Austin, the capital of Texas, is a big city with a small-town heart and a lively, sociable streak. The city’s lip-smacking food scene and the tag of the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ make it kind of irresistible. Sun-drenched for a better part of the year, Austin is as sweltering as it’s exciting! With that being said, what better way to cool off than a swimming pool? The best hotel pools in Austin, Texas, are a mix of indoor and outdoor ones and offer an inviting relief from the rising mercury. What’s more, many best hotel pools in Austin, TX, offer day passes for their swanky pools, so you can visit and enjoy them even if you aren’t staying here. Trust us when we say that exploring Austin requires diving into a pool at the end of the day! So, here are the 11 best hotel pools in Austin, Texas!
If you want to explore more of Lone Star state, then you should also check out the best hotel pools in Houston and San Antonio hotel pools! Both of them are only three hours away from Austin!
Table of contents
Hotel ZaZa Austin
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Let’s kick off this list strong with Hotel ZaZa Austin, which is where you’ll find one of the best hotel pools in Austin TX. As you can see from the picture below, the hotel houses a fantastic rooftop pool. Accessible by all guests for free and open all year long, the outdoor swimming pool is bigger than many others. Apart from that, it’s surrounded by plenty of sun loungers and chairs, so you can always relax and take a quick rest when you’re out of breath. Need a drink? Perfect! The pool is also accompanied by a kick-ass bar, perfect for pool parties. Order your favorite cocktail and swim your night away!
Apart from the pool, Hotel ZaZa is also loved by travelers because of its amenities. One of our favorites is ZaSpa! This spa center is the perfect spot to relax your mind and body and refresh yourself! Rejuvenate your face by having a facial or have the masseurs massage your tired muscles! Also, thanks to the spa, the hotel is seen as one of the best spa hotels in Austin! Additionally, we also love the luxurious rooms. There are 159 rooms on the property, including suites. They’re fitted with modern and sophisticated in-room amenities, and some of them also come with private balconies!
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Austin Motel
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There are few hotel pools as iconic as the one at the “little motor” Austin Motel in Texas. The iconic SoCo landmark has been through numerous makeovers since it opened in 1938. But, throughout all this time, the pool has been a mainstay. The kidney-shaped stunner of a pool is a bright spot on the property, with pretty red loungers and parasols. Trees and shrubs surround this pretty oasis. It allows you to enjoy a languorous dip without worrying about the sun. Don’t plan to spend the nights here but still want to check out the pool? Don’t worry, as day passes are available for non-guests. Plus, you can swim for free on the “Full Moon Swims” days.
Even though it’s a motel, the property still offers plenty of awesome amenities to ensure your stay is convenient. For instance, it offers complimentary coffee in the lobby every day, on-site laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and free on-site parking. Moreover, the rooms are modern, with private ensuite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Are you obsessed with the sparkling pool area? Fret not, as some rooms offer direct views of the pool!
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W Austin
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The West Deck at the W Austin is hands down one of the best hotel pools in Austin, TX. The fourth-floor decadent space features a fireplace, two outdoor showers, tanning shelves, designer chaise lounges, and private cabanas. They all sit around the most gorgeous turquoise pool ever! It’s perfect for a dip with the brand’s signature pulsating music in the background. For those not staying here, you can buy day passes and even rent kasbahs and private cabanas! But to avoid having a sea of people in the pool area, Saturdays are guests-only. Nevertheless, W’s Wet Deck is ‘the’ place to see and be seen in town, especially during Soundwave Sundays when the pool dances to a DJ’s beats.
Regardless of whether you’re staying here or not, follow up the pool time with a visit to the Away Spa! The best part? You also get access to the fitness center, which is perfect if you want to maintain your muscle mass. If you’re planning to stay here, then you should know that the W is also one of the best gay-friendly hotels in Austin! While all of the rooms are great, some are more spacious and romantic than others! For a romantic getaway with your partner, we highly recommend the Fantastic Suite! Boasting lake and city views, the suite is equipped with a minibar, a huge L-shaped sofa in the living area, and a spotless bathroom complete with a bathtub!
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Westin Austin Downtown
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Best for Non-Guests. There’s more than one reason why the pool at the Hotel Westin Austin Downtown is one of the best hotel pools in Austin, TX. For one, it’s one of the only pools in Austin that’s open to non-guests for free. That, in itself, is quite a rarity. Secondly, the rooftop pool, aptly called Azul, offers stellar views of Downtown Austin. It’s one of the few rooftop pools in the city. Sip on drinks from the fabulous adjacent rooftop bar that sees DJs play and amazing live music. You can even enjoy light bites, specialty hot dogs, beer, and wine, besides refreshing cocktails. If you want to splurge, then go ahead and rent one of the cabanas.
Aside from this, this hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Austin and makes for the perfect romantic hideaway. Enjoy a romantic dinner date at the on-site restaurant with Southern fare, or enjoy a nightcap in front of fire pits at the rooftop bar. In addition, the rooms are spacious yet cozy and have either bathtubs or walk-in showers large enough for two. That said, we highly recommend staying in the suite! Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of light can easily enter your room during the day, and you can enjoy the views of Downtown whenever you want! In addition, it also comes with a huge living area!
