Virgin Hotels New York rooftop pool
Photograph: courtesy Virgin Hotels New York
Photograph: courtesy Virgin Hotels New York

The 20 best hotels with pools in NYC, for a water-filled escape from the city

Ready to make a serious splash or relax by the waterside? Take a dip at the best NYC hotels with pools

Shaye Weaver
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The best NYC hotels with pools solve the problem of where to find somewhere to cool off high up above the hustle and bustle—and usually with a drink in hand. Maybe you're touring the city in the hot summer weather or you're doing a staycation here. Regardless of why you're looking for a hotel with a pool in NYC, we've rounded up the best places with jaw-dropping skyline views and poolside summer drinks at the swankiest pools in the city. From a 75-foot lap pool to a sundeck with top dog DJ bookings, these NYC hotels make a splash.

April 2025 update: We added Virgin Hotels New York, the TWA Hotel, Margaritaville, Ravel Hotel's Summer Club and the Rockaway Hotel + Spa. We ranked these based on vibes and ranked them higher if they are open to the public/have day passes.

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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Best NYC hotels with pools

  • Hotels
  • Rockaways

This boutique-style Rockaway Hotel boasts a short, one-minute walk to the ocean. The luxurious and design-forward 84,000 square-foot hotel has 53 guest rooms and eight long-stay residences each with Atlantic Ocean or Jamaica Bay views. Better yet, the hotel evokes relaxation from the moment you step inside with a spa (where you can get facials, massages and an aloe/seaweed wrap), order cocktails on the rooftop and sit in a cabana by the pool.

Mood? Beachy and calm
Location perks? The beach is a four-minute walk away.
Budget range? Somewhat affordable—day passes start at $50 and spa guests have access 1 hour prior to their treatment.

  • Things to do
  • Queens
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

It’s hard to beat the experience of laying in a bed, staring out a window and watching planes take off and land. And if you want to get even closer to that aerial action, head to the TWA Hotel's rooftop infinity pool and observation deck (reservations are required). Taking a dip in a pool with planes flying directly above you is a leisurely pursuit that’s worth having at least once—if only to bring up as a fun anecdote over future drinks. The hotel has plenty of other memorable amenities that make a visit to the property worthwhile. A vintage Lockheed Constellation “Connie” L-1649A jet that’s been transformed into a cocktail bar is parked outside the hotel on a mini tarmac. And don't miss having a cocktail in the very era-appropriate Sunken Lounge located in the middle of the hotel.

Mood? Used for quick dips and relaxing before or after your flight.
Location perks? You literally get to watch planes on the tarmac.
Budget range? Starting at $25. Reservations are required May 1 to November 1. Prices subject to change. Walk-ins are welcome 11am to 11pm, but not guaranteed. Subject to availability.

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  • Hotels
  • Midtown West

This luxury hotel by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson opened in 2023 in the NoMad district with over 450 guest rooms, suites and penthouses, plus an outdoor pool club only accessible to guests, event spaces and Everdene, a 4,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor dining and cocktail destination that will also feature nightly entertainment. If you’re going all out or are perhaps looking for an interesting staycation option, consider booking the Sir Richard’s Flat, the 2,800-square-foot suite on the hotel’s 35th and 36th floors. The two-bedroom duplex includes a walk-in bathroom with luxe amenities, a kitchenette, a curated art collection within the space and, perhaps most notably, 24-foot windows with panoramic views of New York.

Mood? Glamorous.
Location perks? It's centrally located in midtown near the Empire State Building.
Budget range? A day pass for non-hotel guests start at about $60 for a lounger, plus a minimum spend on food and drink.

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Williamsburg
  • price 4 of 4

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.

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Brooklyn Heights
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is an airy, plant-filled lobby with rooms decorated with reclaimed wood, engraved rocks, sand timers in the shower, and even a farmstand beside the lobby elevators with views that overlook the East River. The relaxing experience continues in its Bamford Wellness Spa that offers a wide range of treatments, including a steam room and relaxation lounge. But Harriet’s Rooftop on 11 is where the full skyline views hit and your inner mermaid is released. Floating in the pool and staring out into the open skies is a must, even if it’s just for 20 minutes.

Mood? Swanky and often busy.
Location perks? Spectacular because of its river and skyline views.
Budget range? Very pricey, but its Sip & Swim program offers two guaranteed pool seats daily and two welcome drinks on the pool deck from 11am to 3pm.

Onik Hossain
Senior Designer
  • Things to do
  • Flatiron

The Royalton Rooftop offers a chic lounge, rooftop pool and a view of the Empire State Building. Featuring shareable bites for snacking while you take in the New York City skyline, it’s a favorite for big groups or those who’d like to sip a cocktail while they take a quick sightseeing break. You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy the rooftop, so stop by for a dip in the pool, a drink, dinner or a night out on the town.

