The 14 best hotels with pools in New York City for 2026

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, hammama 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

📍 Here’s Time Out’s guide to the best family-friendly hotels in NYC

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 20-minute drive  

📍 This is Time Out’s roundup of the coolest NYC hotels

With its hulking concrete frame towering over NYC’s elevated park, The Standard, High Line is one hell of a building. After frequently walking past its canary yellow revolving doors, a recent stay finally allowed me to appreciate why this spot remains such a cool alternative to the saturated hotels of Midtown. Nestled in the Meatpacking District steps from Little Island and the Whitney, the hotel still feels fresh despite its 2009 debut.

The guest rooms are defined by sweeping city vistas; every one of the 338 rooms features a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. My Studio Suite offered views of both Manhattan and the mighty Hudson River, paired with comfortable beds, Italian sheets, and wood paneling that creates an elevated, warm design. 

While the ground floor offers the steak-heavy Standard Grill and a lively German Biergarten, the real heartbeat of the hotel is the rooftop discothèque, Le Bain. This see-and-be-seen spot is a true showstopper, featuring an outdoor level with twinkly skyline views and an indoor level complete with a giant horse statue and a plunge pool that gets more enchanting after a drink or two—sure, it’s hardly a spot for getting some laps in, but this place is an excellent spot for some knock-out skyline views. 

Service is seamless, with restaurant staff going out of their way to accommodate food allergies, though you might encounter a long line at check-in during peak times. Even the 24-hour gym utilizes those signature floor-to-ceiling windows to make a treadmill run entertaining. 

Time Out tip: Le Bain attracts a cool crowd and they describe their own dress code as ‘chic casual’—something to bear in mind. 

Address: 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Price per night: Starting at $500/night 
Closest transport link: Penn Station, Grand Central Station, and NYC's major airports are all nearby. 

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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

Having the best of both worlds is a fantasy, right? Wrong. At least not at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa, a seaside escape in New York just a five-minute stroll from the Atlantic.

Step inside and you might think you’ve landed at a breezy bohemian retreat. Earthy tones, teak wood, linen, and plenty of art set the scene. The vibe carries through to the 53 guest rooms, where the sea is inescapable—in the best way. Expect views of the Atlantic Ocean or Jamaica Bay, with some rooms boasting balconies so you can practically taste the salt in the air.

But while the ocean may frame the hotel, its beating heart is the pool. Surrounded by loungers and cabanas, it’s a spot that makes leaving for the city feel almost impossible. Luckily, you don’t have to. Food and cocktails from The Pool House are on hand, and spa treatments can even be booked poolside. (The after-sun skin rest paired with a shoulder-and-back reset massage? Heaven.)

For a more zen experience, retreat indoors to the spa, where everything from couples’ massages to body scrubs awaits–alongside more niche options like a CBD recovery massage. Guests also have access to daily wellness classes and Orangetheory sessions (yes, the same Orangetheory Michelle Obama swears by).

When hunger strikes, you don’t need to hop on the subway into Midtown (which takes just over an hour). Downstairs, Margie’s serves elevated American comfort food—think burgers and branzino—while upstairs at the Rooftop, sushi and bao pair perfectly with the kind of cocktails that make lingering into the night non-negotiable.

Time Out tip: In the neighborhood surrounding the hotel, keep an eye out for public art installations, including murals and sculptures. Here’s a list of what’s on view right now.

Address: 108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Rockaway Park, Queens, NY 11694
Price per night: From around $900 per night, on average
Closest transport: Beach 105 Street Station (A and S trains) – a few minutes’ walk west along Rockaway Beach Boulevard

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

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

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 $189
Closest transport: Bedford Avenue Station (L train, 7-minute walk); Nassau Avenue Station (G train, 10-minute walk); East River Ferry (10-minute walk)

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—this is Brooklyn, after all. 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

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

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 form 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

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. 

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

The Margaritaville Resort in Times Square is exactly what you’d expect—but somehow, also, so much more. Opened in 2021, this multi-floor escape brings Jimmy Buffett’s Key West fantasy straight into the neon heart of Midtown. You can forget sleek minimalism: here you’ll find tiki bars, fake palm trees, a colossal Statue of Liberty clutching a margarita torch, and ceilings painted with pillowy clouds, flip-flops, and cheeseburgers. It’s a Florida Keys beach resort unapologetically dropped in the middle of New York, and that commitment to the theme is what makes it oddly refreshing. Even sceptics walk away charmed—trust me. 

Rooms dial down the over-the-top kitsch but keep the coastal spirit. White bedding hides a parrot-print detail, whale-tail sink handles adorn the bathrooms, and a cheeky pillow reminds you that ‘changes in latitude’ bring ‘changes in attitude.’ The bed itself has a cult following—and lives up to the hype as one of the comfiest in the city, and the rooms are complete with waterfall shower, waffle bathrobes, and stellar Times Square views. Add in Diptyque toiletries, floor-to-ceiling windows, and chocolates waiting on the nightstand, and the whole experience feels surprisingly indulgent.

Amenities keep the Margaritaville dream alive: a 6th-floor pool is small, but ringed with umbrellas and faux palms, it’s a standout of a stay here. The pool itself is kid-friendly, and while you’re swimming it’s genuinely hard to believe that you’re in Midtown and not a beach resort (or your wine aunt’s backyard), with the seaside vibes continued at the adults-only bar. It’s almost surreal to see the grit and grime that is the side streets of Times Square, but the best thing to do is to lean into the lazy vibe and soak up some sun. The poolside seating is first come, first serve—so time it right to get the best seat. 

Address: 560 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10018
Price: From around $175 per night
Closest transport: Times Square–42nd Street Station (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, A, C, E trains) a 3-minute walk