If you ask us, nothing says “holiday mode” quite like ordering a round of Piña Coladas to your daybed by the pool. If you’re planning a springtime staycation in the Harbour City, and are keen to capitalise on the new-found sunshine, we’re here to help. These are the very best hotel pools in Sydney to help you live out your White Lotus dreams.
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The Eve
A new kid on the block (opening its doors in February 2024), this designer inner-city hotel is home to a rooftop pool that embodies the term ‘urban oasis’. Flanked by palm trees in the heart of Redfern’s new Wunderlich Lane precinct, the 20-metre rooftop pool at The Eve is just steps away from beloved Mexican restaurant Lottie – meaning you can order a Paloma and a plate of tacos to your daybed and they’ll be with you in moments. It’s open to hotel guests every day from 7am until 10pm, so you can clock a few laps before breakfast at Bar Julius (order the Mimosa), or cool off with a night-time dip after dinner at Olympus.
Park Hyatt
Walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s hard to miss the aspirational pull of the Park Hyatt’s rooftop pool – framed by cushioned daybeds, cutting an azure oblong into the carefully manicured terrace. The arc of the bridge throws its iconic shadow over the pool in the heat of the day, and from the spa on the south side of the terrace, you can watch Sydney's colourful ferries trace lines across the harbour in front of the Opera House. If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect Sydney pool, this one takes the cake – and yes, you can order a lobster roll to the rooftop.
Manly Pacific
Melting into the ocean just steps from one of Sydney’s favourite beaches, the rooftop pool at Manly Pacific is what coastal holiday dreams are made of – with deep blue views for days. The magnesium-enriched rectangle of cool is framed by comfy striped daybeds, and on hot summer days, the staff bring up free zooper doopers to keep kids (and holiday-mode grown-ups) happy. If you’re looking for something more substantial, we’d suggest ordering a bucket of tiger prawns and an Aperol Spritz from the poolside menu.
Kimpton Margot
The rooms, restaurant and lobby of this opulent CBD hotel are all Gatsby-coded grandeur, but on Level 7, the fun levels are turned up to full. When it first opened in late 2023, Harper Rooftop Bar quickly earned a space among the best rooftop bars in Sydney, and for hotel guests, it’s even better. Elevated just above the beach club-style terrace, and conveniently adjacent to the DJ booth, the Harper Rooftop pool is right in the heart of the action – surrounded by skyscrapers and flanked by a row of sun-soaked daybeds. PSA: 'Golden Hour' specials (including $15 Spritzes) are available from 5pm to 7pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Crown Towers
Framed by plush daybeds and luxe private cabanas, Crown’s infinity pool is as glitzy as it gets. Heated to 28 degrees and long enough to clock a few solid lengths, this is an excellent spot for sunset if you’re staying at the hotel – with uninterrupted views across the harbour. The pool is open to hotel guests from 7am until 7pm daily, with the last hour of the day reserved for adults only. You can order drinks and snacks to your daybed, or level up by booking a private cabana – complete with complimentary snacks and a free-flowing (non-alcoholic) minibar.
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