The best NYC hotels with pools

Since taking a dip with Andy Warhol is impossible (at least without being terrifying), SIXTY LES offers the next best thing. The bottom of the hotel’s third-floor pool is covered with a filmstrip-style painting of the artist’s face. Here you can sit on plush seating and nibble (or gobble) small plates by Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya as you gaze into the waters. The 1,200 square feet cement pond has a strict guests only rule, but outsiders can access the pool parties during the summer. Plus, there’s always the open-to-all beer garden and a Blue Ribbon Sushi just one floor down.

Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York is rich in Parisian chic, with hints of glamour throughout the hotel and its rooms – think high ceilings, large windows and marble bathrooms. The hotel also has a spa dedicated to beauty and well-being, with a sauna and steam room, as well as an indoor pool where you can relax and recharge. It's not the biggest pool, but the hotel is super pretty and it does have a spa, so what more could you want? 

The ultra-sleek five-star Equinox Hotel in NYC is modern and takes a relaxed approach to luxury. Providing an urban oasis to give you some well-deserved R&R, they have an onsite spa to help restore you to your calm and serene self, plus the all-important pool you're looking for. In fact, they have two pools for you to choose from. There's a 25-yard indoor saltwater pool to get your laps in, and an outdoor pool on the terrace where you can swim around in front of views of the city skyline. Spoilt for choice! There's also a range of rooms, all stylish and comfortable, from deluxe kings to the Equinox penthouse suite. 

Ever want to swim laps thousands of feet above NYC? The Mandarin Oriental New York’s indoor, 75-foot lap pool is your dream come true. The floor-to-ceiling windows not only flood the space with natural light, but allow swimmers to take in the stunning views of the skyline and the Hudson River. While you're there, you could also check out the Thai Yoga Suite which has recently re-opened from being closed from the pandemic – complete with dark teak wood décor and a deep soaking tub. The serenity is so real, you can almost pretend it’s your own private pool. Almost. Still, you're gonna feel totally zen here regardless.

Zen is the name of the game at The Peninsula’s 22nd floor pool, too. After a swim, kick back in one of the plush lounges surrounded by rich brown teak columns, black tile, and city views. Non-hotel guests can still access the pool and dining options if they book at least two hours of spa services. Pro tip: the Spa-Cation’s 60-minute facial or massage scores you additional pool time and a bento lunch. We're good to you, right? Note: the pool is currently closed but will be back open on August 4, 2022.

This hotel’s biggest draw is its backyard pool and deck, which is outfitted with cozy poolside beds, which can comfortably fit two people, as well as candy-colored wall murals, an island-vacation-worthy bar, a house-spinning DJ and, of course, the four-foot-deep lukewarm beauty of a pool. Not to mention the fully serviced bar and crafted cocktail menu. No matter what room you opt for, we recommend one facing the pool — there’s nothing like seeing the glowing water below you at night to make you forget, for a moment, you’re in New York.

Talk about living the dream. Downtown is where you'll find the answer to yours, with added beach. That's right, Dream has its own sandy stretch in amongst the 5,000 square-foot pool deck. So you can pretend you're at the beach, when really you'll be meters above Manhattan: best of both worlds. There's also a seasonal food menu, two private cabanas, and 30 chaise lounges, so you won't be short of places to laze and graze. And in case you needed a reality check while you're there, the pool has a glass bottom that looks down into the hotel lobby. Gulp. Wind down with a spa treatment in the poolside cabanas.

The James New York became ModernHaus back in 2021. Situated in the creative hub of New York city, this hotel's 114 guestrooms and suites and Jumpin Jacks breakfast and cocktail bar, are modern tributes to Bauhaus design. You're in the perfect location here, with New York City landmark Angelika Film Center just a 12 minute walk away and Grandaisy Bakery just a 6 minute walk away for your baked Italian goods. But the rooftop is probably the best thing about staying here. Take a swim at skyscraper level, sip tasty cocktails and lounge on the sunbeds. 

Open all year-round (thanks heated pool!), this mini oasis boasts a retractable glass roof and the ultimate picturesque skyline views. Snack on Mediterranean-inspired bites and sip cocktails on the wraparound balconies or secret garden while taking-in tunes and the always trendy crowd. After your dip, take in unmatched views of Manhattan's Skyline. Not too shabby. 

This swanky rooftop area has a two-level deck with a plunge pool, outdoor shower, and retractable roof. Plus it's just 100 yards from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Kick back and relax on the seasonal rooftop plunge pool, with panoramic views of New York City. Plus, we've heard that the beds are super comfy here, so get ready to have the best night's sleep of your life.

Full disclosure: this is not the pool to frequent when you’re trying to relax. This is a pool party; in fact, it’s technically part of Le Bain’s dancefloor, so depending on your moves, your impromptu dip could very well be on accident. The stunning penthouse location also brings with it unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and Hudson River, a chaise-lounge lined sundeck, plenty of cocktails, and a DJ soundtracking the entire experience. And not just your average bedroom DJ – we're talking big names. Peggy Gou, Danny Krivit, and Gilles Peterson were previous bookings. So dust of your dancing flipflops and find your jazziest swimwear – you're in for a water aerobics workout like no other.