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South Congress Hotel
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The sparkling rooftop pool at the scintillating “new kid on the block” South Congress Hotel is one of the best hotel pools in Austin, Texas. While it’s free if you’re staying here, you can even access it otherwise for a mere 40 USD per day, from Monday to Thursday. Along with pool access, you also get access to fresh towels, free valet parking, and the sizzling rooftop bar. Sprawl on the loungers and order fruity cocktails and margaritas right to your perch. This rooftop area is the perfect place for pool parties! Moreover, you can also dig into some delicious snacks while you enjoy the chilled vibe. The icing on the cake is that Quentin Tarantino and Ryan Gosling stop here for drinks – celebrity spotting, anyone?
Apart from the pool, there are a ton of features that make the SoCo hotel great. For one, it lies within walking distance of Lady Bird Lake, one of the best places to visit in Texas. Plus, it also has a sun terrace, a great on-site restaurant, a modern fitness center, and shops on the property. Moreover, the accommodations are modern and offer great views of the city. Although, we have to admit that the suite with a terrace is our favorite.
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Fairmont Austin
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The Fairmont in Austin, Texas, is another hotel with an excellent pool scene. The spectacular zero-entry rooftop pool is even heated during cooler months. Set on the seventh floor, the sprawling pool complex is sprinkled with lovely daybeds, palm trees, and ornate cabanas that feel like sitting by a beach. Best of all, we love how the sophisticated Downtown serves as the backdrop! After a swim or dip in the pool, follow it up with a soak in the saline whirlpool or the eucalyptus steam room. You could also head for a pampering session at the decadent spa. Moreover, booking a spa session will also get you access to the pool and the fitness center for the day.
The rest of the hotel is equally impressive and is a real treat if you’re staying here. Think spacious rooms with a bevy of mod-cons and city views, a sun terrace, and lake views. Speaking of which, the hotel is also home to not only one or two but six on-site restaurants! They’ll surely spoil your tastebuds from American to Italian and Mexican cuisines!
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East Austin Hotel
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Best for Pool Parties. If you’re looking for a hip and cool hotel pool in Austin, Texas, then consider the East Austin Hotel. Deep in the heart of all the action on the east side, the pool area radiates a vintage Palm Springs vibe that’s hard to replicate. Enjoy refreshing weekly drink specials along with inexpensive but delectable appetizers right in the comfort of your chaise lounge or daybed. The Pool Bar specializes in frozen cocktails. If you’re not staying here, then buy a day pass on weekdays and take advantage of all the pool action and luxury. If you’re a party monster or social animal, then don’t miss the Summer Swell series of pool parties hosted here, complete with the 60s-70s vibe.
Besides the svelte pool, the hotel also features a fabulous restaurant that allows you to have lip-smacking breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s a terrace so you can chillax, free Wi-Fi that lets you stay connected, and a 24-hour front desk as well. Moreover, the rooms are as comfortable as they’re spacious and contemporary. We have to admit, though, that our favorite is the Waller King Room. This lovely room has more than enough space for you and is fitted with everything you need and more. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in East Austin, this hotel is it.
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JW Marriott Austin
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Live life Vegas-like at the poolside of the JW Marriott Austin, one of the best hotel pools in Austin, TX. The snazzy rooftop pool is enough to satiate any pool-obsessed traveler. Plus, it features everything from cushy daybeds to cabanas and an Edge Rooftop Pool Bar. What’s more, you can gain free access to the pool and fitness center if you have a spa appointment at the Spa by JW Treatment. The state-of-the-art in-house gym is equipped with modern equipment, and you can work out while enjoying the spectacular views of the city. Located on the fifth floor, the spa offers a variety of pampering treatments! But if you’re in the mood to splash, go for the pool cabanas, which come with a food and beverage service and even a flatscreen TV.
As a 5-star Austin hotel, the rest is equally luxurious, with three elegant dine-in restaurants, including Corner, Dean’s Italian Steakhouse, and Burger Bar. There’s an on-site coffee shop as well! And after a long day of enjoying the hotel’s amenities as well as everything Austin has to offer, retreat to your plush room! All of the rooms on the property come with lavish bathrooms, air conditioning, and other standard amenities. This is above and beyond the pool, spa, and fitness center mentioned earlier. Phew!
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Hotel Ella
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One of Austin’s most talked-about boutique hotels, Hotel Ella also happens to have one of the best hotel pools in Austin, Texas. The oh-so-cool pool area boasts a rare vintage-meets-modern vibe that people cannot stop gushing about. In fact, it’s easily one of the most Instagrammable hotel pools in the city. Enjoy a pool day off by sprawling on the sun loungers and sipping on cocktails from the poolside bar! What’s more, for a price of 25 USD, you can get access to this heavenly space even if you don’t stay here. The pass is available between Monday and Thursday, and it’s a walk-in scene between Friday and Sunday for non-guests. However, the pass will get you access to the pool, pool towels, and the drop-dead gorgeous courtyard space.
