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High-heeled, boot-scooting Houston might not be the Lone Star state’s capital, but it’s a megacity in its own right. Laidback and high-cultured in equal measure, Houston is also the fourth largest city in the entire US. It’s not just the world’s energy capital but is also known for its entertainment and dining scene. Additionally, its museums and skyline are another force to reckon with. Undoubtedly, exploring this city is no mean feat. And, a long day of exploration is made all the better if you get to enjoy a dip in one of the best hotel pools in Houston. Whether it’s an indoor pool or rooftop one, hotel pools in Houston are some of the coolest you’ll ever find.
Locals in the ‘Space City’ know that if there’s one way to beat the scorching Southern heat, it’s a good pool! Notwithstanding whether it’s an indoor or outdoor pool, Houston’s hotel pools are all about poolside cocktails, film screenings, fun parties, and more. In fact, you can even take an entire afternoon off and simply curl up on a sunbed with a good book. What’s more, there are even hotel pools where you can jump in without being a hotel guest. After a refreshing swim, you can head out and delve into Houston’s dazzling nightlife. So, pack your wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and shades, and check out the 11 best hotel pools in Houston, both indoor and outdoor ones.
Where to Stay in Houston
Houston is perhaps best known for its Space Center, which is also one of the 21 Best Places To Visit In Texas. The sprawling city is the fourth largest in the country, so staying here will come down to which neighborhood you want to live in. To begin with, we have Downtown, which is the heart and soul of the city and also its oldest historic district. It’s also home to some of its greatest historic landmarks, as well as its tallest skyscrapers. Coming up next is central Midtown, located between Houston’s Museum and Downtown districts. It’s brimming with the best parks, bars, and restaurants in the city.
The commercial and residential Uptown lies west of the Downtown area and is the perfect place to stay if you’re a shopaholic. That’s because this area has some of the best designer stores, luxury boutiques, and shopping centers. These include the Galleria Houston Mall, one of the 15 Most Amazing Shopping Malls In The World. It’s also Texas’ largest mall and even has an ice skating rink. Rounding up the list of neighborhoods to stay in Houston is the Texas Medical Center Area, the region around the Space Center, and the airport.
A good way to zero in on where to stay in Houston is having a look at the Top 10 Things To Do In Houston. In that way, you can choose to stay closest to what interests you!
Marriott Marquis Houston
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The fabulous pool at Marriott Marquis Houston is unarguably one of the best hotel pools in Houston. It’s home to an incredible Texas-shaped lazy river that everyone in town wants to navigate. Plus, there’s a jaw-dropping infinity pool right next to it. What’s even better is that it lies on the hotel’s rooftop, 110 feet (33.5m) in the air! So, you can enjoy incredible views of Houston’s glass-and-steel downtown skyline as you sprawl on the loungers next to this Instagrammable pool.
Moreover, the pool’s amenity deck even features a full-service poolside grill and bar. So, if you’re ordering off the menu, we’d recommend the ‘Refresh,’ a cocktail of Effen cucumber vodka, simple syrup, lime, and soda. At the moment, the pool is open only if you’re staying here. However, if you book a minimum 50-minute spa treatment (excluding salon treatments) at the hotel’s in-house Pure Spa, you’re in! It’s no wonder that the Marriott Marquis is one of the Top 11 Hotels With A Rooftop Pool In Houston!
There are many other things to love about this stunning downtown hotel. These include a 5,000-square-feet-huge spa with even couples’ massage services. Also, there are many drinking and dining options on-site. Rooms here are not only spacious but come with a slew of mod-cons and contemporary bathrooms. If you go for the suites, you can lay down in the deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms right next to floor-to-ceiling windows.
