Hotel pools that allow locals to swim in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - Looking for a pool this summer to beat this Louisiana heat? During the summer months, a number of New Orleans hotel pools will allow non-hotel guests to take a dip.

This summer trend has been going strong over the past few years, and many hotels are letting locals take advantage of pool amenities again this season.

Some hotels, like The Chloe and Royal Sonesta New Orleans, are also hosting special events to add more summer vibes to pool lounging. All charge a fee or require a service purchase for pool use.

Here’s a list of hotel pools to check out this summer. Contact each hotel for more details.

Did we miss a hotel pool that will allow the locals? Let us know about it here. Check back for updates throughout the summer.

The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

The Pool Club, located on the 13th-floor rooftop of the swanky Virgin Hotels New Orleans, is one hot spot to cool off this summer.

Non-hotel guests can access the pool with day passes available to the public on weekdays, for $30 per person, and on weekends, for $50 per person. Day pass holders receive access to the Pool Club from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Non-hotel guests must be age 21 and older.

Hotel officials say day passes do not include food and beverage or dedicated seating. The hotel also provides poolside sofa rentals that can groups can reserve with a food and beverage minimum.

Virgin Hotels also keeps its rooftop pool club lively with events, pop-ups and DJ sets. Visit the Virgin Hotels website for more details.

The Chloe

The Chloe, the vibrant boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue, allows day guests to take a dip during open summer swim sessions at the hotel’s picturesque pool bar. Access is available to non-room guests for $30 per person on Monday through Thursday and $40 on Friday through Sunday (and holidays). Entry is on a first-come, first-swim basis, with limited availability. Swim hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and pool guests must be 21 years or older.

The hotel will also resume its Poolside DJ Series all summer long from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Guests can party poolside to sounds by several New Orleans DJs including Antwigadee, DJ Kelly Green and others.

For more details, visit the website.

Alto at Ace Hotel

Alto, the lush rooftop pool at Ace Hotel New Orleans, allows non-hotel guests, age 21 and older, to make pool reservations via Resort Pass.

Guests can reserve passes for pool access, lounge chairs or daybeds. Pricing varies based on purchase. Pool hours are Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Drifter Hotel

The Drifter Hotel’s saltwater pool awaits at its quirky oasis on Tulane Avenue. The spot features a slate of summer pool parties and events and a liberal “top-optional” policy.

Guests can book two-hour “Drift Away” pool sessions online in advance for $10 at the hotel’s reservation site. A year-round swim club membership is also available for $299 and includes entry for one guest. All guests must be age 21 and older with a valid ID to enter.

Pool hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

W New Orleans - French Quarter

Escape to the W New Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter for a day of relaxation. For access to the WET deck and outdoor courtyard pool, non-hotel guests can purchase pool passes through Resort Pass.

Rates start at $45 per person from Monday to Thursday and $60 per person from Friday to Sunday. If you want to dine while you lounge, W New Orleans has a pool menu handled by its flagship restaurant 3rd Block Depot Kitchen + Bar.

Valet parking is $49 for the day, but free parking is available with any $30 purchase from 3rd Block Depot.

Pool hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Roosevelt New Orleans

Some locals might be surprised to learn they can use the rooftop pool at the Roosevelt New Orleans under special circumstances.

Locals can enjoy the pool with a cabana rental or a spa appointment. Private cabana rentals include seating for up to 10 people, a shaded day bed, towels, chilled bottled water, fresh fruit and a complimentary pitcher of draft beer or lemonade. To book a cabana, guests can email msyrh_pool@waldorfastoria.com. Additionally, spa patrons who received a 50-minute massage or facial have access to the pool after their services.

The Roosevelt also lets locals book a day pass via Resort Pass to swim during the weekdays for $65.

See more details about the rooftop pool via the website.

Windsor Court

At the Windsor Court, the all-new rooftop Pool Deck & Bar is now open, featuring brand new lounge chairs, lush landscaping, poolside restrooms and cabanas for rent.

Non-hotel guests can lounge poolside at the Windsor Court’s rooftop saltwater escape by booking through Resort Pass. Rates start at $75 for bookings on Monday through Thursday and $125 for bookings on Friday through Sunday. Day passes for children cost $25.

The access includes the pool, towel service and complimentary sunscreen. Pool hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Blackout dates apply if the hotel is full and pool is anticipated to be busy with hotel guests.

Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel

Similar to Windsor Court, NOPSI Hotel also uses Resort Pass for guests to access the rooftop pool at Above the Grid.

Guests can soak in the beautiful views while taking advantage of several day pass options. Day passes start at $50 and other passes at higher rates include private cabanas.

Daily pool hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The hotel says, for non-hotel guests, day passes are only for adults ages 21 and older.

Royal Sonesta Hotel

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, which dubbs itself the “Crown Jewel of the French Quarter,” also offers an escape from the summer heat.

This summer, the hotel launches Sonesta Sundays each week from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Oasis Pool Bar. The event also features weekly live entertainment and access to the pool bar and menu. Pool passes cost $35 and includes towel service, complimentary wi-fi and a discounted valet parking rate of $12. See the schedule for pool passes here.

Country Club

Okay, so this isn’t a hotel, but the Bywater restaurant is a popular spot with a lush outdoor pool area with a poolside cabana serving food and drinks. Daily pool rates at The Country Club are $20, which may vary with special events and holidays. The spot also offers an annual membership pass for $499.

The pool opens daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with last entry for the general public at 9 p.m. Visit the website for more details.

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