The 11 best hotels with pools in New York City for 2026

New York is the city that never sleeps, but not if you’re staying at the Equinox. A good night’s rest is the Hudson Yards-located hotel’s MO, especially in its signature Sleep Lab room. Developed with renowned sleep scientist Dr Matthew Walker, the rooms have a tailor-made environment designed to unlock restorative sleep. This means specially-designed mattresses and temperature and light tuned to your natural rhythm, among other nifty features.

Even if you’ve not booked the Sleep Lab, all rooms have been kitted out with features to ensure a stellar night’s shut-eye. From soundproofed walls to light-blocking curtains, the rooms—decorated in an elegant neutral palette—are a sleep sanctuary.

Wellness is very much the theme throughout the Equinox, a brand that began life founding luxury boutique gyms beloved by celebs including Jennifer Aniston and Kendall Jenner. Hotel guests have complimentary access to the nearby flagship gym, which features strength and cardio floors overlooking the Hudson River.

For equally impressive city views, make a beeline for the Equinox’s outdoor pool, where it feels like you’re floating among the skyline. Alternatively, there’s an indoor 25-yard saltwater pool, perfect for those who prefer leisurely laps.

To refuel after your swim, the Equinox houses health-focused dining restaurant, Electric Lemon. Diners can expect seasonal dishes from a pimped up summer squash through to polenta fries with romesco. Indulgence isn’t off the menu either—there’s a decent selection of desserts. Yes, even chocolate and ice cream sundaes.

Time Out tip: Spend an evening at the nearby Midnight Theater, a 160-seat cabaret part of New York’s dinner theatre revival. Expect magic shows, live music, variety shows and more.

Address: 33 Hudson Yards, NY, NY 10001
Price per night: From about $1,257
Closest transport: For subway head to Hudson Yards for the 7 train

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Every room at The William Vale has its own balcony. Need we say more? Well, if we must, then guests staying at the Vale Garden Residence also have their own outdoor hot tub and Freemotion Coach bike.

Whichever of the 15 different room types takes your fancy, the general vibe at The William Vale is sleek and modern, with white rooms accented by bold art and black wood furniture. You may be in New York, but you’d be forgiven for believing you’re in a cutting-edge hotel in Seoul or Tokyo. In fact, the hotel is nestled on the border between the ultra-hip Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It’s perfect for weary travelers seeking an immensely walkable urban oasis outside of the non-stop bustle of overcrowded Manhattan.

Eateries in the hotel include rooftop bar, Westlight, which also serves delectable bites including mezcal-cured salmon tostadas, and breakfast and bakery spot Little Fino. But the star of the show is Southern Italian-inspired restaurant LEUCA. Rivalling any NYC flavour-of-the-month spot, it serves delectable pastas and Neopolitan-style pies. It’s worth adding, lest we forget we’re in Brooklyn, that all the dining options get many of their fresh herbs from the on-property Vale Garden. 

As for The William Vale’s pool, what makes it stand out is that it offers barrel saunas and small hot tubs with a partial view of the Midtown skyline. You certainly don’t come across that often in New York. The pool is also overlooked by a 24-hour gym complete with dumbbells and machines. Look, whatever floats your boat.

Time Out tip: If you want to book The William Vale, fly into LaGuardia Airport, as you won’t have to contend with New York’s infamous traffic for long: it’s only a 20-minute drive.

Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY
Price per night: Queen with Balcony rooms from $300; Vale Garden Residence room from $6,500
Closest transport: LaGuardia Airport is a 35-minute drive  

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After a staggering $40 million refurb, which was completed back in 2021, this hotel has been transformed into a sleek place to stay full of bold contemporary art (we’re talking Banksy and Avedon) and nods to its industrial backstory. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from pretty much every room–either from floor-to-ceiling windows or Juliet balconies, if you’re lucky—and the decor is modern, uses bold colours, and is not too frilly. 

Hungry? Head to Saishin (which translates to ‘something new’), a rooftop omakase restaurant with a custom menu that you can enjoy with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. It’s bougie, don’t get us wrong, but book for a sunset slot and even get involved in some sushi tasting, and you won’t regret it. 

Now for the jewel in this hotel’s crown. A list of the best pools in the city wouldn’t be complete without Gansevoort Meatpacking, and just a glimpse of that serene pool, surrounded by the drama of NYC’s skyline, is all the convincing you’ll need. The rooftop is a heated, 45-foot pool which has uninterrupted views of the skyline and river, and it’s open all year round. What’s more, it’s 18+ only after midday, so will feel like a properly tranquil retreat, especially if you book a two hour slot onto one of the daybeds or couches (we’d recommend doing so in advance). 

