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Best Rooftop Pools in the U.S.: 25 Picks, With Access Rules and Day-Pass Prices
Fact-Checked By: Maya Whitfield, Senior Travel Editor at WakaAbuja
Most hotel rooftop pools in the U.S. are guest-only, but a growing number sell day passes to non-guests. Day passes typically cost around $25 to $100 per person depending on the city and season (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel or resort pass platform). The best rooftop pools in the country right now include The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, The Standard High Line in New York, and The Mondrian in Los Angeles, all of which offer either guest access or day passes.
Most “best rooftop pools” lists show you a pretty photo and stop there. They do not tell you whether you can actually swim in it without a $400 hotel room. This one does. I have been turned away at three rooftop pools in my life, twice in Miami and once in Vegas, because I assumed the pool was open to the public. It was not. Those experiences are why this guide exists.
Jump to: At-a-glance table | The 25 best pools | How to get in | FAQ
Key takeaways
- Most rooftop pools are for hotel guests only, but day passes are increasingly common, usually costing around $25 to $100 per person (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel).
- Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami have the highest concentration of public-access rooftop pools.
- Some pools are adults-only, some are seasonal (May to September in most northern cities), and some are heated year-round.
- Day passes often sell out on weekends. Book at least 48 hours in advance.
- Food and drink minimums are common at day-pass pools, typically $50 to $100 per person (check current rates with the venue).
- Pool access can be restricted for hotel guests on busy weekends, so always call ahead if a pool is your main reason for booking.
- Bring your own towel if you are on a day pass. Many hotels charge for towel service.
Which rooftop pools can you actually get into?
This is the question most lists ignore. Below is a quick-reference table of the best rooftop pools in the U.S., organized by access type. I have included day-pass price ranges where they exist. Every price is a range, not a fixed number, because rates change seasonally and by day of week.
Public access via day pass
- The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas (around $50 to $75; confirm with the hotel)
- The Standard High Line, New York (around $50 to $75; confirm with the hotel)
- The Mondrian, Los Angeles (around $40 to $60; confirm with hotel)
- 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami (around $75 to $100; confirm with hotel)
- The Line Hotel, Los Angeles (around $35 to $55; confirm with the hotel)
Guest-only (book a room)
- The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
- The Peninsula, Chicago
- The Joule, Dallas
- The William Vale, Brooklyn
- The Confidante, Miami Beach
I always recommend calling the hotel directly before booking a room specifically for the pool. Pools close for private events, maintenance, and weather far more often than the website suggests.
Maya’s honest take: “The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool is the best rooftop pool in America for one reason: you can book a day pass, and the views down the Strip at sunset are unmatched. Book the pass before you book your flight.”
What are the 25 best rooftop pools in the U.S.?
The list below is organized by city, with the best pools in each market. I have focused on pools that are either publicly accessible or attached to hotels worth booking specifically for the pool. Each entry includes the access type, a price range, and one concrete detail that sets it apart.
Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan (Boulevard Pool). Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $50 to $75 for a day pass (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The Boulevard Pool sits on the 4th floor with direct views of the Bellagio fountains and the Strip. It hosts movie nights and concerts in summer.
MGM Grand (Wet Republic). Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $40 to $80 depending on day and event (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). This is a party pool with a DJ, bottle service, and a young crowd. Not the place for a quiet swim.
Caesars Palace (Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis). Access: guest only. Price: included with room. Seven distinct pools with different vibes, from quiet to party. The Temple Pool is the most photogenic.
The Venetian (TAO Beach). Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $30 to $60 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). Asian-inspired decor, cabanas, and a rooftop feel despite being on the 4th floor.
New York City
The Standard High Line. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $50 to $75 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The pool sits on a rooftop terrace with floor-to-ceiling views of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan. Adults-only after 8 p.m.
The William Vale (Brooklyn). Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The pool is 60 feet long with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. It is the best rooftop pool in Brooklyn for skyline photos.
Hotel Indigo, Lower East Side. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $40 to $60 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The pool is small, but the views of the Empire State Building and One World Trade are excellent. It gets crowded on weekends.
Dream Downtown. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $50 to $80 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The glass-bottom pool is the gimmick here, and it works. You can see the lobby from the water.
Los Angeles
The Mondrian. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $40 to $60 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The pool sits above the Sunset Strip with views across the city. It is a scene, especially on weekends.
The Line Hotel (Koreatown). Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $35 to $55 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The pool is smaller, but the Koreatown location gives it a local feel. Good food and drink menu.
The Beverly Hills Hotel. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The iconic pink palace pool is a Los Angeles institution. It is not technically a rooftop, but the elevation and privacy make it feel like one. Book a cabana if you can.
