Lap it up: time to find summer swimming spots in New Orleans
Summer swim time
The season is warming up, and you’re likely thinking about some pool time to take the edge of that New Orleans summer heat. Sadly, we’re not all millionaires with our own backyard pools, so where can you go for a dip? There are several options around the city, from party pools, to quieter day pools, to virtually private pools if you want to splash out for a short stay somewhere. Here’s our round up of your options for pool times this summer:
Public Pools
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) runs several public pools across the city. These facilities typically run lessons and programs, so if you want to swim laps then you’ll need to work around those times, but there are options. For open swim slots and locations, see the NORD Aquatics page here.
Bed and breakfast inns
These are a much-overlooked resource in the summer. Rates are low, properties are quiet and if your spot has a pool, then you’re likely going to get it mostly to yourself. Among the places that have their own pools are Chez Palmiers, The Lookout Inn, Canal Street Inn, HH Whitney House, The Burgundy and Auld Sweet Olive. Perfect for a pool-heavy staycation. Start your search at bbnola.com.
The Country Club
634 Louisa St
One of the long standing favorite spots for locals, the pool here is always lively and though it’s less bohemian than it used to be, it’s a popular spot. The poolside bar and food options don’t hurt - be sure to go early for holidays or special occasions, though. One of the only pools that is open late - until 11pm every day.
Day passes: from $20. Season pass: $499
The Drifter
3522 Tulane Ave
Probably the most ‘party’-focused pool in town, this revamped motel runs poolside events throughout the summer and you can buy swimming sessions at quieter times, too.
Session passes: from $15. Annual passes: $399
Hotel Pools
These can mostly be booked via the hotels themselves, or at resortpass.com - almost all of these come with towel service, access to a lounger (first come, first served) and have food and drink options (some require a minimum spend).
Alto @ The Ace Hotel
600 Carondelet St
A rooftop pool with a party vibe. Day passes start at $10
The Pool Club Rooftop & Bar @ The Virgin Hotel
550 Baronne St
A rooftop pool with a great bar. Day passes from $25. Sofas and cabanas from $200 with F&B minimum spends.
Haven Pool Club @ Dew Drop Inn
550 Baronne St
A brand new pool in the CBD. Day passes from $20
The Chloe
4125 St Charles Ave
Cute pool at this boutique hotel. Day passes from $30 ($40 at weekends)
Casting Call @ Hyatt Centric
800 Iberville St
Another new pool, this one in the FQ. Day passes from $18. Season passes from $400
The W Hotel New Orleans
316 Chartres St
Another FQ spot at this popular hotel. Day passes from $45.
The Roosevelt Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way
Upscale property with a nice rooftop spot just outside the FQ. Day passes from $65
The Windsor Court Hotel
300 Gravier St
Another upscale pool, one of my personal favorites in the city. Day passes from $60. Cabanas from $1,000.
NOPSI Hotel
317 Baronne St,
Rooftop pool action in the CBD. Day passes from $50.
Le Meridien
333 Poydras St
A four-star hotel on the edge of the FQ. Day passes from $30. Cabanas from $250.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
300 Bourbon Street,
Right in the thick of things in the FQ. Day passes from $80. Day rooms from $199.
Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel
700 Tchoupitoulas Street
Good value for this low-key CBD hotel. Day passes from $15.
New Orleans Marriott
555 Canal Street
Rooftop pool deck with DJs at weekends. Day passes from $30
Maison Dupuy Hotel
1001 Toulouse Street
An oasis in the FQ, with a few options. Day passes from $35. Day beds from $150. Day rooms from $109.
The season is warming up, and you’re likely thinking about some pool time to take the edge of that New Orleans summer heat. Sadly, we’re not all millionaires with our own backyard pools, so where can you go for a dip? There are several options around the city, from party pools, to quieter day pools, to virtually private pools if you want to splash out for a short stay somewhere. Here’s our round up of your options for pool times this summer:
Public Pools
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) runs several public pools across the city. These facilities typically run lessons and programs, so if you want to swim laps then you’ll need to work around those times, but there are options. For open swim slots and locations, see the NORD Aquatics page here.
Bed and breakfast inns
These are a much-overlooked resource in the summer. Rates are low, properties are quiet and if your spot has a pool, then you’re likely going to get it mostly to yourself. Among the places that have their own pools are Chez Palmiers, The Lookout Inn, Canal Street Inn, HH Whitney House, The Burgundy and Auld Sweet Olive. Perfect for a pool-heavy staycation. Start your search at bbnola.com.
The Country Club
634 Louisa St
One of the long standing favorite spots for locals, the pool here is always lively and though it’s less bohemian than it used to be, it’s a popular spot. The poolside bar and food options don’t hurt - be sure to go early for holidays or special occasions, though. One of the only pools that is open late - until 11pm every day.
Day passes: from $20. Season pass: $499
The Drifter
3522 Tulane Ave
Probably the most ‘party’-focused pool in town, this revamped motel runs poolside events throughout the summer and you can buy swimming sessions at quieter times, too.
Session passes: from $15. Annual passes: $399
Hotel Pools
These can mostly be booked via the hotels themselves, or at resortpass.com - almost all of these come with towel service, access to a lounger (first come, first served) and have food and drink options (some require a minimum spend).
Alto @ The Ace Hotel
600 Carondelet St
A rooftop pool with a party vibe. Day passes start at $10
The Pool Club Rooftop & Bar @ The Virgin Hotel
550 Baronne St
A rooftop pool with a great bar. Day passes from $25. Sofas and cabanas from $200 with F&B minimum spends.
Haven Pool Club @ Dew Drop Inn
550 Baronne St
A brand new pool in the CBD. Day passes from $20
The Chloe
4125 St Charles Ave
Cute pool at this boutique hotel. Day passes from $30 ($40 at weekends)
Casting Call @ Hyatt Centric
800 Iberville St
Another new pool, this one in the FQ. Day passes from $18. Season passes from $400
The W Hotel New Orleans
316 Chartres St
Another FQ spot at this popular hotel. Day passes from $45.
The Roosevelt Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way
Upscale property with a nice rooftop spot just outside the FQ. Day passes from $65
The Windsor Court Hotel
300 Gravier St
Another upscale pool, one of my personal favorites in the city. Day passes from $60. Cabanas from $1,000.
NOPSI Hotel
317 Baronne St,
Rooftop pool action in the CBD. Day passes from $50.
Le Meridien
333 Poydras St
A four-star hotel on the edge of the FQ. Day passes from $30. Cabanas from $250.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
300 Bourbon Street,
Right in the thick of things in the FQ. Day passes from $80. Day rooms from $199.
Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel
700 Tchoupitoulas Street
Good value for this low-key CBD hotel. Day passes from $15.
New Orleans Marriott
555 Canal Street
Rooftop pool deck with DJs at weekends. Day passes from $30
Maison Dupuy Hotel
1001 Toulouse Street
An oasis in the FQ, with a few options. Day passes from $35. Day beds from $150. Day rooms from $109.