Michelle Heisler, 61, is an avid swimmer who swims for 45 minutes three times a week at her local 25-yard pool. However, it can be difficult for her to swim while traveling. “Most hotel pools are either too small or too crowded,” she said.
Then, while planning a trip to Chicago, Heisler, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, came across a photo of the pool at her dream hotel. The 25-yard-long pool at the InterContinental Hotel was built in 1929 and is one of Chicago's oldest pools, surrounded by Greek-style marble décor. “You feel like you're swimming in an ancient Greek temple. It's a magical experience,” said Heisler, who has stayed at the InterContinental four times in the past 10 years because of the pool.
Even in resort areas, swimming laps mean having to negotiate strange and often short lengths while watching out for kids to shell out in the water, which is almost like a bathtub. Masu. Finding a hotel pool large enough for lap swimming in a big city is even more difficult. But they exist. Here are six hotel pools that are at least 25 yards long and offer plenty of space for lap swimming and a top-notch atmosphere. Some facilities are also open to non-resident visitors. Hotel representatives say that although most hotels are open all day, early morning hours are best for lap swim experiences.
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
setting: The south tower of the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel was originally a private athletic club that housed this indoor pool, used by famous Olympic swimmer and actor Johnny Weissmuller, who broke records at the 1924 and 1928 Olympics. Did.
The hotel's 14th-floor pool is an “architectural marvel with bleachers and turrets” decorated with Spanish majolica tiles, said the hotel's general manager, Christopher Corey. There are four swimming lanes. Lounge chairs surround the pool, and a newly renovated multi-level fitness center is nearby.
time: Weekdays from 6am to 10pm. There is no time set aside specifically for lap swimming from 7am to 10pm on weekends.
Pool temperature: 84 degrees
Public access: Non-guests can also purchase a resort pass online through Resort Pass to gain access to the pool and fitness facilities. Resort Pass is a platform that partners with hotels across the United States to offer day passes with access to exclusive amenities. Prices vary depending on the season, but his one-day pass for adults currently costs $40.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
setting: When Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown opened in 2016, it included this 25-yard-long indoor pool, designed by Canadian interior design firm Yabu Pushelberg, along with the rest of the hotel's interior.
The pool area features stone columns, wooden screens and custom scratch-plastered walls, adding a soothing tranquility to the space. “When you close your eyes, you feel like you've been transported to the French Riviera,” said Thomas Carreras, the hotel's general manager. He calls it his “sanctuary.” Seating ranges from lounge chairs with plush white towels to comfortable two-seaters with oversized pillows. The pool is located on the third floor of the hotel, which also includes fitness facilities and a spa. He has one designated lap lane.
time: From 6am to 8pm
Pool temperature: 83-85 degrees
Public access: The pool is available to hotel guests and members of Club 27, the hotel's private wellness club.
W Miami
setting: The W Miami is located within the Icon Brickell complex and condominium development in Miami's Brickell neighborhood, built in 2008. the W opened in 2016. Hotel guests and building residents have access to the complex's outdoor pools, including a reflecting pool, hot tub, and lap pool. Overlooking Biscayne Bay and featuring an infinity edge, this lap pool is 205 feet long, which is 40 feet longer than an Olympic-sized pool, making it somewhat daunting for swimmers accustomed to standard lengths. It's a pool like that.
The pool's design was inspired by French designer Philippe Starck, who also designed the complex's common areas and residences. Ariana Calcaterra, the hotel's director of marketing, said the pool will serve as a boulevard instead of concrete, aiming for a “whimsical, urban-chic version of the Champs-Elysées.”
Gail Gensler, 63, who lives in a condominium in the complex, swims in the pool twice a week as soon as it opens, often at sunrise. “She’s so great when she’s training watching the sun come up over the bay,” she said.
The pool is located on a 2-acre resort-style pool deck. There is also a lounge pool, cabanas, and a poolside restaurant serving food and drinks.
time: You can go swimming before dawn. Pool service, including towels and lifeguards, is provided from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Food service is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pool temperature: Spring and fall are 78-82 degrees, winter 76-78 degrees.
Guest access: The pool is managed by IconBrickell, the developer of the complex. Hotel guests have access together with residents of the complex.
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
setting: Built in 2021, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans' 75-foot-long outdoor pool overlooks the Mississippi River, with a mosaic-lined pool that curves into a slight crescent shape to reflect the curve of the river.
The hotel's fifth-floor pool also has a constant depth of 3 feet, 8 inches along its length, and features underwater lighting and music. He has two designated lap lanes. Surrounded by chaise lounges, a separate hot tub, and four cabanas available for daily rental. A fitness center and spa are located on the same floor. There is also a poolside bar serving cocktails and meals.
time: From 7am to 10pm
Pool temperature: 84 degrees.
Guest access: The pool is used by both hotel guests and property residents.
conrad nashville
setting: Built in June 2022 when Conrad Nashville opened, the outdoor pool is 81 feet long and located on the hotel's third-floor rooftop deck.
Guests can enjoy views of Nashville, including Vanderbilt University, while swimming, said Eumi Ko, the hotel's general manager. The pool area is open for food and drink from May to October, but the pool is open all year round. There are approximately 30 lounge chairs with umbrellas, a daybed, and a dining table and chairs. Three cabanas can be reserved. There are no lap lanes with ropes.
time: From sunrise to sunset.Food and beverage service is available Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pool temperature: 85-89 degrees
Guest access: The pool is for hotel guests only.
Cincinnati Marriott at Rivercenter
setting: The 75-foot-long indoor pool on the ground floor of the Cincinnati Marriott at River Center, just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati, was renovated in 2020. Windows placed along the length of the pool let in natural light. It feels like you're swimming in a cave,” said Shauna Dunaway, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. “It's a very open and bright atmosphere.”
He said the pool was particularly appealing to the hotel's many corporate guests, who could “get a full workout in the full-length pool.” There are lounge chairs around the pool and a fitness center nearby. There are no lane dividers.
Pool temperature: 84 degrees.
time: From 7am to 10pm
Guest access: Only hotel guests may use the pool.
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