Hotel Erwin (Venice Beach). Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $30 to $50 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The rooftop overlooks the Venice Beach boardwalk and the Pacific. Sunset here is the move.
Miami
1 Hotel South Beach. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $75 to $100 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The rooftop pool is adults-only with ocean views and a full bar. It is one of the most expensive day passes in the country, and it is worth it once.
The Confidante, Miami Beach. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. Two rooftop pools with a retro mid-century design. The adults-only pool is the quieter option.
The Plymouth Miami Beach. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. A smaller, more intimate rooftop pool with a residential feel. Good for couples.
Kimpton Surfcomber. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $40 to $60 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The pool is on the ground floor, not the roof, but the beachfront location and day-pass access make it a solid alternative.
Chicago
The Peninsula Chicago. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The pool is on the 6th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Michigan Avenue. It is one of the most luxurious indoor rooftop pools in the country.
The Robey Hotel. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $35 to $55 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The rooftop pool in Wicker Park has skyline views and a lively bar scene. It is a local favorite.
Virgin Hotel Chicago. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The rooftop pool is smaller but the design is sharp and the location is central.
Austin
The Line Austin. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $30 to $50 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The pool overlooks Lady Bird Lake and the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony. Sunset here is a genuine Austin experience.
The W Austin. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $40 to $60 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The WET Deck is a party pool with DJs on weekends and views of downtown.
Hotel Saint Cecilia. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. A small, quiet pool in a boutique hotel setting. Not a party spot, and that is the point.
Dallas
The Joule. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The rooftop pool has a glass-bottom section and a 10-foot diving platform. It is one of the most distinctive hotel pools in Texas.
The Statler Dallas. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $30 to $50 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The pool sits on the 6th floor with views of downtown Dallas. Good for a low-key afternoon.
Washington, D.C.
The LINE DC. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $35 to $55 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The rooftop pool has views of the Washington Monument and the National Cathedral. It is a local favorite for summer weekends.
Hotel Washington. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $40 to $60 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The rooftop overlooks the White House and the National Mall. The view is the entire point.
Seattle
The Edgewater Hotel. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The rooftop pool overlooks Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. It is small but the setting is unbeatable.
Hotel Theodore. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. A boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace and a small plunge pool. More of a view spot than a swimming destination.
Denver
The Ramble Hotel. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The rooftop pool is small but the RiNo location and mountain views make it a solid choice. The hotel bar is excellent.
The Crawford Hotel. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The pool is at Union Station with views of the downtown skyline. Convenient for travelers arriving by train.
Nashville
The Bobby Hotel. Access: day pass and guest. Price: around $30 to $50 (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). The rooftop pool has a vintage bus, a bar, and views of downtown Nashville. It is a scene on weekends.
The Thompson Nashville. Access: guest only. Price: included with room. The rooftop pool is smaller but the Gulch location puts you in the middle of Nashville’s best restaurants and bars.
Best for day-pass access
- The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
- The Standard High Line, New York
- 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
- The Mondrian, Los Angeles
- The Bobby Hotel, Nashville
Worth booking a room for
- The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
- The Peninsula, Chicago
- The William Vale, Brooklyn
- The Joule, Dallas
How do you get into a hotel rooftop pool if you are not staying there?
This is the question that determines whether your rooftop pool day actually happens. There are four main routes, and each one has different trade-offs.
Buy a day pass
The simplest option. Many hotels now sell day passes through platforms like ResortPass or directly on their websites. Prices typically range from around $25 to $100 per person depending on the city and season (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). Day passes usually include pool access, a towel, and sometimes a welcome drink. Food and drink are extra, and many pools have a minimum spend.
Book a spa treatment
Some hotels grant pool access with a spa booking. This can be a better value if you actually want a massage or facial, but it is expensive if you just want to swim. Expect to spend around $150 to $300 on the treatment (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel spa).
Book a cabana
Cabanas are the most reliable way into a guest-only pool. They usually come with a food and drink minimum rather than a flat fee, typically $150 to $500 depending on the venue and day (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). If you are in a group of four or more, the per-person cost can be reasonable.
Book the cheapest room
Sometimes the cheapest room at a hotel with a great rooftop pool is less expensive than a day pass for two people. This works best in off-season or on weeknights. Check Booking.com or Hotels.com for rates, and always call the hotel directly to confirm pool access before you book.
Use a resort pass platform
Platforms like ResortPass aggregate day passes for hotels across the country. They are convenient for comparison, but the selection is not universal and prices are sometimes higher than booking direct. I usually check both.
What mistakes should you avoid with rooftop pools?
