Culture / Travel

Dallas Hotel Pools Worth the Cost of a Room: The 10 Best Water Escapes in the Hot City

BY // 07.12.18

July is upon Dallas – in other words, the gates of hell have opened meteorologically. If you’re planning on braving the entire (indefinite) Texas summer, you need to know your way around the city’s best watering holes.

Why would you even go outside if it’s not to get into a pool? You may not be on vacation, but there’s an easy way to escape the heat.

Looking for a pool party, a perfect spot to relax, or the best poolside eats? Here are Dallas’ 10 best hotel pools, in no particular order.

The Adolphus

The Adolphus recently opened a luxe seventh floor swimming pool as part of the hotel’s comprehensive renovation. Get ready to settle into a semi-submerged lounge chair or a shady private cabana and take in views of the city from the infinity pool.

Thirsty? Order the piña colada – The Adolphus makes a perfectly fresh, not-too-sweet, not-too-heavy version of the summer staple. There are lot of other tasty cocktails and snacks available poolside.

This year, The Adolphus is opening up the urban oasis to the public on Friday evenings through Labor Day for its series Sundown on Seven. DJ Souljah curates the sounds, and the bar offers drink specials including $4 beers, $6 cocktails and $8 wines.

adolphus pool hotel
The Adolphus opened a swanky new pool last year.

Belmont Hotel

The Belmont is like the cool kid of the Dallas hotel scene. It’s definitely not the fanciest, it’s not the trendiest, and it’s not the most convenient. That’s all because it doesn’t try too hard, which is the exact reason I say it’s the coolest.

Forget bottle service and cabanas – just take a seat on the lush lawn and enjoy Oak Cliff’s best view, plastic cup of booze in hand. The artsy, mid-century hotel exudes good vibes and retro glamour.

The Joule

You have probably seen it looming above Main Street like a giant aquamarine; the crown gem of The Joule is its gravity-defying, glass-walled rooftop pool. The patio offers a full bar and menu of selected snacks from the Joule’s culinary components  – including pizza from Americano. The pool itself is quite small, suited better for lounging than laps.

You “must” be a hotel guest to swim at most of the pools on this list, but at the Joule you really must be a hotel guest. Or figure out how to make it up to the roof without a key card – but booking a staycation sounds much more relaxing.

W Dallas

With its 16th floor Wet Deck, the W Hotel pioneered a new era of high altitude swimming pools in Dallas, for which we are very grateful. And while it might not be the newest or trendiest of trendy pools, it’s still a pretty happening spot.

The Wet Deck opens its waters to non-guests for fitness events, cocktail hours, pool parties, and more.

Hotel Zaza

For a fun staycation weekend, hop your way down McKinney Avenue and into Hotel Zaza’s pool. The poolside bar is usually hopping in the summertime, and the weekend scene gets lively. The pool itself is pretty small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in style.

Zaza may boast the cutest lounge chairs in Dallas (wooden frames with white-and-navy striped cushions) and the most Instagram-able snacks (fruit salad is served in a comically large silver martini glass).

Have a drink or two – you’ll need it when the local IG models start a fight over the unicorn floaty.

Hotel Crescent Court

There are pools for partying, and then there are pools for relaxing; The Crescent’s serene pool falls into the latter category. Situated in the middle of The Crescent, the pool overlooks the building’s iconic architecture and feels distinctively French.

Plan to start your day in the sun early to beat the crowds of hotel guests and members (the pool is modestly sized). ‘Treat yo self’ with a day at the hotel’s renowned spa, and top it off with a leisurely swim – by the way, food and beverage service is available poolside on weekends.

Omni Dallas

Sick of rooftop pools yet? Neither are we. Besides, the Omni’s infinity pool has one big advantage over the others: It is heated, available year-round and has a hot tub. This urban oasis has a roomy terrace, a jacuzzi, a fire pit, cozy cabanas, and panoramic views of downtown (P.S. it’s even better after dark).

This summer, the rooftop is serving up drinks and snacks with the theme ‘Summer of the Mango.’

omni dallas
The Omni Dallas offers a spacious rooftop hangout.

The Statler

After it’s long-awaited return, The Statler is back and it’s truly doing the most. The hotel has like five bars and restaurants, and at least one of them is sure to be hosting an event on any given day. On Sundays, the action’s at Waterproof, the rooftop pool and bar.

The pool itself is quite limited, but the views are unparalleled and the cocktails are craft. DJ Blake Ward sets the tone at the “Secret Sunday” parties, which are free with RSVP. Bottle service and cabana reservations are available upon request.

The Mansion

As much as we love a buzzy rooftop pool, our favorite new swimming spot is a slice of heaven on earth. The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek introduced a brand new pool and outdoor space this summer, and there’s never been a better reason to take a staycation.

This isn’t the spot for turning up, but it’s perfect for winding down with its tranquil atmosphere, exceptional service, comfy lounge chairs, and five-star libations and snacks. We recommend ordering a cocktail or chilled rosé to wash down poolside truffle fries and flank steak.

As for summer reading, the hotel keeps copies of PaperCity stocked next to the citrus water and sunscreen.

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