Austin is full of family-friendly attractions, but the best way to avoid the summer heat is by making a splash at these top hotels that have the coolest pools. Sip a craft cocktail at a rooftop pool in a downtown hotel, or enjoy live music by the pool at one of Austin’s best boutique hotels. Swim, sunbathe, and relax at these top coolest hotel pools in Austin, Texas.
W Austin
W Austin is a swanky hotel that isn’t hard to miss, as it contributes to Austin’s iconic skyline. It offers rentable cabanas and day passes to the pool area, with cheaper prices offered on weekdays. Those on a budget should consider visiting on a weekday evening, as admission to the pool for non-guests is free during specific times, Monday through Friday. However, Sundays are when the pool at W Austin comes alive, as the hotel hosts its Soundwave Sundays events featuring live DJs from noon to sunset.
Key Amenities:
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Day passes for non-guests available, plus free admission on weekday evenings
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Soundwave Sundays with live DJS from noon to sunset
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Cabanas for rent
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A popular pick for bachelorette parties
South Congress Hotel
One of the most popular hotels along South Congress Avenue also has a great pool area boasting a chill vibe and private cabanas for rent. While you’re enjoying the rooftop pool at South Congress Hotel, you should also order some margaritas at Café No Sé to be delivered poolside. Even if you aren’t a guest here, you can still enjoy a dip at the pool (for a fee) Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop pool with poolside drink service
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Daily pool passes available Monday to Thursday
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Private pool cabanas for rent stocked with beverages
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
The Four Seasons is known nationwide as a luxurious accommodation option, and the Four Seasons Hotel Austin is no different. Situated along Lady Bird Lake, this top hotel in Texas doesn’t just have a top-notch pool with food and drink service, cabanas, and hammocks but also an on-site spa. Day passes are available for both the pool and the spa. You won’t regret splurging on the “Spa Daycation” package here, which comes with a spa treatment, lunch, and access to the pool and fitness center.
Key Amenities:
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Pool with food and drink service, cabanas, and hammocks
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On-site spa with music-inspired treatments and eucalyptus steam rooms
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Day passes available for both the pool and the spa, plus options that include the fitness center
Hotel Ella
One of Austin’s most talked about boutique hotels, Hotel Ella just so happens to have one of the coolest pools in the city, not to mention trip-worthy brunch, dinner, and happy hour offerings at the on-site bar and restaurant. Guests here can’t stop raving about the modern-meets-vintage vibe here. The pool at Hotel Ella is also open to day guests at an affordable price.
Key Amenities:
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Gorgeous courtyard pool with sun loungers
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Daily happy hour at the on-site bar
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Affordable day passes available for non-guests
The Westin Austin Downtown
One of the only free pools open to non-hotel guests is found at The Westin Austin Downtown. This romantic hotel in Austin features a rooftop pool and bar that regularly hosts live music and DJs 20 floors above downtown Austin. The Westin Austin Downtown offers a one-of-a-kind pool oasis that sits on top of a skyscraper, granting views of the Austin skyline.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop pool 20 floors above downtown with poolside service
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Regular live music and DJ events at the rooftop lounge
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Free access to the pool and lounge for non-guests
JW Marriott Austin
This downtown hotel is a popular option for travelers since it’s close to 6th Street and the Austin Convention Center. JW Marriott Austin is home to a rooftop pool that will make any pool-obsessed traveler happy. If you are willing to splurge, rent one of the pool cabanas for the day, which comes with a flat-screen TV, food and beverage service, and of course, a shaded spot by the pool with seating for up to 10 people. In the evenings, non-guests are welcome to the rooftop terrace bar and lounge for cocktails and sunset views.
Key Amenities:
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Heated rooftop pool and lounge with views of the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake
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Rentable 10-person pool cabanas with flat-screen TVs and food and beverage service
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Evening lounge experience on the rooftop terrace open to non-hotel guests
East Austin Hotel
If you’re looking for a place to stay with a hip pool scene in East Austin and rooms that meet a range of budgets, then consider East Austin Hotel. The vintage vibe here is appreciated by both travelers and locals alike. Locals should take advantage of the day passes offered at East Austin Hotel, which come with pool access, free WiFi and parking, and food and beverage service. This boutique hotel features a “Sunday Swell Pass” during the summer months with drink and food deals and a party atmosphere.
Key Amenities:
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Day passes include pool access, free WiFi and parking, and food and beverage service
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Sunday Swell Pass during the summer months with deals on food and drinks
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Option to book a poolside suite with a private balcony or patio overlooking the pool
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin is another Austin hotel with a great pool scene. The pool at the Fairmont is a zero-entry rooftop pool that is heated during the cooler months. There is a whirlpool on site here too. If you don’t find the Fairmont’s pool area impressive, then maybe the spa will please you, as it’s one of downtown Austin’s largest spas. Access to both the pool and spa is available for a fee for non-guests.
Key Amenities:
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Zero-entry rooftop pool that’s heated during the cooler months
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Home to one of Austin’s largest spas
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Whirlpool on-site
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Non-guest access to both the pool and spa for a fee
Austin Motel
This iconic South Congress hotel, which originally opened in 1938, is home to a cool pool that is open free to the public during the Full Moon. The night swims on this hotel’s Full Moon events are undoubtedly unique. However, if you’re looking to catch some rays during the day, day passes to the pool at Austin Motel are available Monday through Thursday.
Key Amenities:
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Pool bar offering cocktails and snacks
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Pool open to the public for night swims every Full Moon
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Day and night passes available for non-guests Monday through Thursday
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Escape the city and enjoy a stay at Lake Austin Spa Resort. No matter if you’re local to Austin or from out of town, this resort along the Colorado River is a great getaway. It’s home to two outdoor pools with poolside cabanas and an indoor heated lap pool. This all-inclusive resort offers both half-day and full-day spa packages, which are two ways that non-guests can enjoy the pool here.
Key Amenities:
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Two outdoor pools with poolside cabanas and an indoor heated lap pool
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Award-winning LakeHouse Spa with steam rooms, whirlpools, gardens, and relaxation areas
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Half-day and full-day spa packages with pool access available for non-guests
1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732, USA— +1 512-441-1157