I have made most of these mistakes, and each one cost me time, money, or a good afternoon. Learn from my errors.
Do not assume the pool is open to the public
The vast majority of hotel rooftop pools are guest-only. Even the ones that sell day passes often limit the number sold per day. Always check the hotel’s website or call ahead before you show up.
Do not book a day pass without checking the weather
Rooftop pools close for rain, high winds, and lightning. Most day passes are non-refundable, or they offer a credit rather than a refund. Check the forecast before you book, and call the hotel if the weather looks questionable.
Do not ignore the dress code
Some rooftop pools have dress codes, especially in Las Vegas and Miami. No athletic shorts, no baseball caps, no outside food or drink. Check the hotel’s website before you pack.
Do not forget about the food and drink minimum
Many day-pass pools require a minimum spend on food and drinks, typically $50 to $100 per person (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). This is on top of the day-pass fee. Ask about minimums before you book so you are not surprised at checkout.
Do not bring your own alcohol
Outside alcohol is banned at almost every hotel pool in the country. If you are caught, you will be asked to leave, and you will not get a refund. Buy drinks at the pool bar.
Do not assume the pool is heated
Some rooftop pools are heated year-round. Some are heated only in summer. Some are not heated at all. If you are planning a winter visit, confirm the pool is heated and open before you book.
Do not leave your belongings unattended
Rooftop pools are public spaces, even when they are hotel-guest-only. Do not leave your phone, wallet, or room key unattended on a lounge chair. I have seen more than one person lose a phone this way.
Frequently asked questions about rooftop pools
Can non-guests use hotel rooftop pools?
Sometimes. Many hotels now sell day passes to non-guests, typically costing around $25 to $100 per person (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). Others allow access with a spa booking or cabana reservation. The majority of hotel rooftop pools remain guest-only, so always check before you plan your day.
Are rooftop pools heated year-round?
It depends on the hotel and the climate. In warm cities like Miami, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, most rooftop pools are open year-round and heated in winter. In colder cities like Chicago, New York, and Denver, many rooftop pools are seasonal and close from October through April. Always confirm the pool is heated and open before you book.
What should I bring to a rooftop pool?
Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a cover-up. If you are on a day pass, bring your own towel, as many hotels charge for towel service. Leave outside food and alcohol at home, as they are banned at almost every hotel pool. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you plan to take photos near the water.
How far in advance should I book a day pass?
Book at least 48 hours in advance, especially for weekend visits. Popular pools in Las Vegas, Miami, and New York sell out days ahead in summer. Some hotels release day passes only a few days before the date, so check back if your first choice is unavailable. Cancellation policies vary, so read the fine print.
Are rooftop pools kid-friendly?
Some are, many are not. Adults-only policies are common at rooftop pools, especially in Las Vegas, Miami, and New York. Family-friendly rooftop pools exist, but they are the exception. Check the hotel’s policy before you book if you are traveling with children.
What is the best city in the U.S. for rooftop pools?
Las Vegas has the highest concentration of rooftop pools with public access, followed by New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Las Vegas pools tend to be larger and more party-focused. New York pools offer the best skyline views. Miami pools have the best ocean views and warmest year-round weather.
Do rooftop pools have food and drink minimums?
Many do, especially at day-pass pools and cabana rentals. Minimums typically range from $50 to $100 per person (confirm the latest price directly with the hotel). Ask about minimums before you book so you can budget accurately. Some pools include a welcome drink or a small food credit with the day pass.
What happens if it rains on the day of my reservation?
Most hotels will offer a credit or reschedule rather than a cash refund if the pool closes due to weather. Policies vary widely, so read the terms before you book. If the forecast looks bad, call the hotel the day before to ask about their weather policy.
Plan your trip: booking platforms we trust
I use these platforms when planning my own rooftop pool trips. They are reliable for comparing prices, reading recent reviews, and booking with confidence. I have noted what each one is best for so you can go straight to the one that fits your needs.
Agoda
Best for Asian hotel deals and sometimes surprising U.S. city rates.
General hotel search with strong filters for pool and rooftop amenities.
Best for flight and hotel packages if you want to bundle and save.
Flight price comparison across multiple airlines and booking sites.
Family villas and vacation rentals for groups or longer stays.
Tours and activities, including city passes and rooftop bar crawls.
Loyalty rewards bookings, good if you collect stamps toward free nights.
Reviews and restaurant finds, useful for poolside dining options.
WakaAbuja does its best to keep all information accurate at the time of publishing. Prices, policies, and availability change regularly. Always verify with official sources before you travel. We are not liable for errors caused by outdated information. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
