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Marriott Marquis hotel pool. Photo: Jason Zite via Trover
There’s nothing like jumping in the deep end, then letting the sun dry you while sipping a tall, cool cocktail. San Diego hotel pools are some of the most luxurious – especially if you’re a big kid at heart. These are waters for the 21+ crowd.
Paradise Point Resort and Spa
One of the most beautiful hotels for views and island charm is at Paradise Point in the Mission Bay area. The true beach is a few feet away, but once you slip onto a poolside chaise, you’ll be in tropical bliss. Island-style bungalows are scattered across the Vacation Village. Built in the 1960s by film producer Jack Skirball, careful upgrades have left touches from its founder’s movie days. There are five pools set among ponds and gardens. The adult Lagoon Pool is secluded from the rest with lush greens and cascading waterfalls nearby.
Hotel Andaz Rooftop Pool. Photo: Dave Parsons via Trover
The Andaz San Diego
Staying downtown and looking to soak up some sun? Take the Andaz elevator to the top and one of the most luxurious of San Diego hotel pools. The contemporary vibe extends to a lovely view across town. It’s the perfect deck for relaxing. Nightlife comes to you as the club beat heats up late in the afternoon and fire pits blaze into the night. If you feel like exploring, stroll to hundreds of restaurants, the waterfront, and theaters.
Lafayette Swim Club and Bungalows. Photo: Elaine J. Masters
The Lafayette Swim Club and Bungalows
Not far from Balboa Park and the zoo stands a grand dame of a hotel. Step past the towering columns into the cool world of the Lafayette Swim Club and Bungalows. The silver screen glamour comes naturally as Bob Hope and various starlets once partied there. The original Hollywood Tarzan and Olympian, Johnny Weismuller, helped design the central pool. A curtained bungalow and party area stands at one end. The hotel lobby opens to the graceful waters from the other side. Recent upgrades have the latest tech in the rooms and new embellishments to the two bars and restaurants.
A bit further from the city center are two of San Diego’s best hotel pools for splashing in style:
La Valencia Hotel
Venture into La Jolla Village and the Spanish Colonial charm at the historic La Valencia Hotel. Suspended above the postcard-perfect La Jolla Cove, the pool is large enough for laps or a cooling dip. Order drinks and appetizers while lounging beneath white umbrellas, or enjoy a quiet retreat next to tiled fountains. Take a break from the sun to shop in galleries and designer shops throughout the neighborhood. The lobby happy hour includes music drawn from the grand piano accompanied by a baritone on the weekends.
L’Auberge Del Mar
Tucked into the Old Del Mar Village, L’Auberge is just across the street from pounding waves. Spare yourself the sandy feet by lounging by the Olympic-sized pool. Servers wait to fill your glass while you enjoy the light. The Village eschews retail chains, so dozens of restaurants, shops and bars hold curated style and menus overflowing with California cuisine to ethnic varieties. The Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds are less than five miles away, but are a world removed from the quiet elegance in Del Mar Village.
Featured photo of San Diego Convention Center Pool by Carla Quimson via Trover.
Created as part of the Hipmunk City Love Project.
I always hunt for hotels and apartments with pools! They just make the vacation so much more relaxing and pretty! Thanks for this reference.
Glad you found these suggestions helpful. San Diego is over-flowing with poolside fun.
I would have absolutely no problem swimming in that rooftop pool! Why didn’t I know about this when I was in San Diego?…
Thanks, Pola. We hope you come back and take the plunge.
This makes me want to get back to SD! We usually get an airbnb when we visit from LA, but I think I will have to start checking out some of these hotels!!
Even a stop in some of the lobby bars is a treat. I hope you get to visit the hotels too.
I love San Diego! In fact, I will go there in about few weeks. My family would love these hotels for family vacations. It sounds like great places to relax and enjoy the pool
Wonderful to hear that you’re headed out our way. I hope you find all the sunshine and splashy fun you desire.
Oh hotel pools are so relaxing, something about swimming and then sitting on a lounge chair to relax and watch the kids having fun, sounds so nice!
We all need a little down-time when we’re exploring the world and lounging by a pool is one of my favorites.
Hmmm! Your description sounds very familiar. I think we went there for a conference about 10 years ago. It’s beautiful, indeed, and so relaxing… Thanks for joining me again for The Weekly Postcard.
Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Sometimes relaxing by the pool for even a little while on a business or busy vacation trip can recharge the batteries perfectly. Thanks for hosting the Weekly Postcard too.
Is there anybody that doesn’t just love San Diego? I sure haven’t met one. Haven’t been there in a few years, though. Just might be time for a return visit.
Glad to hear that San Diego doesn’t disappoint! When you live in a place for a long while its easy to lose perspective. I love being a tourist in my home town still.
I rarely take the time to swim in hotel pools, unless I’m with my grandkids. Otherwise, I’m always on the go. Maybe I need to slow down a bit and enjoy the amenities.
I know what you mean about slowing down to dip into a hotel pool when you’re on vacation. Kids help but I’ve always admired the idea of savoring a cocktail poolside. Must be a ‘Mad Men’ fantasy!