Time Out tip: The hotel is blocks away from the Hudson River, the High Line, the Whitney Museum of Art and Chelsea Market—there’s plenty to fill your to-do list nearby. 

Address: 18 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street, New York, NY 10014
Price per night: From approximately $506
Closest transport: 14th Street–Eighth Avenue Station (A, C, E, L trains), a 5-minute walk from the hotel

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The clue is in the name, but chances are that you’ll still be impressed by the views of Brooklyn Bridge from this stylish and contemporary hotel. It has brilliant views over the East River, but those are without a doubt best enjoyed from the rooftop pool and bar—the kind of place you’ll swing by for a quick drink and end up staying for the rest of the afternoon. 

It sits smack dab in the heart of DUMBO, so not far from the neighborhoods’ brilliant restaurants and art galleries, and is conveniently located for getting into Manhattan for all that sightseeing you likely plan on doing, but be sure to request a skyline-view room if you want the city’s iconic skyscrapers to be the first thing you see in the morning. In our opinion? You can enjoy those from elsewhere in the building, so saving your cents wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. 

There are nods to sustainability all over the place here, from room keys and interior details made from reclaimed wood to an engraved rock inviting us to recycle our old clothes (and even sand timers in the bathrooms), doubling as a refreshing reference to nature which juxtaposed the city madness outside. 

The rooms here are spacious and airy, but the proper retreat comes in the form of the Bamford Wellness Spa. You’ll feel worlds away from Brooklyn—think ambient, soft lighting, hushed tones, a ridiculously moreish herbal scent that will make you feel properly relaxed, equipped with a dreamy steam room and lounge. The front desk concierge even greeted us as ‘king’ and ‘queen’. Crowns not included, sadly.

Lastly, the crowning jewel of this hotel is undoubtedly its pool. Sure, it’s small, but that doesn’t mean it’s not mighty, and the views are some of the most outstanding of any pool in the city. Seasonal variations will apply, but even if you’re not a guest, check out the hotel’s Sip & Swim program, which offers two guaranteed pool seats daily and two welcome drinks on the pool deck from 11am to 3pm.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to look back on these sights for years to come.

Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, 11201
Price: From $1,100 per night
Closest transport: Subways nearby include A, C to High St

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It’s not easy to find somewhere that actually feels quite homey in the very un-homey chaos of NoMad (could there be a more frantic place to live?) but that’s exactly what Royalton Park Avenue manages to achieve. How? Well, this place blends somehow bold, modern design with a surprisingly residential feel that makes the rooms feel more like apartments than suites in a hotel. You’ll find lofty ceilings, Juliet balconies and impressive Midtown views, yet an atmosphere that’s familiar and welcoming. 

But they don’t skimp on the functions of a well-oiled hotel machine here. There’s a 24-hour business centre and a 24-hour fitness centre, as well as an express check out, luggage storage, valet parking and is pet-friendly (up to one dog per room).

The standout feature of staying here is the showstopper of a rooftop deck. It’s got a stylish, heated indoor/outdoor pool lined with sunloungers and daybeds, close-up, unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, as well as a menu of ‘new-American’ small plates and some zesty cocktails. Dreamy, right? The vibe is more one of a luxe private-club feel than your average hotel pool, so it’s a great spot to head not just for basking in the sunshine, but also for some after-work drinks in a slightly more secluded hideout. 

As for the neighborhood, NoMad is a brilliant spot to base yourself if exploring Manhattan is high on the agenda. It’s morphed from an industrial spot into one of the coolest patches in the city, less chaotic than Midtown but still on the doorstep of its must-see attractions. There are top-notch places to eat nearby—try Scarpetta for an ultra-bougie Italian dinner and head to the lavish, Irish-inspired Oscar Wilde bar for some drinks—as well as some under-the-radar NYC attractions, like the Museum of Sex. 

Time Out tip: Iconic landmarks like the Flatiron and Empire State Buildings are walking distance from here—it really is a sightseer’s dream. 

Address: 420 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
Price per night: Expect room rates starting around $229
Closest public transport: The nearest subway access is the 28th Street station (R, W on Broadway), which is just a 1-minute walk from the hotel. 

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One of the major benefits of being in Brooklyn is that (generally) you’ll get a little more breathing space, and Arlo Williamsburg’s (formerly the Williamsburg Hotel) rooftop demonstrates that perfectly. It features a 40-foot outdoor pool, with a spacious deck of sunloungers and parasols, and sweeping views not just of Brooklyn but also Manhattan. It gets busy—non-guests should book their entry and cabanas well in advance—but with cinematic scenes and vibes like this, we can see why. 

