Philadelphia is hands down one of America’s most amazing travel destinations. With its history, culture, and food, spending a few days in this city won’t be enough. Our initial plan was to spend three days there, but we ended up adding two more days to our trip. There were just so many exciting attractions we wanted to visit, such as the Liberty Bell, the Independence Hall, and many more. Throughout our stay, our team stayed at some of the top hotels with rooftop pools in Philadelphia. These fantastic hotels were built to serve visitors and locals alike with not only superb views of the natural landscapes surrounding the lovely city. Trust us; by spending the night in one of these hotels, you’ll be at peace and forget about all the bad things in this world. Read on, choose the one you like, and get ready to fly to Philly!
Table of contents
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia NE-Bensalem
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Airport
- Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown
- DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
- Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- ROOST East Market
- W Philadelphia
- Wyndham Philadelphia-Historic District
- The Windsor Suites Philadelphia
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Philadelphia
- Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Philadelphia:
- Recommended Activities In Philadelphia:
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
11
The first three properties in this list might not have rooftop pools. However, they still offer some of the best pool experiences in the city! In Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, for example, you’ll have the chance to splash into the indoor swimming pool without any additional charge. When we arrived at the pool area, we were impressed by its cleanliness. Plus, the water was warm, which was what we needed.
When it comes to accommodation options, there are so many different rooms to choose from. After careful consideration, we ended up staying in the Waterfront King Room. It has all the standard amenities travelers in general can expect. With a cozy seating area right beside the window, anyone can take in the relaxing views of the water while sipping their favorite coffee.
Moreover, this hotel has several 24/7 facilities. For one, gym rats can work out at any time of the day at the 24-hour fitness center. Additionally, there’s also a 24-hour business center. Among all of the hotel’s amenities, one of our favorites is the cafe. We ordered the pastries and muffins and they were truly good. Want to explore the surrounding attractions? Make sure to visit Adventure Aquarium, which is only 10 minutes away by car.
Check Rates on:
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia NE-Bensalem
10
Next is a hotel from one of the world’s most popular budget-friendly hotel chains. At Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia NE-Bensalem, you’re not only offered an awesome guestroom but also a lovely outdoor pool. We were impressed by the pool’s size when we first saw it. Plus, it has a great number of loungers. When we took a dip, we could tell it wasn’t too deep. This means the pool is great for those who are still learning how to swim. A vending machine is also available near the pool, so don’t hesitate to gulp some soda before swimming a few more laps under the bright sun.
Along with the outdoor swimming pool, you can find a fitness center in this hotel, too. We worked out once there and all the equipment worked well and everything was well-maintained. If you’re not keen on lifting weights, maybe playing golf on a nearby golf course will suit you better. You can also go to the 24-hour front desk and ask the staff about other places that offer outdoor activities like horse riding or tennis if you want.
Despite being a cheap hotel in Philadelphia, the guestrooms are nice. Inside, we found a much-needed air conditioner, a big linen bed, and a flat-screen TV. There was also a refrigerator that we used to keep our Coke cold. If you decide to upgrade your room, you can have additional seating and a spa bath.
Check Rates on:
Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Airport
9
Best Near the Airport. Who says you can’t have fun when on a business trip? By staying in Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Airport, one of the hotels with outdoor pools in Philadelphia near the airport, your trip will be more enjoyable. We’ve been here and we enjoyed our stay a lot. That was because the pool played a huge part in giving us the relaxation we needed. It’s not big, but it’s certainly enough to help guests stay cool.
The spacious room in this hotel is worth more than two thumbs up! There’s a comfortable work desk and a mandatory coffee maker in the room. Besides those two, you’ll also find a 32” flat-screen TV to keep you entertained when you’re taking a break from work. It also comes with a spotlessly clean private bathroom. Inside, you’ll find a walk-in shower and all the toiletries you need.
