15 Insanely Awesome and Decadent Rooftop Pools In D.C.

By / Hotels, Washington DC

Sometimes, you just have to getaway. Even for those living in Washington, D.C., we crave an escape, even if just for a night. Others come to town looking for history, culture, but also a bit of fun.

There is no better way to unwind that a one of the rooftop pools in D.C.

Swimming pool in Hotel Zena in Washington DC
credit Hotel Zena

While most are in hotels, many offer cabana rentals to visitors who are not guests, while others leave this amenity exclusively for their guests, making it a good excuse to book a night at one of these hotels.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into where to find sky high swimming in D.C. with views of the Nation’s Capitol, Maryland and Virginia.

credit Intercontinental

Table of Contents

What Makes A Great Rooftop Pool?

When it comes to looking for a rooftop pool near me in washington, D.C., I look for a few things. I need seats in the shade so I don’t burn, lounge chairs for all the sun bathers in the world, and of course, a view.

Many of the pools on our list have cabana rentals and food service if you want to pop in for the day. Pools exclusively for guests of the hotels may be able to grab a cabana and order food, but don’t expect it at every location.

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Swimming pool in Hotel Zena in Washington DC
credit Hotel Zena

Hotel Zena

Hedy’s rooftop, lies at the 15th floor of Hotel Zena, serving gorgeous cocktails and delicious small plates. Hotel Zena is THE place to be seen this year, so book a room ASAP and check out the views with a few friends. Fire pits and private cabanas are available to guests.

But why is the Hotel Zen pool called Hedy’s rooftop? Well, in keeping with the hotel’s theme of female empowerment, Hedy’s is named after Hedy Lamarr – an actress and inventor known as the “mother of Wi-Fi.”

Viceroy Washington D.C.

The rooftop pool at the Vicery in Washington, D.C. is covered in decadent wood, with a penthouse deck just waiting for you to snuggle up with a loved one or friends.

Those 21+ can enjoy views of downtown D.C. with delightful specialty cocktails, wine, beer and light bites at the seasonal bar, Hush Rooftop Bar, which is also open to the public.

Yotel Washington D.C.

Yotel Washington DC is one of the most well-known hotels with rooftop pool in D.C. Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, you can not only enjoy a refreshing dip at this seasonal hotel pool, but drinks and food from DECK 11, part of the 250-person rooftop bar and pool deck.

Locals can rent private cabanas for access to the pool, the largest rooftop pool in D.C. (so far), making it the perfect spot to meet up with friends after work to unwind on a hot summer evening.

The Ven at Embassy Row in Washington DC
credit The Ven at Embassy Row

The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington D.C.

  • Address: 2015 Massachusetts Avenue North West, North West, Washington DC 20036
  • Availability: open to guests of the hotel (day passes are available on a limited basis- call hotel to inquire)
  • Parking: Valet parking
  • For Booking, Click Here

The Ven at Embassy Row, a pet-friendly hotel in D.C., kicks it up a notch with cozy and stylish rooftop pool and lounge for guests to enjoy. Enjoy beer, wine and cocktails from the pool bar, along with small bites. Cabanas are available as well as lounge chairs.

Swimming pool at the Intercontinental- the WHARF in Washington DC
credit Intercontinental Washington DC

Intercontinental Washington DC –The Wharf

  • Address: 801 Wharf St South West, Washington, DC 20024
  • Availability: Guests only, with cabanas open to the public to rent (check website for availability)
  • Parking: Valet parking onsite
  • For Best Rates and Availability, Click Here

Located along the Potomac River, the Intercontinental Washington DC- The Wharf offers a rooftop pool setting with gorgeous views of the sunset over the Potomac River. Grab a lounge seat and get ready to unwind as your mind drifts away to the sounds of laughter along the riverfront.

Guests are welcome to order a cocktail from WAVES, the rooftop bar to enjoy at one of the hightop tables or their lounge chair. No outside food or drink is allowed on the pool deck.

Rosewood Hotel Washington DC
credit Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Get above the noise of Georgetown when you slip into the tranquil waters of the indoor/outdoor pool at the luxurious Rosewood Washington, D.C. Located right along the C&O Canal, you’ll have views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center and Washington Monument as you swim.

Order a glass of champagne and a few nibbles from CUT Above, the adjacent rooftop bar to enjoy in the city as the sun begins to set.

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Georgetown Area outdoor swimming pool in Washington DC
credit Hilton

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/ Georgetown Area

Escape to this little urban oasis with a heated pool and garden terrace after a long day out in the city. You’ll find well-spaced lounge chairs for a little extra privacy, and refreshing water at this seasonal pool that is perfect when you want a room at a hotel line you can trust.

