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The 12 Best Rooftop Pools You Can Swim in Without Booking the Suite

You don't need to be a guest to swim in most of the world's best rooftop pools — you need a day pass, or sometimes just the price of one overpriced cocktail. Here are the best rooftop pools you can actually access, and the trick to getting in.

Here’s a thing the hotels would rather you didn’t clock: most of the best rooftop pools you can access without booking a single night’s stay. The route is usually a day pass, sometimes a minimum spend at the bar, occasionally just walking in like you belong. The infinity edge, the skyline, the absurdly priced piña colada — all available to mere mortals who know the trick.

I learned this in Bangkok, sweating, when a hostel friend told me a certain rooftop sold day passes for less than a nice dinner. We spent an afternoon floating above the whole city for the cost of, well, a nice dinner. Felt like getting away with something. Still does.

These twelve let you in.

1. SkyPark by Siloso, Sentosa, Singapore

Since everyone’s first question is Marina Bay Sands — that famous infinity pool is, sadly, strictly hotel guests only, and the security is no-nonsense. But SkyPark on Sentosa offers a similar elevated infinity experience with a day pass, and you can actually book it. Singapore has a few of these now. Don’t waste your hope on MBS; go where they’ll actually let you swim.

2. Kimpton Maa-Lai, Bangkok

Bangkok is the world capital of the accessible rooftop pool. Several hotels sell affordable day passes that get you the pool, a towel, and that endless hot-city skyline. Book ahead online, go on a weekday, arrive when they open before the loungers fill. A whole day of luxury for a budget price — Bangkok’s quiet genius.

3. The Hoxton, various cities

The Hoxton group does rooftop pools well, and several locations are refreshingly relaxed about non-guests using the bar and (where they have one) the terrace. The vibe is younger, less stuffy, and you’re not made to feel like an intruder. Check the specific location’s policy, but the Hoxton energy is generally “come on up.”

4. Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona

Its rooftop “La Terraza del Central” sells day access in summer, with a small infinity pool looking over the Gothic Quarter rooftops toward the cathedral. It books out fast in July and August, so reserve. The minimum spend is reasonable for what you get, which is essentially a private Barcelona postcard.

5. Eden Roc, Miami / South Beach hotels

Miami runs on the day-pass economy more than almost anywhere — half the Beach’s hotel pools sell access to non-guests through the day-pass apps. The Eden Roc, the Faena, several others. Prices spike on weekends; go midweek. The poolside scene is half the fun, frankly.

6. Hotel Americano, New York City

A small but very cool rooftop pool in Chelsea that’s been known to welcome non-guests, especially if you eat or drink. NYC rooftop pools are rare and guarded, so this one is a genuine find. Call ahead, dress the part, and don’t show up at peak Saturday expecting miracles.

7. The Standard, downtown LA / NYC

The Standard’s rooftops are legendary and the pools have historically been accessible if you’re spending at the bar or it’s an event day. Policies shift, so check, but the Standard built its whole brand on the lively, see-and-be-seen rooftop, and they’re not generally precious about who’s up there.

8. Sofitel Legend Metropole–style pools, Hanoi & beyond

Many grand Asian hotels sell pool day passes that are absurd value by Western standards — a full day of colonial-era elegance and a swim for the price of a London pint or three. Across Southeast Asia this is the norm rather than the exception. Just ask at reception; the answer is usually yes.

9. W Hotels, various

The W brand leans hard into the pool-party rooftop, and several (Barcelona’s beachside one, others) have day passes or are loose about bar guests using the deck. Loud, fun, not for the peace-seekers. But if you want the scene, the W delivers it without a room key.

10. Adina / aparthotel rooftops, Australia

A lesser-known hack: serviced-apartment hotels in Australian cities often have rooftop pools, and some sell community day access or are relaxed about it. Less glamorous than the big names but real pools with real views and far fewer hoops. Worth a check in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.

11. Riad rooftop plunge pools, Marrakech

Not infinity pools, but many Marrakech riads have rooftop plunge pools and will sell a day pass that includes lunch and pool time even if you’re staying elsewhere. On a 40-degree afternoon, a cool plunge pool above the medina is worth every dirham. Email a couple in advance to arrange it.

12. Hotel Saint Cecilia / boutique pools, Austin

Smaller US boutique hotels are often friendlier about pool access than the giants — buy a cocktail, be gracious, and you’re often welcomed. Austin’s boutique scene is a good hunting ground. The rule everywhere: the smaller and cooler the hotel, the better your odds of a yes.

Three routes. One, the day-pass apps (DayAxe, ResortPass and their local equivalents) — the legit, no-awkwardness option, and you should book ahead in summer because the good ones sell out. Two, the minimum-spend move: at plenty of bar-side pools, a couple of drinks buys you a lounger and a dip, so just ask politely at the bar. Three, confidence — at the looser places, walking up like you’ve every right to be there genuinely works more often than it should.

And the golden rule: skip Marina Bay Sands. It’s guests-only, the staff have heard every story, and theres a dozen pools that’ll actually let you swim for far less hassle.

Book the day pass, or buy the drink, or just ask nicely. The view from the water is the same whether or not you paid for a room.

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