While we were there, we also went to the on-site cafe. It offers latte and a wide variety of coffee. During our spare time, we would work out in the fitness center. We’re sure you’ll love the gym. It features modern equipment and is immaculately clean. After a grueling workout session, you can unwind in the lounge, which also includes a business center. Speaking of which, have you read our list of hte best hotels in Philadelphia by the airport?
Check Rates on:
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
8
Here comes one of Philly’s best rooftop pools! Those who want to experience a relaxing time in this city must at least spend one night in Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square. When we were working out in the fitness center, we were tempted to splash into the rooftop pool. It’s not the biggest pool out there, but it sure is nice, especially during the afternoon. Of course, we ended up taking a deep. It wasn’t too deep, and it was safe for us who were amateurs. The pool was also surrounded by a bunch of loungers, and some of us lay there to up our tanning game.
After a fun swimming session, you can return to the perfectly furnished guestroom. When inside, don’t forget to use the free Wi-Fi to post pictures of you floating in the pool. There’s also a cozy seating area and a work desk. When you want to watch some movies, just turn on the cable TV as you sip a cup of coffee made using the coffee maker.
At night, you can have a scrumptious dinner in the Art Bar. It’s a trendy eatery that promises you nothing but top-notch dishes and drinks. During our stay, we were craving juicy meat, so we went to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. There, we sampled delicious USDA-approved steak cuts that made our tastebuds dance!
Check Rates on:
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown
7
If you’re one of those who fancy staying in Philadelphia’s heart, Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown might be able to satisfy you. Here, we were able to experience all the sights and sounds this city had to offer us from the rooftop pool. Yes; as one of the best hotels with rooftop pools in Philadelphia, this is a great place for leisure travelers to check out the sights of the skyline during the sunset while floating on water. When we needed a break, we would unwind on the poolside sofa or the sun lounger.
While this hotel isn’t the fanciest, it offers comfortable guestrooms throughout. Aside from the tea and coffee maker, we also found a flat-screen TV in the spacious room. The seating area was a great spot to enjoy our coffee, but nothing beat the comfort that the plush bed offered. We have to say, the room was homey, and we truly don’t mind returning for another night.
There are many other amenities that you can take advantage of, such as free Wi-Fi, the fitness center, and the 24-hour front desk. Meanwhile, a complimentary hot breakfast is ready to greet you in the morning after you wake up from a good night’s sleep. It offers you delicious menus that will help you kick off your day with a huge smile.
Check Rates on:
DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
6
Best Indoor Rooftop Pool. In DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, many come to experience the indoor pool, which is one of the best rooftop hotel pools in Philadelphia. The rooftop pool is only accessible to guests. When we went there, it wasn’t crowded and we could have fun swimming in the pool as long as we wanted. When we were done swimming, we would sit for a little while on the poolside chair. You can also admire the city view through the floor-to-ceiling windows that cover the pool area. It’s so great that it’s named one of the 11 best hotel pools in Philadelphia along with some non-rooftop pools.
Our room was nothing short of cozy, and it was the perfect place to have a quick rest. Aside from that, there was also free Wi-Fi for us to browse for the nearest attractions to the hotel. We had some snacks with us so we kept them in the mini-fridge so they would last longer. After we woke up from our deep sleep, we kicked off our days by washing our faces in the private bathroom and admiring the city skyline views from the window as we had our morning tea.
Those who are hungry can head down to the Standing O restaurant. It serves nothing but carefully cooked dishes that will satiate your hunger. This restaurant also serves as a bar, which means you can end your meal with a glass of sparkling wine that you’ve been longing for quite some time.
Check Rates on:
Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
5
Set on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania and adjacent to Drexel University, the Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel is a sky-high, first-class hotel for those looking for an affordable stay. One of the highlights of this accommodation is none other than the rooftop swimming pool that offers a private cabana feel. Lucky for us when we were there, the weather was just nice so we managed to take a dip and relax for a while. We also found sun loungers surrounding the pool, so we were able to take a break with a glass of champagne.
