12 New Orleans hotel pools you can dive into this summer
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The pool at the Hotel Chloe. Photo: Paul Costello/Courtesy Hotel Chloe
When it's this hot outside in New Orleans, a beautiful swimming pool becomes one of the most popular places to be in town.
Why it matters: Unless you're lucky enough to have one of your own, chances are you're either diving into a public swimming pool or paying to access one of the hotel pools around the city.
Between the lines: Not every hotel welcomes extra guests.
- That's why we've rounded up our favorite New Orleans-area hotel pools where you can jump in and cool off without an overnight reservation.
- The Country Club, the LGBTQ+-friendly restaurant in the Bywater, is New Orleans' original drop-in pool, but it's not part of a hotel, so it's not noted in the list below.
The fine print: Some of these properties don't welcome drop-in guests under 21. It seems the larger chains are more likely to host them.
- If you do have kids, you may also consider splash pads or one of the free public pools in the area.
Key:
- 🍹 Serves alcoholic beverages.
- 🍽️ Serves food.
- 🧖♀️ Towel included.
- 👶 Kid-friendly.
🧖♀️ 🍽️🍹 Hotel Chloe
Dip into the scene at this bustling boutique hotel in Uptown, where non-hotel guests can drop in to swim between 11am and 8pm.
Cost: $30+. There's an annual pass option, too.
Fine print: First come, first serve.
🧖♀️🍹🍽️ Virgin Hotel
The 13th-floor rooftop Pool Club offers one of the best views in the city, so even though non-hotel guests aren't allowed to use the poolside chairs and sofas, you'll still feel like a VIP. What to know if you go.
Cost: $40+ on ResortPass. But on Mondays, locals with a Louisiana ID can get in for $10.
Fine print: Drop-in rates are higher on the weekends.
🍹🍽️ The Barnett
Formerly the Ace Hotel with one of the city's first drop-in hotel pools, the Barnett is continuing the tradition. Things can get roasty-toasty on the pool deck, so try to reserve a lounger under the greenery-draped pergola.
Cost: $10+ through ResortPass.
🧖♀️👶 The Iris Motel
This family-friendly pool is at the new Iris Motel in Mid-City. It's BYO for food and drinks. Go deeper for more photos.
Cost: $20/adults and $10/children through ResortPass.
🧖♀️ 🍽️🍹 NOPSI
The NOPSI has both single reservations and cabanas, which offer shaded space for two people.
Cost: $25+ through ResortPass.
🍹 The Drifter
Looking for a cool, quiet place to relax with an easy read? This probably isn't it, unless you're arriving early. By midday, expect the speakers to be turned up and buzzing poolside chatter.
Cost: $15+ per swim session or $399 for an annual pass.
🍽️🍹👶 The Dew Drop Inn
The renovated historic Dew Drop Inn is open for business, and that includes its swimming pool out back, dubbed the Haven Pool Club.
Cost: $20+. Call for availability at 504.948.3002.
🧖♀️ 🍽️🍹 The Windsor Court
There's free wifi at this 65-foot, saltwater pool, so if you can work from home, you might as well work from here. Or you could make a day trip out of it and pay for your kids to join you.
Cost: $60+ for adults, $25+ for kids on ResortPass.
🧖♀️ 🍽️🍹👶 The Roosevelt
Sure, you probably stop here for an annual Christmas card lobby photo, but stop by in the summer for the well-sized pool and pool deck. If you like your poolside drinks boozy, we love the Frozevelt.
Cost: $65+ for adults, $35+ for kids on ResortPass.
Go deeper: ResortPass has even more drop-in hotel pools, including the Hyatt Centric, the W New Orleans and the Royal Sonesta.