The 11 best hotels with pools in NYC, for a water-filled escape from the city

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-foot 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.

Mood? Contemporary glam.
Location perks? On the Lower East Side.
Budget range? Mid-range.

Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York is rich with hints of Parisian 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? 

Mood? Parisian chic.
Location perks? Walking distance from Soho's shopping district. 
Budget range? As pricey as you'd expect.

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. 

Mood? Industrial design. 
Location perks? In the heart of Hudson Yards.
Budget range? Spenny AF.

For those who enjoy swimming, drinking, and getting a tan in a luxurious setting, check out William Vale's massive, 60-foot rooftop pool. It's overlooking the green Vale Park level and with poolside cabanas and daybeds, is truly an oasis in itself. You don't have to shell out the big bucks as a guest to experience the Williamsburg pool amenities: check out the picturesque setting for yourself by reserving an affordable day pass, or on weekends, snag a lounge chair for a fee.

Mood? World-class treatment.
Location perks? Nestled in the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn.
Budget range? Heavy on the price.

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.

Mood? Bold opulence.
Location perks? In the heart of the Columbus Circile's Deutsche Bank Center – and two minutes walk to Central Park.
Budget range? Boujieeee.

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? 

Mood? So damn glamorous.
Location perks? On Fifth Avenue.
Budget range? As luxe as it gets.

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 need 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.

Mood? A design dream.
Location perks? In the heart of downtown Manhattan – with stunning views to match.
Budget range? Super affordable. 

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 six-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. 

Mood? Views for days. 
Location perks? Walk to Soho and all of its vibey offerings nearby. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 

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. 

Mood? Suuuuper modern.
Location perks? 360º views over NYC from the rooftop pool.
Budget range? On the pricier side.

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.

Mood? Glitzy glam.
Location perks? Minutes from Central Park.
Budget range? Surprisingly cheap. 

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 the 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 off your dancing shoes and find your jazziest swimwear – you're in for a water aerobics workout like no other. 

Mood? Party through the night.
Location perks? Walking distance to the West Village – and the rooftop nightclub in-house.
Budget range? Mid-range to high-end.