How to get into D.C.'s luxe private pools
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Grab a pass to the Pendry's pool. Photo: Courtesy of Pendry DC
D.C. is swimming in private pools — at hotels and homes — but you don’t need to hop a fence to get in.
Why it matters: A cabana and frozen cocktail are worth the price of admission.
Pass, please: Here are some hotels with passes for the public.
🥂 The Pendry: The Wharf's swanky hotel boasts a gorgeous pool — mostly reserved for guests — but you can snag limited day passes Mon-Thurs ($80 pp).
🏊 Tag Rooftop: The Ven hotel near Dupont offers day passes for its rooftop pool (prices vary by day/occupancy). A rooftop bar and sundeck serves snacks, pizzas and spritzes.
🇺🇲 Washington Hilton: Monthly memberships to the fitness club and pool (starting at $109) include extra perks like guest passes and discounts on food/bev.
The intrigue: Hotel pools are often guest-only. Enter: ResortPass. The online booking platform partners with local properties for "daycation" packages that include access to pools — plus gyms, daytime rooms, and other perks.
- Fees vary by time and hotel, but generally run $25 to $100.
Dive in at these ResortPass hotels:
🍹 Deck 11: One of D.C.’s biggest rooftop pools on Capitol Hill comes with cabanas and a bar/lounge for beach-y drinks and Mediterranean eats.
👩👧👦 Omni Shoreham: A “resort-style” setup in Woodley Park with pools for adults and kids.
😎 Hyatt House: A large rooftop pool at the Wharf overlooks the Potomac River.
Pro tip: Fees are gentler if you can go on a weekday, and many packages include hotel Wi-Fi for working between laps.
🏠 Backyard pass: Ultra-private swims at individual homes are available through Swimply — think Airbnb for aquaholics.
- The online platform lets you book thousands of private pools — generally $40 to $100 per hour — with customizable searches for large parties, pets, and, of course, pickleball.