Considered one of the top accommodations in the city, it also boasts a big guestroom with complete amenities. It’s bright and cozy, and the bed will make your stay feel more pleasant. There are also additional ironing facilities, so there’s no reason for you to wear wrinkled clothes. In the morning, we would use the coffee maker to have a cup of hot coffee to start the day right.
Inside this great hotel are also 14 meeting rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and a fantastic on-site restaurant, Sang Kee Noodle House. It offers yummy Asian cuisines and a host of cocktails to choose from. When it’s time to explore the city on foot, we highly recommend visiting the Penn Museum. It was so near to the hotel that we didn’t even break a sweat by the time we reached the museum.
Check Rates on:
ROOST East Market
4
Only moments away from the city center, you should also consider staying in ROOST East Market. This accommodation is the mix of an apartment and a hotel, and the heart of it is none other than its rooftop outdoor pool. Pictures truly don’t do the pool justice. At first, we thought it wasn’t that big, but when we saw it with our own eyes, we were shocked by its size. All of us considered the pool to be big, and the best part was that it was clean. It wasn’t too deep, and everyone in our group was able to enjoy the pool comfortably.
In addition to the pool, this place still has plenty of amazing amenities to offer. During our spare time, we went to the vegetable garden and checked out everything there. For relaxation, our go-to place was the terrace that featured a fire pit. Trust us; it’s the best place to relax and forget about everything. But if your ideal way of relaxation is by working out, you can work up a sweat in the 24-hour in-house gym instead.
Each apartment on the property is spotless, equipped with modern furniture, and spacious. We spent our night in the one-bedroom apartment, and it was the right decision. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed us to enjoy the surrounding views, and the wooden floors as well as the wooden furniture added an antique touch.
Check Rates on:
W Philadelphia
3
Most Luxurious. Who doesn’t want to stay in W Philadelphia? Set in the heart of Philly, this swanky hotel had everything we needed. Of course, the highlight has to be its WET Deck. Offering a refreshing plunge all year round, it’s the place to be if what you want is the ultimate relaxation. However, accessing the WET Deck isn’t free. We paid 75 USD to have the day pass, but it was totally worth the extra money. And if you want to splurge, you can reserve the luxurious cabanas and spend your afternoon poolside.
Aside from the WET Deck, this hotel is also loved for its modern gym and spa center. Whether you want to keep your body in shape or relax your mind and body, this hotel has the perfect facilities. Are you a social butterfly? Make sure to head to the cocktail lounge! We’ve been there before and it was the hottest spot on the property to meet new people and have some conversations.
As expected from W, the rooms here are nothing but splendid. Our suite was sleek and had all the standard amenities. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, we were always mesmerized by the city views. The living area was big and cozy, but our favorite was the whirlpool tub in the bathroom. It allowed us to have the ultimate relaxation without leaving the comfort of our room.
Check Rates on:
Wyndham Philadelphia-Historic District
2
Best Pool for Everyone. When talking about the best rooftop pool in Philadelphia, Wyndham Philadelphia-Historic District will surely be in the conversation. Its seasonal rooftop pool touts about five feet of depth, perfect for almost everyone. We stayed in the hotel for a few days, and the pool area was our favorite spot to unwind, especially after a long day of traveling. We would slip in for a dip to beat the heat. If you don’t swim, feel free to relax by the pool on the sun lounger and soak in the skyline sights.
Amenities in this hotel include free private parking and free high-speed Wi-Fi, which are essential for an enjoyable trip. If the pool is too crowded, you can work out in the fitness center instead. Looking for a drink? The on-site bar offers some of the finest wines in the city, which taste even better with a light snack. Based on our experience, we can confidently say it’s the place to be to meet new people.
Moreover, the guestrooms here are equally impressive. Ours was spacious and had modern decorations. Among all of the in-room amenities, we especially loved the plush bed. It was so cozy that we didn’t even want to wake up. In addition to all the must-have amenities, you’ll also find a spotless bathroom that boasts free toiletries.