Just don’t miss the views of Georgetown at night. It’s worth a peek even if you are afraid of heights.

Outdoor Pools in DC at the Washington Hilton in Washington DC
credit Hilton

Washington Hilton

  • Address: 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
  • Availability: Guests only
  • Parking: Valet parking
  • For Best Rates and Availability, Click Here

Book a night at the Washington Hilton and you may start to think you should move in. After all, not many of us can have a rooftop with fire pits, a three-lane lap pool and a kids pool. Stack out your spot at one of the many lounge chairs on the pool deck before you jump in to cool off from the sultry summer sun in D.C.

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol-National Mall

Just minutes from the Smithsonian Institute, you can actually see the dome of the capitol building from the pool deck at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol-National Mall.

The rooftop pool boasts a huge pool deck with plenty of chairs and lounge chairs for everyone. There is also a bar where you can order drinks and snacks.

And one thing you will rarely see at a Washington, D.C. hotel pools– there is actually a lifeguard on duty! Every parent coming to D.C. just threw up a shout of glee that they can get an extra set of eyes on their kids at the pool.

Global Luxury Suites at Foggy Bottom

While not the lap of luxury or party central, the rooftop pool at Global Luxury Suites at Foggy Bottom does offer its longterm guests a seasonal outdoor pool to cool off during the more swampy months of summer in D.C.

There is a minimum stay of seven-nights at this apartment hotel, which is perfect for anyone in town on business or a longer Washington, D.C. family vacations.

Swimming pool at Royal Sonesta in Washington DC
credit Royal Sonesta

Royal Sonesta Washington DC

The outdoor pool at Royal Sonesta is hard to place on a list. Is it just outdoors or is it sort of a rooftop, but actually a courtyard pool? Either way, we love the quirkiness of this pool located on the second floor of the hotel and the added privacy the courtyard provides.

Guest can enjoy this 40-foot long heated swimming pool seasonally, along with a sundeck filled with cabanas, lounge chairs and tables. Food and beverage service is available for guest who want to sip and nibble poolside.

Swimming pool at Cambria Suites Washington DC Convention Center in Washington DC
credit Cambria Hotel

Indoor Rooftop Pools in Washington D.C.

Cambria Suites Washington, DC Convention Center

Well here’s a twist- Cambria Suites has an INDOOR rooftop pool. Outside you can lounge, but inside you can swim all year long in this well-lit, heated swimming pool.

Indoor pool at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington DC
credit Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Washington DC on Capitol Hill

Like the Cambria Suites, you will get a sky high view from the indoor swimming pool at the Hyatt Regency. While not your typical Washington D.C. pool, this rooftop offers swimming all year long.

Private Member Rooftop Pools in D.C.

Pent House Pool and Lounge

  • Address:two locations
    • U STREET– 1612 U Street North West, Washington DC 2000
    • THE YARDS– 1212 Street South East, Washington DC 20003
  • Availability: Members/Cabana rentals.
  • Parking: Not available

I’ve been to the U Street location of the Pent House Pool and Lounge, but never actually up to the Pent House Pool and Lounge. You see, this members only pool club is just above Bang Salon on U Street and Vida Fitness.

Even the stylist at Bang don’t have access to this pool, whether they want to go to the U Street Location or The Yards, which makes it even more intriguing.

Vida Fitness members with an unlimited monthly pass get access to the pool, along with all of the fitness amenities and discounts at the salon. However, you will need to reserve a lounge chair, day bed or cabana for an added fee if you plan on laying out in the sun.

Note: Six cabanas, including one larger VIP cabana, are offered for an additional free to current members to enjoy the pool with their guests.

There are General Admission passes (also a day rate), but you are not guaranteed a seat. You are welcome to sit at the bar, in the fire pit area or put your towel on the pool deck to enjoy if no lounge chair reservations are open.

The Pool Manager may offer you a seat if there are cancellations and no shows.

You never have to worry about getting hungry either. The Penthouse has a full menu of snacks, sandwiches and salads that are packed with flavor and nutrition to keep your body swimsuit ready.

Pin it and Start Swimming!

About The Author

Keryn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Walking on Travels, an award-winning site that gives hope to today’s active parents who don’t want to stop their lives; they simply bring their kids along for the ride. Keryn utilizes her project management background, along with a masters degree in journalism and an undergrad degree in photography to the team to create dynamic content and a vision that keeps up with the latest technology and trends. You can find Keryn dragging her 2 boys around the DC area most days and across the globe several times a year.
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