-foot waterslides and a splash pad with water jets and sprinklers. The pool area is designed with safety in mind, with lifeguards on duty and shallow areas for younger swimmers. The resort also offers a seasonal "Princess Pool" experience, where children can enjoy poolside activities with princess characters. The combination of exciting water features and themed events makes this a favorite among families.
The Omni Homestead’s outdoor pool complex is family-friendly, offering a lazy river for gentle floating and water slides for more adventurous kids. The dedicated kids' pool features interactive water play areas, including fountains and small slides. The historic resort also offers a family adventure park with zip lines, mini-golf, and more, making it a well-rounded destination for family vacations. The scenic mountain setting provides a beautiful backdrop for all the fun.
The Adventure Water Park at The Westin Kierland is perfect for families, with a 900-foot lazy river, a FlowRider for surfing and bodyboarding, and a separate kids' pool area. The pool area also includes water slides and interactive water features that keep children entertained for hours. The resort offers family-friendly activities like poolside movie nights and s’mores around the fire pit, creating memorable experiences for all ages.
Summary
Having a good pool at your hotel really can make or break a vacation especially if traveling with smaller children. Even if there is a beach at your hotel, many young ones are uncertain about venturing in to the surf as I know I was in Hawaii when I was young. I also remember several Vegas vacations where probably 70% of my daytime activity was in a pool and I really came to appreciate when a property had invested time and money into creating these aquatic escapes. Hopefully this list will give you some ideas for your next stay but even if none of these entice you, I hope that you will give some thought to finding your perfect oasis.
Happy Travels!
Il Digestivo
Here are a handful of items that may come in handy at the pool, or the beach, or anywhere else you might be taking a dip.
SIMARI Unisex Water Shoes (Aqua Socks)
I absolutely love these shoes. I bought them prior to my weeklong trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy and they were simply fantastic. SIMARI water shoes are made of breathable, quick-dry and elastic fabric and the pores of the material are small enough that very little sand gets in but even if it does you can remove the insole and rinse them easily. The sole is made of rubber materials and it is durable and provides an excellent grip. Great for hot sand, rough pebbles, or poolside. Available in dozens of styles and colors, at under $10 they are a must have for any water sport enthusiast.
Adidas Unisex Adissage Slides Sandal
For those who want a more traditional style of water shoe/sandal. Comfy and solid. I have a pair I use for the gym sauna and shower. I love the bumpy interaction with the foot as I get so annoyed with my foot sliding out of other sandals. (For women’s sizing order 1-1.5 sizes down).
Turkish Cotton Travel Towel
Swap out your traditional towel for a compact and quick-drying travel towel. Made from Turkish cotton in Turkiye, these towels are a versatile addition to your travel gear. They are available in numerous colors, and are super lightweight yet very absorbent. They also resist sand so they are ideal for the beach. Made to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX which requires every component of a textiles product—including all thread, buttons, and trims—to be tested against a list of more than 1,000 harmful regulated and unregulated chemicals which may be harmful to human health.
THERMOS FUNTAINER 12 Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Straw Bottle
Keep the kids hydrated while they are playing poolside. 12oz bottle keeps cold for up to 12 hours (*Not for Hot Liquids). Easily disassembles and is top rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Made of 18/8 stainless steel and BPA free materials this bottle is available in several fun designs making it a hit with the kids.
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