Mood? Stylish.
Location perks? It's between Madison Square Park and the Empire State Building.
Budget range? About $99 for a day pass.
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  • Things to do
  • Williamsburg

The Arlo Williamsburg (formerly the Williamsburg Hotel) boasts a pool and high-top lounge offering unobstructed views of Manhattan’s skyline. When you need to relax after swimming laps, enjoy sipping martinis and champagne at ART Williamsburg—an elevated, sky-high drinkery. While the rooftop pool and lounge is open daily for hotel guests exclusively, it’s open to visitors with advance reservations.

Mood? Swanky and often busy.
Location perks? Spectacular because of its river and skyline views.
Budget range? You can reserve your spot for $200. Lounger and cabana rentals start at $250.

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Soho
  • price 3 of 4

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, about $125 for a day pass.

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  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • West Village
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The Dominick Soho is perfect for anyone looking for a fuss-free stay on one of New York City’s most exciting streets. The hotel offers a nice mix of amenities, including a spa (some suites even have saunas) and a terrace pool, allowing you to relax or swim seven stories above Soho. The pool is adjacent to the hotel restaurant, El Ta’Koy, which serves Hawaiian-style street food. It is a well-cared-for hotel, offering everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. It's elevated by its amazing views, chic poolside restaurant, and prime location on Spring Street, with all of Soho at its doorstep.

Mood? Calm with Hawaiian-inspired vibes.
Location perks? It's nearby some of the city's best shopping.
Budget range? Pool access and lounger use goes for about $175.

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Lower East Side
  • price 3 of 4

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? For hotel guests—mid-range.

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Meatpacking District
  • price 3 of 4

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? Super modern.
Location perks? 360º views over NYC from the rooftop pool.
Budget range? F
or hotel guests—on the pricier side.

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Midtown West
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Margaritaville Resort Times Square is like your wine aunt's beach house. It’s comfortable and it’s homey in a suburban middle-class way, yet it still has that special occasion vibe reserved for high-rise hotels. It’s clean, and there are waffle towel bathrobes. Considering that a room here goes for about $200 less a night at the lux Knickerbocker Hotel one block away, it supplies you with a comfortable place to sleep at a fraction of the cost. The pool on the 6th floor is small, and surrounded by beach lounges with umbrellas as well as fake palm trees everywhere. While in the pool, it does genuinely feel like you could be a beach resort. Once you’re poolside and can see off the edge of the building, however, it’s almost surreal to see the grit and grime that is the side streets of Times Square. The pool is kid-friendly while the walk-up bar is (obviously) not. The poolside seating is first come, first serve—so time it right to get the best seat. 

Mood? Lazy.
Location perks? It's right in Times Square so all the major attractions are within walking distance.
Budget range? Mid-range room rates and about $100 for a pool pass.

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Chelsea
  • price 3 of 4

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? About $150 for a chair

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Long Island City
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Long Island City’s first independent boutique hotel is the perfect getaway or staycation for folks who want to explore a different borough other than Manhattan. The warm and inviting haven is legendary for its stunning, unobstructed Midtown views, and many of the spacious rooms (63 total) offer private balconies so you can enjoy a picturesque sunset or sunrise. Right now, its gorgeous restaurant Penthouse 808, which serves lobster, delicious sushi and tacos, is available for private parties only. Sip brews in the sunshine at the Ravel Garden Grill or make a splash at the Summer Club. The hotel’s outdoor pool boasts dozens of chairs, days bed, and cabanas for rent, a full-bar and a disco ball. So, yes, you could say it’s a party, especially when the DJ is there.

Mood? Party vibes.
Location perks? Spectacular views of the river and skyline without being in Manhattan.
Budget range? Tickets for parties can be priced at $30 but if you want to go just for the pool time, there are pool parties that are open to the public where you can book a lounger for $178 by the pool and for cheaper the farther away you are. Otherwise, you need to book a room at the hotel.

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15. Fouquet's New York

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? For hotel guests—as pricey as you'd expect.

16. Equinox Hotel

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? For hotel guests—spendy AF. Day passes available. 

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  • Hotels
  • Midtown East
  • price 4 of 4

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? For hotel guests and spa guests—as luxe as it gets.

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • price 4 of 4

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 Circle's Deutsche Bank Center – and two minutes walk to Central Park.
Budget range? For hotel guests—boujee.

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Upper West Side
  • price 3 of 4

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—for guests only.

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Meatpacking District
  • price 3 of 4
The Standard, High Line New York
The Standard, High Line New York

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—it's not about going for a swim.
Location perks? Walking distance to the West Village and the rooftop nightclub in-house.
Budget range? Mid-range to high-end: There is no cover to enter Le Bain for standing/dancing room and bar service. Table reservations are not necessary to enter Le Bain, however guests are welcome to reserve in advance. There are minimum spends associated with holding a reservation

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