Located just off The Drag in Austin, this boutique hotel in Austin is swanky and kitschy at the same time. The hotel is surrounded by mush-manicured grounds that are a welcome break from the dry surrounding region. A restaurant, bar, spa services, and fitness center complete the offering here. What about the guestrooms? Well, if you want easy access to the pool area, we recommend booking the Premiere Poolside Room! It’s mere steps away from the pool!
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Hotel Van Zandt
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Most Luxurious. The pool at the luxurious Hotel Van Zandt is one of the most luxe hotel pools in Austin, Texas. Enjoy a dip in the heavenly pool before retiring to the comfort of your day bed or chaise lounge beneath the umbrella. When you feel thirsty, order fresh-pressed juices, cocktails, and craft brews from the bar. Wash it down with some lip-smacking light Austin fare from the rooftop restaurant. What’s more, you can even take in breathtaking views of the lovely Lady Bird Lake while relaxing on the pool deck. Furthermore, those who aren’t staying here can still experience the amazing pool by purchasing a day pass. Better yet, there are tempting cabana packages offered, too!
In addition to all of the above, the hotel even has a new after-hours attraction at the pool – Stargaze Swimming! On Mondays between July and September, the hotel will open the pool deck to even locals between sundown and closing time. Think delicious snacks and cosmic cocktails combined with an ethereal late-night swim! Then, end the night by relaxing in your Superior Suite! It’s arguably the best accommodation on the property. It’s ridiculously huge, with a luxurious dining area as well as a massive living area. The bathroom is spotless, and it comes complete with a bathtub.
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The LINE Austin
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Best Infinity Pool. Are you a sucker for infinity pools? Then the one at the LINE Austin has to be one of the best hotel pools in Austin, Texas, for you. The stunning pool overlooks the Austin skyline, complete with flowering shrubs and trees. It’s easily considered one of the prettiest pools in the town. Besides being open to guests, the hotel even offers weekday passes to non-guests at a surcharge. So, you can sprawl on the comfy daybeds underneath the umbrellas and sip on drinks from the fabulous hotel pool bar. Take a dip while enjoying the tacos and cocktails! What’s more, the hotel also celebrates a fabulous summer program for locals with DJ sets and free poolside movies.
There are so many other amazing things about the hotel, including fabulous rooms with minibars and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city. Better yet, some of them are pet-friendly! Plus, it features four on-site restaurants, so you’ll never run out of options when it comes to food. Of course, there’s a bar, too! Meanwhile, free bikes mean exploring the surrounding neighborhood on your own is nothing but a breeze. Rounding up the features is a lovely sun terrace.
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Our Verdict!
As long as you’re a pool lover, we’re sure each of the hotels above will make your stay in Austin much more enjoyable. But if you have problems choosing which is the right hotel for you, maybe our little list below will be able to help you!
- Best Infinity Pool: The LINE Austin
- Most Luxurious: Hotel Van Zandt
- Best for Pool Parties: East Austin Hotel
- Best for Non-Guests: Westin Austin Downtown
Where to Stay in Austin?
Austin tops the list for mini-breaks, romantic getaways, and even honeymoon ideas in Texas. Despite being a small city, it has a wealth of history, heritage, and culture to explore. So, which neighborhood should you be your base when you’re in Austin?
To begin with, we have the functional and fashionable Downtown, which is the epicenter of everything in Austin. It’s not only the financial and business center but is also home to a slew of restaurants, bars, and some of the top hotels in Austin. East Downtown, on the other hand, oozes the vibe of Downtown sans all the craziness. Moreover, it boasts an excellent food culture and music scene.
For music lovers, the Red River is for you. The heart and soul of the city’s music scene, it’s awash with quirky diners, lively bars, and pulsating nightclubs. The accommodating, artsy South Congress, or SoCo, is an all-rounder – you can dine, drink, dance, absorb the culture, and everything else.
The peaceful neighborhood of Zilker on the banks of the Colorado River houses one of the city’s most loved attractions, the Zilker Metropolitan Park. Finally, we have Travis Heights, one of Austin’s most affluent districts and home to some of its most lavish properties. If you’re looking for the top things to do in Austin, click here!
Do any hotels with a pool in Austin offer free breakfast?
Unfortunately, none of the hotels above offer free breakfast. However, we do know that other hotels in the city, like the Staybridge Suites Austin North and the Hampton Inn & Suites, offer their guests complimentary breakfasts!
What are the best hotels with a pool in Austin?
The pools above are considered some of the best hotel pools in Austin, Texas. We even have some of our favorites according to some criteria in our verdict above!
How much does staying at a hotel with pools in Austin cost?
It depends on what hotel you’re looking for. If you want to stay at one of the hotels above, you’ll have to pay around 270 to 400 USD per night.