As temperatures soar, it’s no secret that hotel swimming pools will be pretty popular. While health and safety protocols will be in place, a swimming pool can still offer excellent exercise and a soothing way to cool off the summer heat. Some hotel pools are so sensational that accommodations often play a lesser role when making reservations. The following are just 10 of America’s most unique hotel swimming pools. Please check individual hotels for availability or reopening information.
America’s Best Swimming Pools in Luxury Hotels
Amangani
1535 NE Butte Road
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 734-7333
www.aman.com
With striking views, Amangani is a five-star luxury resort at the foot of the breathtaking Teton Mountains. Among the exceptional amenities at this all-suite resort is the 35-meter (115-foot) long heated pool. Long enough for lap swimming but equally appropriate for simply enjoying the views, the infinity swimming pool sits alongside a spacious Jacuzzi. After a dip, you can indulge at the luxury spa, with four treatment suites. Later on, treat yourself to the fine dining experiences at The Grill restaurant.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali’inui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707
(866) 443-4763
www.disneyaulani.com
Located about 25 miles west of Honolulu, Aulani features one of the finest pool complexes in Hawaii. Across the Disney resort’s 21 acres are multiple pool areas, including adults-only, a lazy river, and Oahu’s only private snorkeling lagoon. Aulani also offers water slides and a splash zone. Among the other options you will like are the Ka Maka Grotto and the 8,200 square-foot Waikolohe Pool. If that’s not enough, you can dip in the ocean, steps away. Of course, when you get hungry, you can take the family over to Aulani’s luau.
Related: World’s Best Swimming Pools
Biltmore Coral Gables
1200 Anastasia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(855) 311-6903
www.biltmorehotel.com
Although more popular pools are in South Beach, the Biltmore Pool deserves special recognition. After all, it’s the largest swimming pool in Miami, and among the largest in the Continental U.S. With approximately 23,000 square feet, guests have plenty of room to enjoy the pool area while capturing the beauty of the historic Biltmore Hotel. The Biltmore also offers exercise classes in the pool and swim lessons. Of course, if you want to lounge in a luxury setting, you can rent a cabana. That’s not to mention the fine dining at Fontana.
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Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
415 E. Sixth St.
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(800) 537-7946
www.hotspringspool.com
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is currently open and boasts the world’s largest hot springs pool. Drawing people to its therapeutic waters since the late 19th century, the main pool measures 405 feet long and 100 feet wide at its widest point. Water is kept at about 90 degrees, and there’s even a lap area. Also open during the summer is an aquatic playground with a lazy river and splash zone. You can purchase a day pass at the entrance to the pool area. However, rates are higher on weekends and holidays. For example, it’s $39 for teens over 13 and adults and $42 on weekends. You do not need to make a reservation. In addition, there is no charge for using a locker on the property.
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Golden Nugget
129 E. Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 385-7111
www.goldennugget.com
Millennials and the Z generation may prefer the mega-resorts and their pools further up the Las Vegas Strip. But the pool at the Golden Nugget in the historic Fremont Street section is quite extraordinary. The marquee attraction is the Tank, featuring a 200,000 aquarium filled with sharks and other sea creatures. Open to hotel guests only, the pool area also has an amazing Shark Chute that catapults people through the Shark Tank then into the main section. Later, you will have several dining options like Vic and Anthony’s. Equally impressive is the casino gaming on the main floor.
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Grand Wailea
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
(808) 875-1234
www.grandwailea.com
The Grand Wailea has a collection of the world’s best hotel swimming pools. A stunning beachfront property along the southwestern coast of Maui, the Waldorf-Astoria property holds a pool area measuring 2,000 feet long and 25,700 square feet. Nine pools across six levels include water slides, rapids, and the world’s first water elevator. Also featured are a swim-up bar, three Jacuzzis, and an adults-only pool. Last year, Conde Nast Traveler named the Grand Wailea the best resort in Hawaii. The Waldorf Astoria resort also offers several dining options, including its signature Lū’au.
MGM Grand
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 880-0880
www.facebook.com/mgmgrand
Geared toward the younger crowd, the Grand Pool Complex at the MGM Grand covers an astonishing 6.5 acres. Comprised of four swimming pools, three whirlpools, a lazy river, and more, the signature pool is Wet Republic Ultra Pool. The setting for one of Las Vegas’ ultimate pool parties, Wet Republic, will host several big-name acts over the summer. For instance, top DJs like Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, and Kaskade have planned events. You can buy tickets and book tables directly directly through Wet Republic. If that’s not enough, take time to dine at any celebrity chef restaurants—for instance, Morimoto Las Vegas and Joël Robuchon, arguably the finest restaurant in Vegas.
Ventana Big Sur
48123 California Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2331
www.ventanabigsur.com
Another coveted five-star property nearby gets plenty of attention for its pool, and understandably so. But the pool complex at Ventana Big Sur has a pool where you can swim. One of the hot new amenities at this Alila Resort is two dazzling pools with breathtaking views of the redwood forests and countryside. The complex also features an infinity-edge hot tub and an abundance of lounge chairs to soak in the uniquely Big Sur magic.
W South Beach
2201 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(3405) 938-3000
www.marriott.com
Over-the-top hotel swimming pools are everywhere in South Beach, Miami. But the 300-foot-long infinity pool at W South Beach is truly an eye-catcher. Located on the 15th floor with views of Biscayne Bay, the pool area covers two acres, with lounge chairs and cabanas encircling the entire pool. The Wet Bar and Grille on the 50th floor also has a phenomenal swimming pool. Of course, you can also lounge on the beach with a chaise lounge and umbrella.
Westin Kierland
6902 E. Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(844) 631-0595
www.marriott.com
Hotel swimming pools are the norm in a region that routinely exceeds 100 degrees during the summer. But the Westin Kierland is always part of the conversation about the best swim complexes in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. And it’s not just adult lap pool and whirlpool that rises above most of its competitors. The adventure water park, with a 110-foot waterslide, lazy river, and the Flowrider surfboard simulator, makes this Marriott property so much fun.
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS Local websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years, he had a digital audience reach of 489 million and more than 5.5 million unique monthly visitors. His other stories have also appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University.