LA HOTEL POOLS
Hollywood Roosevelt, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood +1 323 466 7000
Known for its strong drinks by the edges of a very party-friendly pool, the Tropicana bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has served legends like Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe since 1927. The pool features an underwater mural by David Hockney. Try their millionaire mojito on Sundays.
Viceroy Hotel, 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica +1 310 260 7500
The Viceroy pool is typically a guest-of-guests-of-guests kind of party, with exclusive private cabanas and loungers for reservation. Take a date, a meeting, or a special occasion here. Start the weekend with happy hour on Fridays.
SLS Hotel, 465 S. La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills +1 310 247 0400
Completely surrounded by large mirrors and old paintings, this rooftop pool combines sophistication with a touch of quirk. Expect a relaxed, non-pretentious vibe at this one, which makes a nice change from a lot of hotel pool environments. The sun drops from here around 6pm, so stay for a few more drinks at one of the tables before going downstairs to your (compulsary!) dinner at The Bazaar.
Luxe Hotel, 11461 Sunset Boulevard, Bel Air +1 310 476 6571
A boutique hotel with modern decor, the Luxe Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in Bel Air doesn’t require a room key to use the pool. A very relaxed and chilled out vibe here, with plenty of lounge chairs, so you shouldn’t need to fight to hard for one.
Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills +1 310 276 2251
In their heydays, Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Howard Hughes lay in the shade of the poolside cabanas at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. Hotel guests can rent cabanas for $175 per day at this legendary pool. Have your drinks and food served by the poolside, then fall asleep in the sun all afternoon.
The Wet @ The W, 930 Hilgard Avenue, Westwood +1 310 208 8765
A hidden gem in Westwood. On Fridays, The Wet hosts movie screenings by the pool. The event is free, but donations go to the Make A Wish Foundation. In summer, the pool opens for pool parties. Enjoy the views of LA and the hills as you people watch and dance the night away by the water.
The Mondrian, 8440 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood +1 323 650 8999
The pool and ‘Outdoor Living Room’ at the Mondrian feature an awesome view in a prime location for those visiting Los Angeles. Lounge by the pool in the late afternoon then check yourself in for dinner at the adjoining Asia De Cuba.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills +1 310 259 8136
A relaxing third floor swimming pool overlooking the city with spectacular views. Eat lunch in your private cabana or head to the rooftop for drinks and dinner. Great spa and impeccable service. Lots of space and comfort poolside in the cabanas for both entertaining or relaxing.
Andaz West Hollywood, 8401 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood +1 323 656 1234
If you’re staying at the hotel, invite your friends over and head up to the pool, no questions asked. If you’re up early, you’ll be likely to have the entire rooftop to yourself. Pool closes at 9pm, so party people, plan accordingly. Gorgeous city views.
The London West Hollywood, 1020 N San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood +1 213 280 6931
If you’re staying at The London and really feel like splashing out, reserve a guest only cabana, in which you’ll enjoy a mini bar stocked with drinks and fruit, a plasma TV with DVD player, and a special poolside menu from the hotel’s Gordon Ramsay restauarant. The latter is available to the rest of the pool-siders however, as are the complimentary “delighters” of frozen smoothies and fruit sticks. Talk about service! Not a bad view either.
The Standard Downtown, 550 South Flower Street, Downtown Los Angeles +1 213 892 8080
Known to throw a good party or two, this rooftop pool has earnt itself a place as a nightlife destination in downtown LA. Check The Standard Culture site so you can be wise to upcoming events. If you’d prefer to use the pool for more traditional uses, that is, to swim, relax, and lounge – make sure you check the weekend schedule to make sure you won’t be sharing it with a couple of hundred others and a DJ.
By Sophie Ward
