Summer in the city can be a whole lot of fun, and unbearably hot. A rooftop hotel pool comes to the rescue, offering not just relief from the scorching concrete but also a stunning view over the city.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
A dip in the 150-meter infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, widely considered the world's highest pool of its kind, comes with a truly breathtaking view of Singapore. From the 57th floor, the horizon stretches far beyond anything a swimmer can take in. The pool, open only to hotel guests, is part of the Sands SkyPark, which is also home to a variety of restaurants and an observation deck. The park is open to non-guests with a paid ticket. Room rates start at $780 in July.
Thompson Toronto
From the natural grandeur of Lake Ontario to the soaring architecture of the CN Tower, guests at the Thompson Toronto can see it all. The rooftop infinity pool and lounge are open to hotel guests and lounge club members. The hotel sits in King West, a fast-growing downtown neighborhood. September's Toronto International Film Festival is a favorite draw for guests. Room rates start at $315.
Partner links: booking through them supports the blog at no extra cost to you.
Thompson Toronto, 550 Wellington St. W., Toronto
Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice, Italy
Venice's only rooftop hotel pool offers a panoramic view of the city's one-of-a-kind skyline, with St. Mark's Square in the distance. The pool sits atop the Hilton Molino Stucky, housed in a restored 19th-century flour mill on the shore of Giudecca island. It's open from mid-May through September. The hotel, which also features seven bars and restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, and conference halls, has twice been named the leading conference hotel in both Italy and Europe. Room rates start at roughly $210.
Hilton Molino Stucky, Giudecca 810, Venice, Italy
SLS Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
Feel like a movie star without ever leaving the pool. Guests can lounge on a deck chair beside the Altitude Pool at SLS Beverly Hills, or opt for VIP treatment by renting a cabana. Smaller cabanas (holding up to six people) go for $300 on weekends, plus a $500 minimum food and beverage order. They come with flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Swimmers and sunbathers can soak up views of the famous Hollywood sign, the Pacific Ocean, and downtown Los Angeles. In spring and summer, DJs set a lounge-style mood. Cocktails and light bites from the hotel's culinary director, chef Jose Andres, round out the experience. Room rates start at $349 a night.
SLS Beverly Hills, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles
Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro
For a unique take on Rio de Janeiro's landmarks, head to the Philippe Starck-designed rooftop infinity pool at the Hotel Fasano. The panoramic view sweeps over the legendary Ipanema Beach, the Arpoador surf spot, and the twin-peaked Morro Dois Irmaos mountain. Guests can also take in the view from the steam room and visit the fitness center and rooftop bar. The pool is open to hotel guests only. Room rates start at $820 for a courtyard view.
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Vieira Souto, 80, Rio de Janeiro
W Hong Kong, Kowloon
Guests at the W Hong Kong can unwind in the pool on the 76th floor and take in panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the neighboring International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong's tallest skyscraper at 118 stories. Behind the pool, a mosaic wall made of more than 200,000 tiles adds to the see-and-be-seen vibe. The W Hong Kong pool is also open to non-guests who buy tickets to summer barbecues or poolside parties. Room rates start at roughly $425 for a standard room.
W Hong Kong, Kowloon, 1 Austin Road W., Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Athens Ledra Hotel, Greece
Greece has its share of troubles, but travelers never tire of the views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, and the Saronic Gulf. You can see all of them from the pool deck at the Athens Ledra Hotel. The Panorama restaurant also serves up wonderful views of the Athens skyline. And you don't have to be a hotel guest to visit the pool. This rooftop attraction, open from mid-April through October, is available to the public for about $22 on weekdays and $27 on weekends. Room rates start at $120 in July.
Athens Ledra Hotel, 115 Syngrou Ave., Athens, Greece
