Picture this: you’re splayed out on a lounge chair with the California sun shining directly overhead. The city’s traffic and noise can’t be heard. In fact the only sounds you can hear are the occasional flap of cabana walls in the breeze, slurps of drained cocktails and splashes in the pool.
Hotel pools in Los Angeles are a culture of their own. They drip with sophistication, yet welcome with warmth. Among the many around the city, we’ve handpicked the best. Let’s dive in, shall we?
If poolside cocktails are a drawcard, The London rooftop pool is sure to be a winner. The London West Hollywood
This hotel is known for its panoramic views, and its revamped rooftop pool and lounge lets them take centre stage. The new space also features an art installation of the hotel’s English Bulldogs mascots Winston and Churchill, private cabanas equipped with TVs and mini fridges, and an inventive and delicious cocktail menu.
Pool policy: The rooftop is hotel guest-only, but non-guests can rent cabanas for a $200 USD fee plus $300 USD minimum food and beverage spend.
1020 N. San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood
Mr. C Beverly Hills
Yacht-inspired is how best to describe this hotel’s pool. The area is fitted with custom teak flooring; the pool is flanked by chic grey and white lounges. A poolside must-order here is a Cipriani classic the Mr. C Club Sandwich with fried egg, and a Mr. C Cocktail, a blend of fresh mandarin and lemon juice, vodka and Prosecco.
Pool policy: The pool is guest-only, but non-guests can rent cabanas for $150 - $200 USD or book a $150 USD+ spa treatment at Mr C Spa & Beauty.
1224 Beverwil Drive, Los Angeles
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Do the views get better than this? Andaz West Hollywood
This Sunset Strip boutique hotel boasts the highest rooftop pool in all of LA. It overlooks the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA. True to the Andaz brand’s ethos, which aims to bring the outside in, the pool reflects its neighbourhood with Mediterranean-style furnishings and plenty of greenery. The pool is open from sunrise to sunset.
Pool policy: The pool is guest-only.
8401 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
Sundown drinks at the Peninsula pool anyone?The Peninsula Beverly Hills
A home-away-from-home for discerning guests, this luxury hotel is cosy yet wildly chic. Its heated rooftop pool and Jacuzzi spa offers guests a refined resort environment with skyline views and private cabanas. Inside each is FIJI water, a flat-screen TV and fresh flowers. Meals can be ordered from the adjacent Roof Garden restaurant.
Pool policy: The pool is usually guest-only, but non-guests are allowed in weekdays with evening spa appointments booked through the hotel’s Spa under the Stars offer.
9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills
The Petit Ermitage has one of the most sought after pools in LA. Petit Ermitage
This hotel’s rooftop pool truly is an oasis. The hotel itself is tucked away in the Hollywood Hills so unless you knew about it, you’d likely never stumble across it. Its pool is spa-like; heated and filled with saltwater. The essence of pure damask roses is often added in too for its calming effects. After 12pm, the pool is adults-only.
Pool policy: The pool is guest-only – two per room.
8822 Cynthia Street, West Hollywood
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The Garland's nostalgic feel is amplified with Polaroid cameras on hand for use in the pool area. The Garland
Sunset ‘dive-in’ film screenings, a taco cart and spiked snow cones plant this hotel pool firmly in a league of its own. Also unique are its poolside macramé classes teaching guests to make bracelets, necklaces and wall hangs, and Poolside Polaroids, which gives guests retro Polaroid cameras to use for take-home snaps.
Pool policy: The pool is guest-only.
4222 Vineland Avenue, Los Angeles
Poolside cabanas are the place to be at the W Hotel Los Angeles.W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills
Around the world, the W brand is synonymous with cool. One look at this hotel’s pool and it’s easy why that is. Poolside cabanas feature colourful pillows and woven wicker chandeliers by American fashion designer Trina Turk as well as flat panel TVs. Though the pool is usually reserved for hotel guests, it opens to locals and visitors for occasional day parties.
Pool policy: The pool is usually guest-only, but Sunday day parties throughout summer are open to the public.
930 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles
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Loews is within walking distance of the famous Santa Monica Pier. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Thirteen fire pits. That should illustrate how extravagant this hotel’s pool set-up is. It’s heated, oceanfront and sits alongside a sprawling two-level pool deck. Sign up for the poolside pampering package and you’ll be treated to chilled fruit and tropical smoothies, and be misted with Evian water. There’s a game area and hot tub too.
Pool policy: The pool is guest-only.
1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
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