Virgin Hotel in New Orleans has vibey drop-in pool

The big picture: The Virgin Hotel has had a drop-in pool since opening in 2018.

• Its got a reputation for a party-like atmosphere, which is well-earned with DJs and themed events often lighting up the pool bar's schedule.
• But if, like me, you choose to swing by earlier in the day or midweek, the scene can be a little more mellow. I even managed to get some work done before ordering a frozen aqua de coco cocktail.

Dive in: As the elevator doors open to the rooftop, you're greeted by a lush red tunnel of flowers, which opens into a small, glassed-in sunroom. It's just a few steps before you're at the pool bar.

• The pool itself isn't huge, but no one is doing laps here. It's more fit for cocktails and conversation rather than cannonballs.
• And the pool bar is outfitted for exactly that, with a full cocktail menu, snackable bites and lighter meals, like the grilled amberjack tacos I had.

Yes, but: Most of the (very hip) pool deck furniture is marked with signs to see an attendant if you'd like to rent it specifically, which leaves just a few sitting areas and lounge chairs for the milling crowd with standard pool passes.

Pro tip: All drop-in pool bookings are reserved through ResortPass, but locals can grab a spot on Mondays for just $10.

Go deeper:

• 12 New Orleans hotel pools you can dive into this summer.
• 13 public pools open in New Orleans for the summer.
• 5 splash pads to check out in New Orleans metro.