Check Rates on:
The Windsor Suites Philadelphia
1
Best Views. Kick off your vacation in Philadelphia with a visit to this beautiful resort that features a wide variety of amenities, together with the sought-after rooftop pool! Among all the options on this list, The Windsor Suites Philadelphia offered us the most high-end stay at a more affordable price. Besides having leisure time, the pool is also a great place to enjoy the 360-degree views of the bustling Center City. Too tired to swim? Just chillax on the sun lounger with your sunglasses on.
“We think it’s safe to say that the pool is the heart of this hotel. It’s the perfect spot for everyone to unwind and beat the heat. Plus, the views of the Center City serve as the cherry on top.”
WOW Travel
Besides the rooftop pool, this family hotel in Philadelphia also boasts a 24-hour fitness center. We went there once to keep our bodies in shape. If you don’t lift weights, we recommend attending the yoga class. When you’re hungry, go to the on-site restaurant. There, you can sample world-class local and international cuisines without leaving the comfort of the hotel.
From studios to suites, there are plenty of rooms to choose from. But no matter which one you book, you’ll be able to find amenities like free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a seating area. Ours came with a fully-equipped kitchen. There was a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other that made preparing dishes a breeze for us. At night, visit the on-site bar to have some drinks before calling it a day.
Check Rates on:
Our Verdict!
All of the hotels above have amazing pools. That said, we’re not surprised if you have a hard time deciding which hotel to book as they’re all that good. Thus, we’ve categorized some of them according to the following categories, so make sure to take a look!
- Best Views: The Windsor Suites Philadelphia
- Best Pool for Everyone: Wyndham Philadelphia-Historic District
- Most Luxurious: W Philadelphia
- Best Indoor Rooftop Pool: DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
Welcome to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city that offers endless fun. There are so many top things to do in Philadelphia that you’ll feel time goes by very quickly. Well, that is if you can leave the hotel and decide not to spend your time in the hotel. That said, the best rooftop hotel pools in Philadelphia are mostly in Center City. It’s a bustling neighborhood that also serves as the city’s heart, where you’ll never run out of activities. This area is also home to many popular districts, like the Old City, Society Hill, and Chinatown.
If you’re here for a quick business trip, we recommend staying in Eastwick. When you’re in this area, you’ll be very close to the airport. Don’t worry, some hotels with awesome pools in Philadelphia are located in this neighborhood too. Just think of the pristine pool as a motivation to finish your work faster!
Aside from Philadelphia, many neighboring cities are worth your visit too. Those who are traveling with their families must visit Hershey. It’s known as the sweetest place in the world because of its ties to the popular chocolate brand. There are many themed parks and big restaurants in the city, and the best hotels in Hershey are waiting for you! Or, if you’re planning a lovely trip with your love, you might want to spend some nights in one of the 11 most romantic hotels in The Poconos.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Philadelphia:
- Vernick Fish – Specializing in oysters and fish, this is the number one place to be if you’re a seafood fan. Pair those fresh oysters with a glass of hand-crafted cocktail and you’ll have the best meal ever. You should also try the roasted swordfish!
- Parc – Whether you need a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you won’t regret coming here. Set in Rittenhouse Square, this is a French restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The Roast Chicken and Mediterranean Sea Bass are our favorites.
- Suraya Restaurant – This Lebanese restaurant is truly a gem. Offering you one of the best dining experiences in the city, it also features a beautiful outdoor garden. Its opening hours vary depending on whether you want to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Recommended Activities In Philadelphia:
- Reading Terminal Market – Introducing you to the most visited attraction in Philly, which is an indoor food paradise that’s also one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. There, you can purchase plenty of locally grown and exotic produce, locally sourced meat, the finest seafood, cheese, and many more.
- The Liberty Bell – When visiting Philly, you must stop by the Liberty Bell and witness the iconic symbol of the country’s independence. Around the monument is a family-friendly area and there are lots of food stalls too.
- Rivers Casino – In this huge casino, there are almost 2,000 slots, over 100 table games, a 28-table poker room, seven restaurants and bars, and a seven-story parking garage. That said, this is the paradise for those who are looking for a premier entertainment destination.