Exemplary amenities are essential to the hotel experience. And in a city like Dallas, where summertime temperatures require reprieve, those amenities must include a spectacular pool, preferably outfitted with plenty of chaise lounges, umbrellas, and food and beverage service.
Most of the pools on this list are available only to hotel guests, so consider this a staycation guide for locals. From rooftop bliss to family fun, these are the best hotel pools in Dallas.
Fairmont Dallas
The Fairmont boasts one of the bigger pools in Dallas — a junior Olympic-sized beauty with excellent views of the city — especially when compared to other downtown hotels. That means ample seating and, of course, restaurant service, which is all the more enjoyable at strategically placed dining areas. Fairmont Dallas hosts a Summer Dive-in Movie series, which kicked off May 24 and runs every Saturday evening at sunset through August 30. Films are family-friendly, and refreshments include popcorn, salads, smoothies, old-fashioned hot dogs and burgers, and cocktails for the grown-ups. The series, like the pool, is available to guests only.
Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas
For the quieter side of Dallas, head to Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas. An oasis in the ’burbs, this family-friendly luxury resort has four pools from which to choose — including one spa pool exclusively for adults — available only to hotel guests and Four Seasons members. The flagship water feature is a winding pool accented by tropical landscaping and a waterfall. There’s a sandy beach at the family pool, where the maximum depth is 4 feet. Sun shy? Then head to the indoor Olympic-sized pool.
Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan is practically its own town, and it’s worth booking a staycation in Grapevine just to swim — especially if you have kids. This outdoor bonanza includes a 600-foot lazy, winding river; two horse-shoe-shaped hot tubs that feed into a general swimming area; and slides, zipline and 27-foot-tall waterslide. There are 1,200 lounge chairs, beach chairs and family-style rounds, so there’s room for everybody. Pools are for resort guests only.
Hotel Lumen
The pool at this boutique hotel across from SMU may not be as impressive as some of the others on the list, but it offers what most do not: public access. On Sundays in the summertime — around mid-June to mid-August — swimmers and sunbathers of all ages can enjoy some pool time and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages and passed snacks for a small entrance fee. If you want to upgrade to a full meal and some grown-up libations, the Front Room happily obliges.
Hotel Palomar
Hotel Palomar has pool time down to an art. The heated infinity pool is perfect for swimming laps any time of year. Seating options ranging from traditional lounge chairs to outdoor couches provide a more relaxing pool experience for those averse to physical exertion. The pool is accessible only to hotel guests, but cabanas can be rented for private events.
Hotel ZaZa
Nestled among skyscrapers is a perfectly landscaped lap-style pool, with comfortable lounge chairs and the peaceful sound of a waterfall. It’s like being in your own backyard — if your backyard were an urban oasis packed with people much prettier than you are. The pool itself is modest — and available only to guests — but the people-watching is top-notch. And you can do that from next-door Dragonfly if you don’t have a room.
The Joule
The Joule has a real gem in its plexiglass-fronted pool. Designed by Adam D. Tihany, it hangs off the edge of the building by 8 feet, so guests feel like they are swimming off the hotel’s edge. Plus the view is like no other in Dallas. Hotel guests have complimentary use of the pool (which is also heated), and chaise lounges and cabanas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hungry? How about a quinoa bowl with almonds, goat cheese and roasted vegetables. If you must have Wi-Fi, there is access.
NYLO Dallas South Side
The infinity pool at NYLO South Side is making waves for its urban-cool vibe, which suits its South Lamar Street address. It’s a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown, but it still offers an incredible view of the skyline. Seating may be sparse, but the limited lounging just makes it all the more desirable, right? Hotel guests can take a dip in the pool and enjoy snacks and sips courtesy of Soda Bar. Not a guest? Throwing a private party is always an option.
Omni Dallas
The Omni Dallas infinity pool and hot tub offers a stunning, up-close view of downtown. Shaded and in-the-sun chairs provide ample lounging from which to take in the sights. The Omni pool is heated in the wintertime, making it a relaxing dip any time of year. The full-service bar doesn’t hurt, either. But you better get a room: The Omni pool is for guests only.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Everything about the Mansion feels refined, including the residential-style pool, which has a Palm Springs feel. What it lacks in size it makes up for with comfort — and access to the award-winning cuisine coming out of that famous kitchen. Enjoy those dishes — and cocktails, naturally — at the trellised dining area before resuming your position on the sunning deck. Guests only, please.
W Dallas Victory
If you’re looking for a birds-eye view of Dallas, then the 16th floor pool at the W Hotel is it. A glass enclosure allows guests to safely swim up to the skyline from dusk to dawn. The W’s signature food and drink service is available poolside, so you won’t have to lift a finger while you lounge on top of the world. The pool is open only to residents and guests — but that’s an incentive to stay there, right?
Hotel Lumen opens the pool to the public for designated days during the summer.
Texas pear and burrata salad.Photo courtesy of AA