Deciding on a destination for an upcoming trip is never easy. While the beach and mountains may beckon, cities are a great option year-round, offering an array of activities for every type of getaway. After a long day of sight-seeing, however, some may long for those quiet, relaxing moments by the pool that are often easier to come by in non-urban destinations. So we’ve rounded up our favorite urban rooftop pools, so you can find relaxation even in a bustling metropolis. Discover some of our favorite hotel rooftop pools.
1. Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa Miami Beach
(Oyster)
With some of the most beautifully decorated rooms in Miami, a beachfront location, a great spa, two gorgeous pools, and a huge fitness center with a rock-climbing wall and dozens of daily classes, Canyon Ranch is a great choice for a healthy vacation.
2. Donovan House, Washington D.C.
(Oyster)
From its dark-purple-and-white color scheme, to its pod-shaped "cocoon" showers, to its mod lobby, and rowdy rooftop pool parties, the Donovan House offers a sexy night in the nation's capital.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
(Oyster)
It's hard to go wrong with this top luxury hotel that arguably has some of the best views in the city, not to mention a restaurant with an acclaimed Seattle chef, a rooftop infinity pool, and 147 spacious, classically comfortable rooms.
4. Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
(Oyster)
One of the most outstanding features at this 187-room Meatpacking District hotel is its lauded rooftop pool -- but there's more to it than that: guests also score luxe 400-thread-count bedding and cool Cutler toiletries, plus free Wiis, HBO, and Wi-Fi, during their stays.
5. Omni San Diego Hotel
(Oyster)
The 511-room Omni San Diego is a solid four-pearl pick in the Gaslamp Quarter, with an outdoor pool and spacious, contemporary rooms. It's across the road from the San Diego Convention Center, and is connected to Petco Park via skybridge.
6. Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
(Oyster)
Towering above the downtown district, this 20-story chain hotel features clean, contemporary rooms and a convenient location close to shops, restaurants, and the convention center. Downtown's high-rises can be glimpsed from the outdoor pool on the third floor, while guest rooms on the upper levels offer good views of the city and surrounding mountains. Rooms include high-tech amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks.
7. W Atlanta - Downtown
(Oyster)
The 237-room W Atlanta Downtown -- with its sexy infinity pool and dramatic design -- is a neighborhood hot spot. Branches climb up the walls in the lobby and silver mobiles hang from the ceiling. Beyond the funky and artistic design, the W has all the amenities travelers expect from a four-pearl property: a luxurious spa, large fitness center, and high-tech rooms with flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The heated outdoor pool turned rooftop bar is popular by night.
8. The Joule, Dalla, Texas
(Oyster)
The Joule is one of the coolest -- and most luxurious -- hotels in Downtown Dallas. It's located in a historic building dating back to the 1920s, and its decor is a mix of old and new -- funky furniture and patterned rugs are juxtaposed against dark wood paneling and antique touches in the lobby (including two giant cogged wheels), and the hotel has an extensive art collection. Guests can also enjoy the cantilevered pool which juts out over Main Street.
9. SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills
(Oyster)
The Philippe Starck-designed SLS dazzles with sleek, luxurious and spacious rooms, an enormous gym, restaurants by Spanish chef Jose Andres, and two gorgeous pools.
10. Hotel Contessa, San Antonio, Texas
(Oyster)
Hotel Contessa, located on a quiet stretch of the River Walk, offers 265 suites ranging in size from 500 to 800 square feet. All units feature separate living rooms and bedrooms with contemporary, southwestern-inspired decor, two 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The urban chic rooftop pool and whirlpool area is a nice perk.
11. Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
(Oyster)
The Omni is an upscale chain geared toward business travelers, with a prime downtown location within walking distance of the Sixth Street entertainment district. The soaring atrium lobby is bright and gleaming, the warm rooms have Texas-inspired decor and flat-screen TVs, and the chic rooftop pool with excellent city views is a notable draw.
12. Warwick Denver Hotel
(Oyster)
The Warwick has large, bright rooms with modern amenities, a quiet location within walking distance of Downtown, a well-equipped fitness center, and pet-friendly policies. But the highlight here is the rooftop pool -- a Denver rarity. It is large enough for some laps, and there are tons of loungers around it. Plus, it offers great Downtown views.
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