Leisure

Pooling Your Resources

Swim at These Pools, No Room Required

Breaking news: it’s hot. Like... just hot. So we’re not going to f**k around here. These are the best hotel pools in town, and they’ll help you cool off pronto—without forcing you to get a room for the privilege. (Note: you can still get a room if you want.)

BY THE BEACH

Casa Del Mar’s Beachside Pool

The pool: Big, blue... and 20 steps from the sand.
The way in: “Club Casa Del Mar” memberships grant year-round pool access to nonguests. And 25% off massages inside. Those aren’t bad either.
The best seat: At the head of the pool (facing the beach) at 2:28pm—high tide. Check out those waves.

THE HILLS HAVE EYES

Lazing at the Beverly Wilshire

The pool: A discreet rooftop enclave a paper-airplane’s throw from Rodeo Drive.
The way in: Book 60 minutes at the spa, and the pool’s yours for the remainder of the day. Spa opens at 8am...
The best seat: ... so you’ll land the center seat, front row, pool’s edge... at 9:01am.

GOING OFF-GRID

Eastern Hideout at the Langham

The pool: Hidden under an old bridge in Pasadena’s most decadent, historic hotel.
The way in: Book the “Spa & Splash” package, which includes a rubdown, a 30-minute salt scrub, a cocktail... and pool time till sundown.
The best seat: The chairs right at the steps into the pool, opposite the bridge. Keep that shadow away from your tan line.

WEHO DISCRETION

360-Degree Views atop Petit Ermitage

The pool: There’s water. There’s a certain code of discretion. There’s views in every direction.
The way in: It’s open to hotel guests, of course, but the hotel also offers secret rooftop memberships. If you have to ask how, you’re probably not getting one. But you have your ways...
The best seat: The elevated cabana. Sundown. Obviously.

TENTPOLE RELEASE

Poolside Tepees at the Standard

The pool: Pink inner tubes in the water, a ping-pong table just next to it.
The way in: Watch out for pool-party invites. Or book a tepee any day.
The best seat: Yes, the pool at the Standard now has tepees on fake grass. Nothing says Sunset Strip summer like a poolside tepee.