Williamsburg is trendy—there’s no doubt about that—but if you’re keen for a stay which feels a little more authentic to day-to-day New York life than a hotel Midtown, it’s a good, well-connected option. The best way to explore is undoubtedly on two wheels, but handily Arlo offers guests complimentary use of Citi Bikes, so you can pedal your way to the waterfront, Domino Park, or around all the neighborhood’s brilliant coffeeshops with ease. 

Everything about this hotel screams quintessential Brooklyn style, with lots of wood, pops of color and bare brick nodding to the borough’s loft aesthetic, but the rooms and amenities all function with convenient efficiency. Options for your stay are Standard Queen or King rooms, with stylish reclaimed oakwood floors, gleaming bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, or Studio Suites, which are snugger, but still boast tasteful, comfortable details. 

Oh, and you’ll also be blessed when it comes to the fitness amenities here. Arlo Williamsburg has not only a 24-hour gym, but one which has on-demand Alo Moves videos—plenty of options for a well-rounded workout. 

Time Out tip: We’d rarely recommend you stay near your hotel during your trip to NYC, but Williamsburg is one of the few places this wouldn’t be terrible advice. Head to Domino Park for some ‘beach’ volleyball, go for a waterfront cycle or enjoy an unwind at Bathhouse, just a block away from the hotel. 

Address: 96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Price per night: From around $250
Closest transport: Bedford Avenue Station (L train, 7-minute walk); Nassau Avenue Station (G train, 10-minute walk); East River Ferry (10-minute walk)

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If you want New York’s iconic sites on your doorstep, including but not limited to the Empire State Building and Madison Avenue, then Virgin Hotels New York is the hotel for you. Nestled in one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighbourhoods, NoMad, guests don’t have to venture far to find sought-after restaurants, buzzing bars and tip-top attractions.

Virgin Hotels is part of Sir Richard Branson’s foray into hospitality, and while, yes, there are touches of the brand’s signature red peppered throughout the building, the interior design borrows heavily from the Scandis. Think neutral colours, blonde wood, black veined marble side tables and soft throw blankets, for the ultimate luxury stay.

There are 460 chambers and suites in total, with varying sizes and amenities to suit every traveler. And you don’t need to worry about New York’s famously small hotel rooms here; even the chambers feature a partitioned dressing room. To really splash out, Richard’s penthouse flat is not a misnomer—it feels exactly where the billionaire would hunker down for the night. The 2,779ft accommodation has every lavish touch imaginable, from a private pool table to a six-seater dining room table.

On the third floor is Virgin Hotels New York’s sit-down restaurant, Everdene, which serves a New American menu. Diners can chow down on dishes like wagyu beef empanadas and smash burgers (though there are vegan and vegetarian options too) while sipping on their signature cocktails.

And if you need to crawl up into the foetal position after your slap-up lunch, head to the hotel’s subterranean Exhale Space, which has a sauna, hammam and halo-therapy salt room, among other cutting-edge treatments. 

Time Out tip: Virgin Hotels is a short walk (about 5 minutes) from Koreatown. You can’t go wrong with a bite to eat at Urimat Hospitality, which has its own tofu atelier.

Address: 1227 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
Price per night: from about $340 per night
Closest transport: Subway: 34th Street – Penn Station 1,2,3; 28th Street N,Q,R,W

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The Peninsula New York is the hotel to book if you want a quintessential New York experience. Why? Well, that’s due to a sublime combination of historic architecture (this is a beautiful Beaux Arts building) and state-of-the-art renovation.

Stay here if you’re after a homebase that feels more like an ultra-luxury apartment building than a hotel. It’s got a brilliant location, but also has bountiful wellness offerings, and thanks to its recent facelift, the suites have a new freshness and polish and provide lavish levels of comfort (maybe even with a TV that you can see from the bathtub). 

You couldn’t really do better in terms of the location of this hotel—The Peninsula sits on Fifth Avenue between Central Park and the Rockefeller Centre, blocks away from pretty much all of Midtown’s most iconic attractions, including the MoMa. As for bars and restaurants nearby, hot spots like Four Twenty Five, The Grill and Polo Bar are all within walking distance, as are plenty of options for the subway—it’s super convenient. 

Oh, and this pool? Well, it’s one you’re unlikely to forget for quite some time. It’s completely indoor but is nestled behind floor-to-ceiling windows which overlook the city, and it dazzles. If you’re after some serious switching-off, head via the staircase to the hotel’s award-winning spa–we’d highly recommend booking in for a massage. The 60 minute one is wonderful, and you should get to the added aromatherapy. 

Time Out tip: Visiting from November to March? Book your rooftop igloo. 

