This comprehensive guide breaks down the best NYC hotel pool day passes and free public pools, updated with pricing, booking links, and insider rules for the 2026 season.
IMPORTANT: The hotels have specific hours for children. Please visit their websites.
If you prefer to stay on the island, Manhattan offers incredible high-rise pool experiences ranging from trendy lounges to world-class wellness centers.
1. Virgin Hotels New York — The Pool Club Address: 1227 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
Perched 60 feet directly above Broadway, The Pool Club balances great views with live music and poolside dining. For the 2026 season (opening May 18th), morning sessions (8:00 AM – 11:30 AM) are reserved exclusively for hotel guests, but afternoon public passes are available. Premium cabanas fit up to 5 guests and feature dedicated server attention, privacy curtains, and complimentary refreshments.
2. Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards — Indoor & Outdoor Pools Address: 33 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 | (212) 812-9200
Equinox boasts a massive 25-yard indoor saltwater lap pool alongside a stunning, seasonal outdoor pool and terrace that overlooks the Hudson River and city skyline. Gym Member Hack: Equinox Select or All-Access members can buy a Hudson Yards pool day pass for just $45, while non-member guests of members pay $75.
3. Sixty LES: Rooftop Pool Address: 190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002 | (212) 460-5300
Lower East Side grit-meets-glam, featuring top-tier DJ-curated soundtracks. If you want an indie, vibrant, and artistic downtown atmosphere, the rooftop pool at SIXTY LES is your spot. Located in the heart of the Lower East Side, the pool deck features modern furnishings and a giant Andy Warhol film-strip graphic on the bottom of the pool. It features top-tier DJ-curated music, excellent cocktails, and a pulsating energy that perfectly mimics the surrounding neighborhood.
4. The Beach at Dream Downtown
Best For: A trendy, high-energy Meatpacking District party with a unique glass-bottom pool. The Beach at Dream Downtown is a classic fixture of the Manhattan summer scene. Spanning 4,800 square feet, it features a 50-foot outdoor pool with a glass bottom that overlooks the hotel lobby. The deck is styled with imported Hamptons sand, private cabanas, and a full-service bar and grill. It’s highly social and energetic, a favorite spot for the downtown crowd looking to see and be seen.
5. The Dominick — El Ta’Koy Pool
6. Somewhere Nowhere — Renaissance New York Chelsea
Sky-high panoramic views, trendy lounge music, and a true nightlife-meets-day-club experience. Perched on the 38th and 39th floors of the Renaissance Chelsea, Somewhere Nowhere is one of the highest rooftop pools in Manhattan. Offering a lush, garden-inspired design and 360-degree views of the city skyline, this venue leans heavily into a trendy lounge and DJ-forward atmosphere. Day passes give you pool access, towel service, and the chance to swim surrounded by the clouds.
Williamsburg is the undisputed capital of the NYC rooftop pool scene. These four spots offer distinct vibes, skyline views, and public day passes.
1. The William Vale — Vale Pool Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 | (718) 631-8400
The Vale Pool is a massive 60-foot heated rooftop oasis, making it the longest outdoor hotel pool in New York City. Open seven days a week during the summer season (roughly mid-May through September), you can also book add-on perks like sauna or hot tub sessions. Daybeds and private cabanas are available for a higher cost.
2. Arlo Williamsburg — ART Rooftop Pool Address: 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 | (718) 362-8100
Formerly known as the Williamsburg Hotel, the rebranded Arlo Williamsburg features the ART Williamsburg rooftop bar and pool. Lounge chair, table, and cabana options start at $100 per person. If you want the quintessential summer pool party, book a pass for Sunday to catch their weekly poolside DJ sets.
3. Hotel Indigo Williamsburg — Aliya Cocktail Den + Pool Club Address: 500 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 | (718) 577-2525
Located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Indigo, the Aliya Cocktail Den + Pool Club is accessed via a hidden check-in area off the main lobby. The seasonal pool deck offers beautiful Manhattan views but trades the loud party music for a relaxed, warm lounge aesthetic. The seasonal pool operates from late May through September.
4. CODA Williamsburg — Beach Club Address: 160 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 | (718) 218-7500
CODA hosts the largest outdoor saltwater pool in NYC. This is a strict 21+ adults-only venue (they enforce a $500 fine for underage guests sneaking in). The 2026 season officially kicks off on May 23rd, offering breathtaking views, premium food, and top-tier service.
Don’t want to spend $100+ for a swim? The NYC Parks Department operates incredible outdoor public pools that are 100% free of charge. 2026 Season: Late June through early September.
The NYC Parks Department strictly enforces pool deck rules. If you do not follow these, park rangers will turn you away at the gate:
Locks Required: You must bring a sturdy padlock to secure your belongings. Luggage locks are not allowed.
Dress Code: Proper swimsuits are required. Men’s suits must have mesh linings. The only clothing allowed over a swimsuit is a plain white T-shirt and a hat.
Footwear: Only rubber flip-flops or water shoes are allowed on the pool deck. Sneakers are strictly banned.
What to Leave at Home: No bags, blankets, beach chairs, electronics (including phones/cameras on deck), food, glass bottles, or newspapers are allowed near the water.
Yes, many luxury and boutique hotels in NYC open their pools to non-guests by selling day passes. Most properties partner with platforms like ResortPass or allow direct booking on their websites. Keep in mind that day passes are seasonal and typically only available from mid-May through September.
Typically, day passes for NYC hotel pools generally range from $100 to $250 per person, depending on the hotel’s exclusivity, the day of the week (weekends are significantly more expensive), and whether you are paying for basic admission or guaranteed lounge chair seating.
The Vale Pool at The William Vale in Williamsburg is the longest outdoor hotel pool in New York City. It measures 60 feet long, is heated, and offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.
Yes! All outdoor public pools operated by the NYC Parks Department are 100% free for both residents and visitors. The free outdoor pool season typically runs from late June through the Sunday after Labor Day in September.
NYC public outdoor pools are open daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All locations close from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM every afternoon for mandatory deep cleaning
Yes, you are strictly required to bring a heavy-duty padlock to secure your belongings in the locker rooms. NYC public pools do not provide locks, and they will not allow you onto the pool deck with bags, wallets, or electronics. Note that small luggage locks are usually rejected by staff.
The only clothing permitted over a swimsuit on an NYC public pool deck is a plain white T-shirt and a sun hat. Colored shirts, athletic wear, and sneakers are strictly prohibited for hygiene and safety reasons.
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