Hilton Americas-Houston
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If it’s an indoor pool hotel you seek, then head straight to the Hilton Americas-Houston. When evening falls, its pool shines a hypnotizing shade of sapphire blue, making it the best hotel with indoor pool in Houston. The rectangular-shaped indoor heated pool is not just perfect for a polarizing dip, but even for swimming laps. Right next to the pool lie whimsical, striped loungers where you can sprawl and take in views of Downtown Houston. Potted plants lend a nice ambiance to the pool area, which even has a hot tub perfect for a soak after a swim. Currently, this pool is only open to those who’re staying at the hotel.
The well-designed property also has a health club and a full-service spa that warrants a visit. Right outside the pool is a striking terrace where you can relax after a long day of exploring the Space City. Plus, the hotel even has three restaurants and bars, apart from room service. Rooms are also spacious and well-decked out, complete with bohemian decor, all modern creature comforts, and bright and spacious bathrooms. If views are what you want, then book a room on one of the higher floors.
Four Seasons Houston
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Lounge at the fabulous poolside of the Four Seasons, one of Houston’s best traditional resort-style hotel pools. The oval-shaped saltwater pool is truly is surrounded by Texan greenery and is truly an oasis in the heart of Downtown Houston. Lounging by the poolside here is a five-star experience across the board, right from the food and beverages to the atmosphere and service. During the day, order delectable food and refreshing cocktails like the Cucumber Cooler or Strawberry Sales from the pool deck café. What’s more, the hotel is even celeb-popular, and you might even have a star-struck experience here!
The vibe here is thoroughly family-friendly, and the hotel offers a ‘Family Movies by the Pool’ experience on Saturday nights. It’s topped by candy, fresh popcorn, and a Willy Wonka-esque buffet that’ll keep your kids entertained to the hilt. Although the pool area is open only to guests, you can book a 50-minute treatment at the spa, and voila! — you’re in.
The hotel also offers a whole outstanding range of amenities that makes it hard to leave if you’re not living here. The pool area also has a fire pit and hot tub. Apart from a fitness center, the hotel’s amazing spa features a plethora of massages and body treatments The on-site restaurant and bar is one of the most recommended dining spots in town. Staying here is a luxurious experience with huge windows, free Wi-Fi, and luxury bath products in equally lavish bathrooms.
Houston Marriott at the Texas Medical Center/Museum District
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The Houston Marriott at the Texas Medical Center/Museum District is one of the best hotels with indoor pool in Houston’s Museum District. The light-filled indoor pool area features glass walls that let lashings of sunlight in. It makes for a pretty picture even on sunny afternoons, sans all the heat. The almost-stadium-shaped pool features a shallow end too, making it great if you’re traveling with your children. Pretty white lounge chairs are perfect for after a soak in the hot tub, which lies right beside the pool. Potted plants add a dash of Verde, contrasting beautifully with the turquoise blue of the pool. Moreover, the hotel even provides pool towels, so you don’t have to lug around your own. There’s even a small lounging area right outside, complete with white loungers and red parasols, which is perfect during warmer weather.
The rest of the hotel is impressive too. A restaurant and lounge offer both local and international fare with light meals and cocktails too. A fitness center and meeting rooms complete the amenities. When it comes to rooms, all of them have seating areas, bathrooms with bathtubs, minibars, and a high-tech mod-cons.
Hotel ZaZa Houston
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The funky Hotel ZaZa has one of the best hotel pools in Houston. The European-style, stadium-shaped turquoise pool is set in a gorgeous courtyard with lovely green foliage. Zany black-and-white-striped sunbeds, loveseats, cabanas, and couches are the perfect place to soak up the sun during the day. There’s a daily offering of adult popsicles (what fun!) and you could even splurge for bottle service. Come evening, and the place transforms into the Poolside at ZaZa, one of the most buzzing outdoor bars in town. In fact, it’s rather an event and is ‘the’ place to see and be seen. The boutique-like party ambiance is the perfect place to let your hair down and drink indulgent specialty cocktails into the night. If you aren’t staying here, day passes are available for a $150 treatment at ZaSpa (minimum), allowing you to arrive one hour prior and stay until three hours later.
