Eight Swanky Hotel Pools in Austin That Are Open to the Public

Looking to experience a bourgeoisie summer on a proletariat budget and escape the merciless Texas heat? Thankfully there are plenty of spots in Austin to catch a break from the UV death-rays that will descend upon our fair city once again. These Austin hotels and bars offer a cool respite from the summer with chlorinated waters and alcohol aplenty.

The Westin – Azul Rooftop Pool & Bar

Monday-Thursday, 2-11pm
Friday-Saturday, 6pm-midnight
Sunday, noon-11pm
310 E. Fifth
Free

With transparent panelling all around the poolside, visitors to the Westin will get to swim above the Austin hubbub feeling like they’re swimming among skyscrapers. In addition to having a gorgeous rooftop pool, the Westin also has a bar that hosts theme parties, DJs, and live music. But, the best part about the Westin’s pool? It’s free.

Four Seasons Austin

Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm
98 San Jacinto
$60

With its reputation for dishing out luxury, there’s no better way to feel pampered than by taking a break at Austin’s Four Seasons. Attendants will be walking around handing out popsicles and other frozen treats like, well, candy while visitors bask in the Texas sunshine. As an added plus, the waters at the Four Seasons are heated to a balmy 82 degrees year round, so there’s no need to skip on the pool-rat routine during the winter months. Free towels, valet parking, eucalyptus steam room, magazines, books, and free-range usage of the pool noodles are included with the entry fee.

Hotel Ella

Monday-Thursday, 11am-5pm
1900 Rio Grande
$20

Take the opportunity to relax poolside with a macaron at one of Austin’s cutest boutique hotels this summer. Located in a revamped, historic mansion styled in the Greek revivalist tradition, Hotel Ella offers a unique experience located somewhere firmly between modernity and antiquity. In addition to a kick-ass pool, modernist paintings grace the walls of the hotel. Reservations come with a valet parking, towel service, and a guaranteed spot by the pool.

W Austin

Day Pass ($15): Monday-Friday, 11am-9pm
Happy Hour and night swim (free): Monday-Friday, 5-9pm
Soundwave Sundays ($20): noon to sunset
200 Lavaca

Sleek, trendy, and with fantastic margaritas, it's difficult to think of more you might ask from a hotel pool. With a hard-to-miss figure in the Austin skyline, you might also find its pool hard to miss with perks like free towels, live DJs, and live valeting that come with the purchase of a day pass.

South Congress Hotel

Monday-Thursday, 11am ­to 5pm
1603 S. Congress
$30

Float along lazily in a tube in the beautifully designed pool area of the South Congress Hotel while taking in the sights of the Austin skyline. While you’re chilling in the shade, don’t forget to order a few snacks and margs from Café No Sé that will be delivered to you poolside so as to not harsh your mellow.

JW Marriott

Daily, 11am-7pm
110 E. Second
$200-500

Got a huge wad of money burning a hole right through your linen trousers? Consider renting a cabana at the JW Marriott for $200 Sunday to Wednesday at $200 or $500 Thursday through Saturday. Cabanas can seat up to 10 people, so send an invite to some friends under the condition that you have that many.

Rio

Thursdays, 6pm-2am
Fridays, 9pm-2am
Saturdays, 2pm-2am
Sundays, 2pm-1am
601 Rio Grande

Not technically a hotel, but judging by the web design on Rio Rooftop Bar’s website, this place is all about having a good, wholesome time. It’ll be suns out, buns out at this pool that offers both daytime and nighttime parties to dance away the summer to the latest bangers. However, this venue’s pool is roped off most of the time, so visitors will just have to settle for the aesthetic benefits of having a pool in their nearby vicinity.

Kitty Cohen's

Daily, 3pm-2am
2211 Webberville

Again, not exactly a hotel, but visitors will be sure to feel like they're on a vacation at this East Austin dive with decor inspired by the fabulousness that was Palm Springs, California in the 1970’s. Kitty Cohen's offers a variety of cocktails created by people who most certainly identify as mixologists. The pool here is not for swimming purposes, but it won't be that big of deal considering the fact that you won’t want to get into a swimsuit what with all the delicious pop-up food trailers that shack up here.