Swimming, cocktail in-hand, at a rooftop pool with sweeping views falls in at a close third to either being on vacation in a tropical locale or leaving the city all together for the beach. And after last week’s heatwave, we’re betting we weren’t the only ones Googling “swimming pools in New York City.” Because let’s be honest, when it’s that hot out there’s not much else you can do really. In anticipation of this weekend’s steamy temps (and to take advantage of every minute outside we possibly can) here’s a definitive roundup of all the places to spend the day when your ride to the Hamptons cancels and you’re stuck in the city. Just grab your favorite beach bag, one of these books and some strong SPF.
And we’re not by any means condoning sneaking into any of Mahattan’s hotel pools, but if you’re feeling particularly bold we’ll just leave this here for you.
1. The Greenwich Hotel, Tribeca
This tranquil pool might be only open to guests, but you have a few options. Either take advantage of your parent’s visit, plan a staycation, or book yourself a treatment at the hotel’s spa thereby gaining access to the tranquil underground pool.
2. The James Hotel, Soho
On weekends at 3PM the outdoor rooftop pool (*and* bar) opens to guests and the public (us!) for their Summer Pool Party series. Day drinking > night drinking. Duh.
3. Hôtel Americano, Chelsea
Hotel Americano’s La Piscine is open to non-guests for a $40 day pass. But there’s jalapeño frozen margs waiting for you on the rooftop bar making the $$ totally worth it. Plus, let’s be real, you’d spend that in two seconds at a dingy basement bar later that night.
4. Equinox Printing House, West Village
If you’re going to belong to Equinox, you should probably join their Printing House location based solely on the fact that it has a rooftop pool. Even if you never workout there at least you can sauna, steam, and then lay on the sundeck overlooking the skyline. #Goals.
5. Dream Downtown Hotel, Meatpacking
If you’re not a guest, you’ll have to shell out quite a bit for a cabana so you can spend the day sunbathing with your feet in the sand (Manhattan’s only sandy beach) at the Dream Downtown’s 50-foot pool.
6. Hotel Indigo, Lower East Side
This open-air heated rooftop pool on the LES may be on the small side but the lounge chairs are huge—aka made for drinking cocktails and wasting the day away.
7. Le Parker Meridien Hotel, Midtown
Unless you’re a guest of this uptown hotel you’re going to have to pay up. Members of the general public are able to cool off in the pool and catch rays on their outdoor sundeck for a casual $150. Sweeping views of Central Park included.
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