As summer comes to a close, Southern California’s warm weather allows the masses to continue to flock to the stretches of beach between Malibu and the Pacific Palisades. But sometimes sand between your toes and waves crashing against the shore don’t quite stack up to a private cabana and cocktails in hand. From all-day pool parties to exclusive wet escapes that aren’t open to the public, here’s your key to the five best hotel pools in Los Angeles.
Checking into the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star is the only way to gain access to the oval-shaped swimming pool that is heated year-round to a balmy 82 degrees. Bask in luxury while you refresh with cucumber-scented chilled face cloths, La Prairie sunscreen and soothing tonic as well as summer cocktails like the Pins & Needles, made with Tanqueray 10 gin, rosemary, cucumber and lemon juice. If you’re feeling peckish, nosh on ice cream sundaes served in bite-sized waffle cups, fresh fruit sorbet push-pops (available with alcohol and without) and chocolate-dipped banana coins (all available through the end of October). Raise the bar at Hotel Bel-Air by booking the Presidential Suite, which offers 6,775 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, including a private pool that is located within the suite’s own personal Spanish courtyard.
Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel)
The pool at this Four-Star property may look familiar — Sophia Loren’s private villa in Italy inspired its design. With a bird’s-eye view of Rodeo Drive, sunbathe while sipping champagne or enjoying Pool Bar & Café’s offerings, such as freshly squeezed juices, bento boxes and a mega banana sundae. Hotel guests are always welcome poolside, and Beverly Wilshire grants access to non-guests who book a treatment that runs more than 60 minutes in the Four-Star spa or nail bar. Amp up your day of bliss by purchasing one of three cabana packages. The VIP option includes a private cabana, Dom Pérignon champagne, canapés, a three-course lunch for two, a pedicure or manicure for two and complimentary Wi-Fi and television.
The Four-Star hotel’s yacht club — a poolside nautical-themed brunch — sets sail every Sunday afternoon through September 8. On the teak deck, soak up the sun while sipping Cipriani Bellinis, listening to tunes by DJ Bobby French and enjoying selections such as eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, tuna tartare and the Mr. C pizza with prosciutto crudo di parma and arugula. If you’re bored of the bikini you brought to the party, shop poolside for an array of sophisticated cover-ups curated exclusively for the weekly event by designer Shay Todd. Guests of the hotel are guaranteed entry to the chic soiree.
Best known for dressing starlets like Jessica Biel and Lea Michele, celebrity stylist Estee Stanley has teamed up with the Four-Star hotel to re-imagine the aesthetics of the luxury Olympic-sized Aqua Star pool experience this summer. Stanley’s chic-retro vibe now peppers the cabanas, pool staff’s Lacoste attire and landscaping around the pool with navy, green and gray hues. While lounging around Beverly Hills’ largest pool, try new menu selections like Baja-style fish tacos, pretzel dogs and push-up pops in fruity flavors. Stay until nightfall for “dive-in” movies offered twice weekly. If you’re not vacationing at the hotel, get pool privileges by booking a signature hot stone massage or any other spa treatment at the hotel’s newly launched BABOR Beauty Spa, the only BABOR-branded spa in the United States.
Experience the intersection of old and new Tinseltown when you sport your most stylish swimsuit at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Tropicana pool bar and lounge. Comfy cabana chairs, sofas and fireplaces fill the 1,300-square-foot patio that wraps around the iconic pool, which features a mural painted by artist David Hockney at the bottom of it. The public is welcome to sip fresh cocktails, such as a strawberry-basil mojito, and order poolside bites, such as truffle fries with Parmesan and parsley and pulled pork sliders doused with barbecue-pineapple sauce. You can also opt for a larger selection of fresh fare from onsite 25 Degrees restaurant. Stay awhile by booking one of the many cabana rooms situated on two levels around the pool.
Photos Courtesy of Mr C Beverly Hills, Hotel Bel-Air and Beverly Wilshire
