Nile CappelloAs you read this from your office or the coffee shop, untold numbers of Angelenos and tourists are lounging by a hotel pool somewhere, cool drink in hand, soaking up the rays. As they say, if you can't beat them, join them. With a little bit of gumption, some cocktail money or on the occasion of a one-off pool event, L.A.'s most beautiful hotel pools can be your hang for the day. Whether you’re getting your groove on at a Hotel Roosevelt pool party or enjoying lunch at the Avalon’s poolside retreat, these are the places to be (and cool off) on L.A.’s warmest days. Next time a rich friend comes to visit, show them this list.
Credit: Courtesy Hotel Casa Del Mar
Hotel Casa Del Mar
When it comes to impressive L.A. hotels, Santa Monica's Hotel Casa Del Mar definitely ranks near the top in terms of luxury, location and amenities, including the swimming pool perched on a terrace overlooking the beach. Guests are treated to views of the sand, water and the Santa Monica Pier from just about every chaise lounge chair surrounding the pool, all while keeping a pleasant distance from the masses. The hotel's eco-friendly Sea Wellness Spa offers massages in the poolside cabanas if you really feeling like going for it. 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica. (310) 581-5533, hotelcasadelmar.com.
Credit: Courtesy W Hotels
W Los Angeles — West Beverly Hills
The W in West Beverly Hills has always been a luxurious, mellow alternative to the hotel chain’s glitzy Hollywood concept, but the property has only upped its game since undergoing a $25 million renovation and restyle completed in 2015. One property feature that has continuously remained a local favorite is the WET pool deck, designed by Thom Filicia. Chaise lounges and private cabanas surround the pool, while guests lounging by the water can enjoy drinks from the poolside bar, a refurbished Airstream, bites from the Backyard restaurant, and even poolside massages from the onsite Bliss Spa. 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood. (310) 208-8765, wlosangeles.com.
Credit: Courtesy Andaz West Hollywood
Andaz West Hollywood
In short, the Andaz West Hollywood’s rooftop pool is gorgeous. Though it's accessible only to hotel guests, the hotel holds a series of events that are open to the public — especially in the summer — including the Sunset Sessions DJ series and the once-monthly “yoga with a view” fitness classes. For those visiting on a day without a set event, the pool is ideal for relaxing and features a series of lounge chairs, cabanas and daybeds, as well as a poolside bar. 8401 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (323) 656-1234, westhollywood.andaz.hyatt.com.
Credit: Courtesy Mondrian Los Angeles
Mondrian Hotel
The Mondrian Los Angeles’ rooftop pool is the kind of stuff dreams (and Pinterest pins) are made of. From the sparkling waters to the wall of windows lining the deck, there’s no shortage of “wow.” The pool itself features underwater music, while the deck offers panoramic views of the city, daybeds, a lush outdoor living room and the adjacent Skybar, all with the impeccable design that’s become synonymous with this luxury hotel chain. While the pool deck thrives during the day, hosting pool parties and live music sets, it’s equally enjoyable at night, when flickering lanterns help illuminate the outdoor lounge. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (323) 650-8999, mondrianhotel.com.
Credit: Courtesy Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Avalon Hotel
Tucked away at the corner of Beverly Drive and Olympic Boulevard in a primarily residential area of Beverly Hills, the 1950s-inspired boutique Avalon Hotel is a retro hidden gem. The hotel itself is centered on the courtyard’s freeform pool, which offers guests a secluded hideaway perfect for indulging in some serious R&R. But one of the best parts is the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Viviane, which has outdoor seating alongside the pool. The dining concept comes from award-winning chef Michael Hung and features a menu of fresh, bright dishes for every meal of the day. It's a good excuse to eat poolside — or to swim eat-side. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 277-5221, avalon-hotel.com/beverly-hills.
Credit: Courtesy SLS Hotel
SLS Hotel
It doesn’t get much more luxurious than the SLS Beverly Hills, a five-star hotel catering to a high-end clientele, down to every detail of the property. This includes the rooftop Altitude Pool, which offers guests a place to cool down, fill up, chill out and admire views of the city around them. The pool deck takes indulgence to a whole new level — chef José Andrés, who runs the onsite restaurant, the Bazaar, serves up bites — and during spring and summer Altitude Pool hosts live DJs on weekend afternoons. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Grove. (310) 247-0400, slshotels.com/beverlyhills.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
Since the dawn of tabloids — and well before — the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has been the place to see and be seen. Locals and tourists alike flock to the pool on warm days, ready to float on whimsical hotel-provided floats, lounge by the pool and sip signature cocktails from the Tropicana Bar. The vibe here is a combination of old-Hollywood glam and raucous Las Vegas pool party, a winning combo that keeps partiers coming back weekend after weekend. Perhaps best of all, the fun and games don’t end when the sun goes down — they get even better, as live DJs help draw revelers to the outdoor lounge area. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 856-1970, thehollywoodroosevelt.com.
Credit: Carsten Titlbach/Flickr
The Standard DTLA
One of the original hot spots of downtown L.A., the Standard capitalizes on the midcentury modern architecture, art scene and progressive vibe of the city center. There’s a lot to love about this hotel, but the rooftop deck, which features a pool, bar and beer garden, tops the list. Day and night, the sprawling space offers sweeping views of the downtown skyline guaranteed to dazzle guests, whether they’re traveling from across the world or across the city. The pool area comes alive during the summer, when it hosts live jazz bands on Thursdays and DJs all weekend long. 550 S. Flower St., downtown. (213) 892-8080, standardhotels.com/la/properties/downtown-la.
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