Not all hotel pools are built the same: some are heated, others are filled with saltwater, some are equipped with slides and many are on the ground level. They may also be only open to hotel guests.
But this is not the case for all the local options. In San Diego County, numerous hotels offer day es for non-hotel guests. And what makes San Diego unique is that there also rooftop pools, so that locals and tourists can soak up the sun and great local weather from high above.
This is a guide to nine hotels with rooftop pools that the public can access without being a hotel guest.
Andaz Hotel: On a clear day, the rooftop pool at the Andaz Hotel gives guests a 180-degree view of the downtown San Diego skyline. The lap–sized pool is surrounded by cabanas with furniture and TVs, daybeds and a bar where guests can order food and drinks. Day es are available via Resort and prices vary based on the day and capacity of the hotel, according to Andaz. Also, during the spring and summer months, Andaz hosts pool parties and brings in live entertainment and DJs. Some of the past rooftop events were a yoga pool party and a Mother’s Day brunch. More info on events can be found on the Andaz Instagram . 600 F St., San Diego. 619-849-1234, hyatt.com/andaz/sanas-andaz-san-diego
Alma San Diego: Alma San Diego, previously the Palomar San Diego, describes itself as a boutique hotel, which has a poolside restaurant, daybeds, lounge chairs, a 34-feet-by-18-feet heated pool and free Wi-Fi. There are also several games guest can play such as cornhole, a giant Jenga set, a large Connect Four set and a foosball table. The pool deck also has a custom floral mural by Jules Muck. Leave of Absence is the name of the poolside restaurant that serves various dishes such as ceviche, salads and wood-fired pizzas, along with various cocktails. Day es can be purchased at Resort.com for those who just want to use the pool area. The restaurant is open to the public. In addition, the pool deck hosts $15 yoga classes, led by Sara Silberstang of Mind Body Love on Saturdays. 1047 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 619-515-3000, stayalma.com
Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown: Just steps away from the Santa Fe Depot, the pool deck at the Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown offers cabanas, a hot tub, complimentary Wi-Fi and poolside food and beverage service. The saltwater pool measures almost 13 feet by 73 feet. It is 3 feet 9 inches in depth at the center and 3 feet along the sides. Report sells the day es for the Carte Hotel San Diego for $33 for adults and children. Some of the perks of the day , beyound access to the pool, include 15% off all food and drinks, free Wi-Fi access and valet parking for $25. Cabanas cost $544 for up to 10 people and includes a $250 food and beverage credit. 401 West Ash St., San Diego. 619-546-9600, cartehotel.com
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego: Live DJs every Saturday afternoon during the summer are among the highlights at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. The weekly summer event Liquid Sunshine brings in artists for live painting and bejeweled face painting, as well as pop-up vendors and live DJs. Liquid Sunshine is inspired by Art Basel Miami Beach, according to event organizers. For those who prefer a more chill vibe, Hard Rock Hotel does offer day es for its pool area from Resort on the other days of the week, starting at $27 per adult and $272 for a private cabana for up to eight adults. The pool area features include a heated rooftop pool, a hot tub, lounge chairs and towels. Cabanas include a television, mini fridge, a security safe, fans and sofa seating. 207 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 619-702-3000, hotel.hardrock.com/san-diego
InterContinental San Diego: One of the most inexpensive hotels in San Diego with public access to a rooftop pool day is at the InterContinental San Diego. Beginning at $13 for children and $16 for adults during the week, the public can use the pool overlooking the San Diego Bay, exercise at the fitness center, access the fire pits and get free Wi-Fi. The pool is 48 feet by 23 feet in length and 3 feet deep. Plus, day s can get three hours of free self-parking with a $50 or more food and drinks purchase. There are also couches and chairs available for seating on a first-come basis, and all Resort guests must leave the pool area by 8:30 p.m. 901 Bayfront Court, San Diego. 619-501-9400, intercontinentalsandiego.com
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: It’s not at the very top of the hotel, but the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego does have a family-friendly upper level pool deck that looks toward Coronado. The family pool is on the fourth floor of the hotel and offers daybeds, private shaded cabanas, a hot tub, fire pits and food and drink for sale at the pool area’s bar and grill. The pool itself is 4 feet 4 inches deep and measures 210 feet by 55 feet. Non-hotel guests can get into the pool area with a day from Resort , with prices varying based on day of the week and length of stay. Report guests can also access the hotel’s fitness center, basketball and pickleball courts, get complimentary Wi-Fi and get self-parking for $15. 1 Market Place, San Diego. 619-232-1234, hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/sanrs-manchester-grand-hyatt-san-diego
Mission Pacific Beach Resort: A mix of fun and relaxation is what awaits guests at the Mission Pacific Beach Resort. The rooftop area hosts a pool that overlooks the Oceanside Pier and the Pacific Ocean. It is 3.5 to 4 feet deep, with total dimensions of 12 feet by 25 feet. A Report gives the public entrance to the hot tub, fitness center, Wi-Fi and discounted valet parking. There are also cabanas available for rent with sofa and lounge chair seating, a table, bottled water, a cooler and a television. The Mission Pacific’s rooftop also features a bar with signature cocktails and food options such as oysters, prime skirt steak and small salads. On Tuesdays, there is a pool party with live DJs and poolside service. 201 North Myers St., Oceanside. 844-330-1722, rooftopbaroceanside.com/cabanas-and-pool
Omni San Diego Hotel: Last summer, the Omni San Diego Hotel reopened its sixth-floor rooftop deck with a renovated pool and two new dining options. The terrace is now called Tortuga Pool Bar and Terrace and it features an 8,000-square-foot heated swimming pool (3.5 feet deep), a hot tub, fire pits, daybeds, lounge chairs and private cabanas with TVs. The food menu is Baja California-inspired with options such as shrimp and adobada quesadillas, smoked tuna sliders and grilled fish tacos. Day es include entry to the pool, hot tub and complimentary valet parking and Wi-Fi. Cabanas and daybeds are available for an additional fee. 675 L St., San Diego. 619-231-6664, omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego
The Westgate Hotel: The Westgate Hotel opened in 1970, but it does not look 75 years old with its updated amenities, including a junior-sized Olympic rooftop lap pool, a hot tub, fire pits and a wellness club. The hotel offers day es for the public through its AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club. It gives guests access to the rooftop pool deck and the AquaVie club, which includes a sauna, a steam room, group fitness classes and an indoor fitness center. It costs $50 per day, Monday through Thursday, and $65 per day Friday through Sunday. 1055 Second Ave., San Diego. 619-238-1818, westgatehotel.com
