Rooftop Pools Entice Visitors to Major Hotels

Travel Writers
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

By Victor Block

Dan and Doris Beatty spent the afternoon at an inviting oceanside beach. While they enjoyed the sun, sand and surf, they had to deal with bugs, be mindful of the strong offshore current and, when they returned to their hotel room, wash residual grit from their bodies.

The scene was different for Sam and Judy Crawford. While they also lolled on chaise lounges to soak up the sun's rays and cooled off in clear water, they ended their relaxing afternoon silt- and sting-free. That's because they were replicating a visit to a beach on the roof of the inner-city hotel where they were staying.
Updated: Sat Apr 25, 2026

By Victor Block

Dan and Doris Beatty spent the afternoon at an inviting oceanside beach. While they enjoyed the sun, sand and surf, they had to deal with bugs, be mindful of the strong offshore current and, when they returned to their hotel room, wash residual grit from their bodies.

The scene was different for Sam and Judy Crawford. While they also lolled on chaise lounges to soak up the sun's rays and cooled off in clear water, they ended their relaxing afternoon silt- and sting-free. That's because they were replicating a visit to a beach on the roof of the inner-city hotel where they were staying.

Rooftop swimming pools occupy the top of a number of lodgings throughout the country. They provide people with added appeal and places to replicate a seaside sojourn without having to travel from their place of accommodation. Many make up in attractions and ambience anything they might lack in ocean views.

With gas prices rising and airport congestion unpredictable, many folks are rethinking long-haul trips in favor of closer-to-home escapes. Some are opting for a "staycation" summer, finding an escape right where they live.

For residents of the nation's capital and those who visit it, that can include the hidden rooftop pool at the Arlo Washington, D.C., hotel. Framed by plush loungers and set against a bold, colorful wall mural, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the U.S. Capitol and city skyline.

Art also enhances the experience for guests atop the Arlo Wynwood in Miami, Florida. Along with a 360-degree view of the city below, the heated swim bath is beneath a larger-than-life mural created by an acclaimed graffiti artist.

It is oversize chess pieces that greet those enjoying the Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie in Sandestin, Florida. It's the only such installation along the self-proclaimed Emerald Coast, which stretches about 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. If they're not relaxing in a private cabana or enjoying breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon, guests can participate in wine-tastings, yoga, bingo nights and other enticing activities.

People travel far to gaze in awe at the New York City skyline, and there are few more dramatic views than that from the rooftop pool deck at the Arlo Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn. A dramatic Water Tower Bar overlooks the pool and poolside cabanas. Guests of the property can book a complementary pool time slot, and others can make a reservation through resortpass.com.

For a classic yet unexpected location, look no farther than the rooftop's Water Tower. These kinds of structures are an iconic sight throughout the city, but at Art Williamsburg, that edifice can serve as your very own private event venue. Perfect for gatherings, photo shoots, weddings, cocktail and other occasions, the Water Tower has a private bar, can be furnished for your event and is accessible by elevator.

Have you ever surfed on a rooftop? You can at the FlowRider Wave Ride at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Its advanced waveform technology provides a safe yet thrilling environment where people can "hang 10" and test their boarding talents. The innovative design gently absorbs impacts, allowing everyone to master the waves with confidence and enjoy a unique experience right on the Las Vegas Strip.

Another thrill awaits those checking out the rooftop pool at the Joule Hotel in Dallas. It's cantilevered over the streets below, and the clear walled edge gives the fortunately false impression that swimmers might plunge off the top of the building.

Worrying that you may fall to your death or trying to surf high above city streets may not be on your bucket list. However, they're among unusual and unexpected activities that swimming pools perched on the roofs of some buildings offer, and they are available to anyone who wishes to take part in them.

WHEN YOU GO

arlohotels.com/washingtondc

arlohotels.com/wynwood

hoteleffie.com

arlohotels.com/Williamsburg

caesars.com/caesars-palace

caesars.com/planet-hollywood

thejouledallas.com

A rooftop mural entertains swimmers atop the Arlo Washington, D.C., hotel. Photo courtesy of Arlo Washington.

. Among the rooftop pleasures at the Effie Hotel in Sandestin, Florida, is playing a game of oversized chess. Photo courtesy of Hotel Effie Sandestin.

Cabanas at the Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, make an afternoon at the rooftop pool even more enticing. Photo courtesy of Arlo Williamsburg.

Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.