In fact, we’re sure you’ll definitely enjoy your decadent ZaSpa sojourn, whether you’re staying here or not. If you’re traveling with your pet pooch, then we’d definitely recommend ZaZa, as it’s one of the Top 11 Pet Friendly Hotels In Houston. The hotel even has a 24-hour fitness center and a restaurant and lounge that are famous for their offerings. Stylish rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a slew of mod-cons, and bespoke toiletries in the plush bathrooms.
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Galleria
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Another great hotel with indoor pool in Houston is the Courtyard by Marriott Houston Galleria. The heated indoor pool features a beautiful, almost-rectangular shape with rounded edges, with a lovely shallow entry point at one end. The hotel not only provides towels but also has brown-colored loungers and chairs fringing the poolside. It’s a great place to enjoy a lounge after a swim. What’s more, there’s even a hot tub at one end of the pool area. So, on colder days, a swim and a soak is the perfect way to feel some heat and warm up your toes.
Besides the pool, the hotel even has a fitness center and an on-site restaurant that offers a superb à la carte breakfast, apart from meals. It also has free Wi-Fi. The rooms are also slick, complete with contemporary mod-cons, seating areas, and plush bathrooms. Not only does the hotel have great amenities and staying facilities, but it’s also connected to one of the best shopping avenues in the world, the Galleria Mall. Overall, if you’re looking for an all-round hotel with indoor pool in Houston, then this would be it.
Hotel Granduca Houston
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If you crave opulence and privacy, then look no further than the extravagant Tuscan-themed pool at Hotel Granduca Houston. It’s Italian-inspired saltwater pool set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is one of the best hotel pools in Houston. This picturesque escape in the heart of Uptown is nestled amidst lush greenery, complete with rust-colored lounge chairs and decorative Italian-style cabanas. After a swim in the aquamarine pool, lean back in the lounge chair and feel like you’ve been transported to some villa in Italy. Contemporary music and soothing jazz set the tone for an afternoon or evening of lounging, complete with a lip-smacking poolside menu. We’d recommend a Granduca Spritz that goes perfectly with the setting. After a swim, light meal, and a lounge, enjoy poolside dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Il Giardino. Although you need to stay at this hotel to enjoy this out-of-the-world beauty it’s well worth every cent.
Granduca on the whole is special. It’s the only hotel Houston to make it to TripAdvisor’s list of top 25 luxury hotels in the US in 2018. Apart from the rooftop pool and restaurant, it also has a small but snazzy fitness center, a piano bar, and even a jewelry boutique. Since you’ll be staying here, you’ll be pleased to know that all rooms and suites are spacious to boot. Besides living rooms and kitchenettes/full kitchens, some even have balconies with jaw-dropping views of Houston.
Hotel Alessandra
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At the Hotel Alessandra, the poolside experience feels nothing less than an intimate and chic rooftop getaway with views of a lifetime. Located smack dab in the heart of Downtown Houston, Alessandra’s poolside is one of the newest and most-talked and raved-about spots in the city. This is thanks to the dedicated food and drink menu from where you can order off as you lounge at the pool. Laze on the plush, white sun loungers under pretty white umbrellas, and order a Poolside Peach poptail for ultimate refreshment. There are even three chaise lounges that feel like they sit right on the water once evening falls and the pool lights up in the most surreal manner. Even if you’re not staying here, booking a spa treatment provides all-day access to the pool!
Besides the fabulous rooftop pool, the hotel has a slew of other amenities. These include the aforementioned spa, which is one of the best in Houston. Plus, it has a gym, a casual bar for cocktails and nightcaps, and an upscale Mediterranean restaurant. Although all rooms have minibars, iPads, free Wi-Fi, et al, you’d better upgrade for mesmerizing views of the city.
