You Don’t Need to Book a Room to Swim in These Stunning Hotel Pools in LA
These day passes grant access to luxury hotel pools and cabanas at a fraction of the price.
From Santa Monica to DTLA, Los Angeles is home to a plethora of high-end hotels, most of which boast picturesque pool decks that are perfect for soaking up the SoCal sun. While we all have dreams of staying at these luxurious spots, our budgets typically can’t accommodate them. But we have a solution: day guesting.
Though swimming pools and other hotel amenities are typically reserved for overnight guests, ResortPass has changed the game by making day passes and cabana rentals at your favorite properties easier than ever. Some day passes can be bought for as little as $20, giving you premium access to the most scenic pools in the city without breaking the bank. Whether you want city views on a rooftop deck with an Aperol spritz in hand or prefer a cozy courtyard with ample privacy, these are the best hotels for day guesting in LA.
Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is one of the most exclusive hotels in LA, with a charming blue and yellow rooftop pool tucked in amongst the city’s skyline. Though day passes for the pool are not available, you can purchase a two-person cabana through ResortPass for $400. In addition to complimentary sunscreen, bottled waters, and fresh fruit, cabana rentals also come with a free bottle of Château Peyrassol Rosé. Watch your favorite sporting event on the flat-screen TVs while enjoying some shade or order a Paloma with chips and guac before taking a dip.
Cabanas starting at: $400
DTLA
The Conrad Los Angeles is home to a 16,000-square-foot rooftop terrace that offers panoramic city views, including that of the legendary Walt Disney Concert Hall. The urban pool deck is sleek and modern, with food and beverage service available from Airlight (think: Frozen Sangria and Shiso Spicy Margaritas). Since the lounge chairs are first-come first-serve, we recommend showing up early to secure your spot. Visitors with a day pass also have access to the hotel’s A+ fitness center before or after hitting the pool.
Day passes starting at: $100
DTLA
Located off of Olive Street, Hotel Per La offers a peaceful respite in the middle of DTLA. For only $20, visitors can daycation at the hotel’s rooftop oasis. The design-forward pool deck is small but chic, and the sweeping city views are simply unbeatable. Though $20 is a steal, the loungers tend to fill up quickly, especially on the weekends. If you’d rather be safe than sorry, splurge on the $75 pass that guarantees a reserved chair or opt for one of the cabanas if you’re attending with a larger party. When it comes to food, the salmon crudo, mezze platter, and harissa prawn tacos are all must-orders from Bar Clara.
Day passes starting at: $20
Malibu
Leave the city for the day and head to Malibu for a laid-back, poolside retreat at Hotel June. The mid-century modern property blends bohemian and minimalistic aesthetics to create a laid-back yet stylish ambiance. After settling in at your plush lounge chair or daybed, have the ideal poolside picnic with the hotel’s grab-and-go options that range from baguettes and cheese to fresh garden salads. Those craving more adventure can rent a surfboard or bike and explore the local beachside scenery.
Day passes starting at: $45
Santa Monica
This massive hotel sits right in the heart of Santa Monica on five-acres of pristine bluff-side space, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze while lounging by the heated pool. Snag your lounge chair while admiring the towering palm trees before ordering a margarita and a classic turkey club. You can even order a fresh sushi bento box from Soko, which is a traditional omakase restaurant created by Sushi Chef Masa Shimakawa. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows also offers a spa pass for $150 and includes your choice of a 60-minute massage or facial. That said, the spa pass does not include access to the pool, so if you want a full day of fun, you’ll need to purchase both passes.
Day passes starting at: $45
West Hollywood
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just traveling with a bunch of friends, a cabana at 1 Hotel West Hollywood is the perfect splurge. The scenic rooftop pool looks over the entire city, offering up epic views and a killer place to catch a tan. Located right in the heart of the Sunset Strip, this eco-luxury hotel pulls out all of the stops for cabana rentals, with amenities such as dedicated service, complimentary seasonal snacks, a bottle of sparkling Rosé, and a refreshing fruit plate. The cabanas can fit up to four people and are 21+.
Cabanas starting at: $550
Santa Monica
While the spacious poolside cabanas at Viceroy Santa Monica are a bit pricier, the outdoor patio cabanas are just as stylish and enticing, and patrons still receive premium access to both heated swimming pools. Choose between a bottle of sparkling wine and a bucket of Peroni Beer before browsing the extensive and tasty Sugar Palm menu for coastal California cuisine like ahi tuna tacos, vegan bowls, and hearty sandwiches.
Cabanas starting at: $250
West Hollywood
The refurbished and modernized motel setting at Palihotel Hollywood boasts a retro and vintage appeal in the cozy courtyard. The striped loungers, pink umbrellas, overhead string lights, and towering palm trees transport you back to the glamorous era of Hollywood for only $30. Seating is first-come first-serve, so if you want a guaranteed spot, upgrade to the $60 reserved lounger pass so that you can rest easy. If you get hungry, order Tex-Mex-inspired tacos from Benny’s on the Blvd.
Day passes starting at: $30
West Hollywood
Kick back and relax at this elevated hotel’s lush, plant-covered pool deck. Situated on the panoramic rooftop of The West Hollywood EDITION, day passes to this swimming pool start at a whopping $175, keeping exclusivity in mind both for overnight guests and day guests. The chic white recliners and daybeds are incredibly soft, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself catching a snooze after a tropical cocktail from The Roof Bar. Those craving a more robust meal can order from the hotel’s signature restaurant Ador, which is helmed by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser. The West Hollywood EDITION also offers a $75 spa pass for visitors hoping to use the gym and spa facilities without booking a treatment.
Day passes starting at: $175
West Hollywood
The Kimpton La Peer’s ground-level pool deck feels more like a movie star’s backyard than a hotel; the idyllic olive trees and overhead greenery make it feel even more whimsical and private. The Courtyard Bar serves breakfast and lunch, as well as an array of specialty cocktails. In addition to the pool, a day pass also gets you access to the fitness center, stocked with Peloton bikes and other machines. Since it is on the smaller side, claim your spot as early as you can as there are limited lounge chairs. That said, you can also reserve a daybed for $80 or a four-person cabana for $200. If you’re a fan of pickleball, reserve an hour at the rooftop court for $35.
Day passes starting at: $40