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.
Rooftop Pools
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).
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. Twice a month, they even offer invigorating poolside yoga sessions open to hotel guests in the morning for a great rejuvenating experience. Please inquire at the front desk for more information and to reserve your spot.
Magnolia Hotel Houston’s rooftop 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, Meditteranean 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.
Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria is a prime location for this 5th floor outdoor pool, where guests can soak in views of Uptown Houston.
Day Passes
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?
Houston's Marriott Marquis 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 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.
Hotel ZaZa in the museum district requires the purchase of a $140 spa service which gets you access to the pool one hour before and three hours after your treatment.
Family-Friendly
The Four Seasons offers Family Movies by the Pool on Saturday nights with fresh popcorn, candy, and a veritable Willy Wonka-style buffet to keep kids entertained.
As part of the Omni Kids Crew at the Omni Houston Hotel, 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 St. Regis 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 Club & Spa aims to please guests of all ages at their luxury resort. Families can take advantage of their resort-style pools complete with a 30-foot slide and geysers to play in.
Outdoor Pools
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 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.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa 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.
For an extra special luxury experience, check out the lazy river at The Grand Tuscany Hotel. Float the 350-foot lazy river on a tube or relax in their resort-style pool adorned by a water-wall fountain.
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.
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.
Hotel Derek is located just minutes from the Galleria shopping district, which means you can spend your day shopping, then cool off at the hotels SPLASH Pool and Movie Wall. Regular movie nights make this the perfect pool both day and night.
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. Sip their private label Bourbon poolside, or a locally roasted coffee, while you relax to some live local music.
Indoor Pools
Located on the 23rd floor of Hilton Americas-Houston, Skyline Spa & Health Club features four spa treatment rooms, full-service hair and nail salon, sauna, and an indoor infinity-edge lap pool and oversized whirlpool.
Enjoy a shaded dip in Houston Marriott West Loop by the Galleria’s indoor atrium pool. The heated pool is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Or, dip your toes in the indoor pool at Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District, which offers a skylit (but weatherproof) view.