Hotel The Moran CITYCENTER
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The pool at the Hotel The Moran CITYCENTER reigns supreme when it comes to the best hotel pools in Houston’s Westside. Its gorgeous rooftop infinity pool is a relaxation retreat right in the heart of the city. Sprawl on the cabana-style beds during the day and order food and drinks from the pool bar and bistro-style restaurant that keep the party going. Beat the Houston heat with a Cosmologic pop tail, a delicious vodka, and a triple-sec-based cocktail.
The entire place lights up beautifully after dark with a purple and blue glow, so you can keep enjoying into the night. With some clever planning during the day, you might even be the only one up here, with the bartender to serve just you. But, the hotel pool is open to only those who stay at the hotel. The best part? Moran is also one of the Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Houston! So, LGBTQ travelers looking for a fabulous pool hotel should head straight here.
The hotel is one self-contained community that also features a 24-hour fitness center, a huge spa with beauty and body treatments, as well as shopping venues. The on-site bar with a fireplace is a great place to enjoy a cocktail in the evening or a nightcap if you’re staying here. Rooms are equally nice and come with free Wi-Fi, a slew of mod-cons, and lovely bathrooms.
St. Regis Houston
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Tranquility emanates from every corner of the pool deck at the elegant five-star St. Regis Houston, which is Texan luxury through and through. The gorgeous outdoor, tiered, and heated pool even features gushing water fountains. The dulcet tones of the water spilling forth make for an oasis that’s a world away from the world outside. The pool is surrounded by comfy, plush beech-wood chaise lounges beneath oversized umbrellas, making it perfect to lounge here even for an entire day. After a swim, order a frozen peach bellini off the spa menu to cool off. If you want to grab a bite, try the grilled chicken wrap that’s served with chili-grilled corn-on-the-cob. Before you head out, rinse off with bespoke products in the spa shower. For now, the pool is only open to hotel guests.
There’s much to love about the St. Regis Houston. Shopaholics will particularly love its location as it sits hardly a two-minute drive from international shopping mecca The Galleria Mall. Besides the pool, the hotel also has a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and a lavish spa. Dig into American fare, especially steaks, at the on-site restaurant or sip cocktails with live music at the bar. Rooms are top-notch, both in style and sleekness with high-tech mod-cons, while the spacious suites even have butler services and whirlpool tubs.
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
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You know the pool will be out of the world when it’s owned by the city’s favorite billionaire. Welcome to the Post Oak Hotel, one of the most lavishly best hotel pools in Houston. Even though it’s open only to hotel guests, it’s worth staying at this place just for the pool. The rectangular-shaped turquoise pool is accented by black lines lends it a mesmerizing look. Two fire pits sit at both ends, which makes this a great place to hang out even when the climate gets slightly cooler. Spread out on the white-and-black daybeds or cabanas and order anything to drink or eat from anywhere on the property. You can even order something as small as sunscreen, and it’ll be delivered to you poolside. For the perfect poolside lounge’s we’d recommend the Post Oak Margarita which has tequila, hibiscus cordial, and fresh lime juice.
Besides the pool, the hotel has a state-of-the-art gym, an extensive salon and spa, and an on-site steakhouse restaurant that also has choices for 30,000 types of wine! If you’re staying here, you’ll love the luxurious rooms with high-tech mod-cons, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and TV screens, and minibars.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Houston:
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: Dig into Houston’s diverse and delectable food scene on this 3.5-hour food tour.
- Killen’s Barbecue: This local-favorite restaurant gives off a summer-camp cafeteria vibe. But, once you dig into the food, you’ll forget everything. Must-tries include the pulled pork sandwich, blackened brisket, and cold beers on ice.
Recommended Activities In Houston:
- Hop-on Houston City Tour: Board a double-decker bus and explore Houston’s sights at your own pace.
- Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston: Houston is home to what is North America’s largest underground tunnel system. In fact, it sits right beneath the headquarters of some of the world’s top Fortune 500 companies.