I’ve Seen a Lot of Hotel Pools, but This Was the Best One Ever

Hotel pools—they’re either an oasis of relaxation or a strange afterthought. For me? They’re usually a shrug. While some guests might base their entire booking on poolside vibes, I just don’t get the appeal. You’ll never hear me say, “Wow, that hotel pool was amazing.”

But every now and then, a pool comes along that surprises me. Let’s dive into some of the best, worst, and weirdest pools I’ve come across in my travels.

Pools That Impress

Sometimes, a hotel pool feels like an extension of the property, perfectly matching its vibe. Here are a few that stood out:

• Cairns, Australia: This pool is as picturesque as the Great Barrier Reef nearby.

• Hawaii: You can almost feel the ocean breeze with this pool nestled among palm trees and volcanic rocks.

When Pools Miss the Mark

Then there are the pools that don’t align with the hotel’s style—or any style, for that matter:

• The Palace, San Francisco: A luxury hotel, but the pool? Let’s say it feels more YMCA than posh.

• La Quinta in Texas. Your swimming view? The parking lot. Functional, sure. Memorable? Well, maybe for your kids.

• Private Onsen Bath in Japan: Not quite a pool, but soaking in near-freezing weather in a hot spring tub was unforgettable. Just don’t forget your robe for the walk back inside!

• Hotel Miracosta outside Tokyo DisneySea: The indoor/outdoor design? Pure Disney magic.

The Old-School Charm of InterContinental Chicago

Finally, we have the historic pool at the InterContinental Chicago. Built in 1929, it’s as much an architectural marvel as it is a pool. From the Spanish hand-painted tiles to the terra cotta fountain of Neptune, this junior Olympic-sized pool oozes history.

The pool at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile on our 14th floor is both a landmark and an engineering marvel. The first pool to be built at its height, it presented a challenge for engineers in 1929, when the hotel was still the Medinah Athletic Club. To hold such a large quantity of water at its height, engineers developed a system similar to the support system used by railroad bridges. The junior Olympic-sized pool is one of the biggest hotel pools in the country, and our pool is also the oldest in the city (and perhaps the most beautiful).

The area around our Chicago hotel pool showcases classic architecture from the ’20s. The architecture has been carefully preserved to look the same way it did in 1929, with only necessary fire-safety features and energy-efficient lighting added. A terra cotta fountain of Neptune, carved with painstaking effort, is the first thing you see when you rise from the stairs to enter the pool. Spanish, hand-painted tiles line the walls, along with marble pillars. Light flows in from elegant stained-glass windows. Ornate terra cotta decorates the ceiling. After your swim, dry off in the viewing gallery, where you can watch other swimmers or admire the architecture

Even without my swimming gear, I couldn’t help but admire it. Here’s a short video that captures its charm:

If you’re staying at the hotel, access to the pool is included, and you can even enjoy Dive-In Movies on Friday and Saturday nights—such a fun way to unwind after a day of exploring Chicago!

Not a hotel guest? No problem. You can still experience this historic pool by purchasing a day pass. Prices are $40 for adults and $25 for children, and passes are available through the ResortPass website.

Your Turn

So maybe hotel pools aren’t always dull. I might even start packing a swimsuit, just in case! What’s the most memorable—or bizarre—hotel pool you’ve encountered? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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