Address: 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, New York, NY 10019
Price: From around $1,400 per night
Closest transport: 5th Ave–53rd Street Station (E, M trains) a 4-minute walk; 57th Street Station (F train) a 6-minute walk

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Back in 2021, The James New York became the Modernhaus Soho, transformed from an extensive 2020 renovation into a contemporary, color-splashed boutique stay which, in their words, is a ‘tribute to Bauhaus’. It’s full of artwork, much of which has come from founder Jack J. Sitt’s collection, and it’s a super stylish place to stay. 

The Skyline King Studio honors its title well, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows framing the view beautifully, and the room warmed up with lots of tan leather and dark wood furnishing, giving it a loft-like vibe. Twenty Three Grand is the hotel restaurant, where you’ll find a greenhouse-like dining room elegantly encased in glass, and a detractable roof for those sunny New York days. It’s already romantic, but pair that with when there’s live jazz being strummed out from the band and it seriously heightens the atmosphere. 

Now for the rooftop. Jimmy’s is a glitzy cocktail bar which sits on the eighteenth floor, modeled on Picasso’s Blue Period inside and which brags a sleek, lustrous rooftop pool outside. It’s small but ridiculously scenic, with an elegant, not-too-clubby atmosphere that feels more like a retreat and a bar that produces delicious, well-balanced cocktails.

Time Out tip: If you’re after a vibe which is a little more low-key than Jimmy’s, head to Jumpin’ Jacks instead. I stopped by for a coffee and to take a work call after checking out and immediately regretted not spending more time there—it’s decked out with sweeping, mid-century sofas and buckets of natural light. 

Address: 27 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
Price: Per night, rates here start at around $567
Closest transport: Canal Street Station for A, C, and E trains is a 3 minute walk

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A stay at the Mandarin Oriental New York is the undisputed height of luxury—and no, we’re not just being dramatic. It’s a chic, five-star stay with breathtaking views, and lots of rooms overlook the lush greenery of Central Park. 

The glamour makes itself known as soon as you step into its 35th-floor lobby (which centres  around a striking piece of glass art by Dale Chihuly glass art), and the upscale atmosphere which exudes from here bleeds into all the rooms as well. But the grandeur doesn’t stop there–expect marble bathrooms, classy, tech-forward room touches and feather-top bedding. 

Staff at the front desk greet you with genuine smiles, making the gleaming spectacle feel surprisingly warm, and there’s even a shoe-shining service on hand. Its Columbus Circle location is another luxury, with the bougie stores accessible directly through the hotel’s private entrance. 

There’s an impressive wellness offering here, too: a Forbes Five-Star spa which spans two floors and includes something called an amethyst steam room, a VIP treatment suite and vitality pool, as well as a 75-foot lap pool where you can glimpse panoramic views of the skyline. It’s elegant, gets loads of daylight, and is a great place for a dip pre-massage. 

Time Out tip: Bringing the kids on vacay? This hotel offers babysitting services, so make use of those to give yourself a little time off. 

Address: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, 10023
Price: Double rooms from start from $1,269
Closest Transport: Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle

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After a fuss-free stay in NYC? The Dominick Soho could be the place for you. Spring Street is one of the city’s liveliest, and entering from there means you’ll be met with a lobby blending mid-century decor with more 21st century nods: we’re talking dark wood and lots of steel-caged lighting and towering, dramatic walls which feel surprisingly welcoming–there are plenty nooks to settle with a coffee, and the rooms, by New York’s standards, are spacious. My Skyline King came with a sofa, desk, wet bar and front-row seat to some seriously impressive views, and the bathroom ticked all the boxes–we’re talking full tub and separate shower, and crazy soft robes.

Upstairs, the vibe stays indulgent. The terrace pool sits seven stories above Soho, next to El Ta’Koy, the hotel’s Hawaiian-style street food restaurant. Eating kalua pork bao buns and guacapoke with corn chips by the pool felt more like summer in Honolulu than a busy afternoon off Spring Street—but that’s not all. The spa here adds another layer of luxurious escapism (some suites even have private saunas) and little touches like complimentary pastries and coffee (served quietly on the 7th floor, not the lobby) show the hotel’s knack for fuss-free comfort. 

All that, plus its location in one of the city’s chicest neighborhoods, make this hotel a brilliant place to stay. It has fashion showrooms, design studios and the latest go-to restaurants, and you’re also within walking distance of more spots to explore, like Tribeca and the Village. Pop into Milady’s for a cocktail in a reinvented historic dive, browse Housing Works Bookstore Café for second-hand reads and a cappuccino, or head to Film Forum for indie and festival flicks you won’t find streaming. 

Time Out tip: Seating at the roof terrace is first-come, first-served. 

Address: 246 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
Price: From around $575 per night
Closest transport: Spring Street Station (C, E) is a 2-minute walk; Houston Street (1) and Canal Street (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 6) are also nearby

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