Here we are again. Summer in New Orleans. Depending on your point of view, we’ll be blessed/cursed with a stretch of sizzling days that send many of us in search of aquatic relief.
If you’ve got a backyard pool, great! (And what time should we be there?) If not, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to take a dip around town, from swanky hotels to family-friendly spots, fitness-focused and rent-a-pool solutions. We’ve also got picks for accessorizing your swim outings.
Let’s dive in.
Hotel Pools
In this traditionally quiet season for tourism, many New Orleans hotels have begun opening their pools to day guests. It’s a great way to staycation without (necessarily) spending the night, though if you’re looking to do that, summer room rates are often deeply discounted. Some of these pools offer tranquility, some a DJ-fueled party atmosphere, but there’s bound to be one to suit your mood – and most importantly, cool you off.
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
On the fifth floor of the Four Seasons hotel sits a little patch of paradise: the 75-meter mosaic-tiled pool (downtown’s largest). The pool is only available for hotel guests, but summer is a great time to snag staycation deals, so keep an eye out for special rates. With a crescent shape that mirrors the Mississippi River rolling nearby, it’s shallow enough to stand with a cocktail and perfect for floating and splashing around. Chic black and white umbrellas provide shade, as do private cabana nooks. The water is cooled or heated according to the season, so it’s always refreshing, and a spa tub completes the offerings. Pool dining and beverage service is provided by Chef Donald Link’s Chemin à la Mer restaurant and, though casual and straightforward, offers a decided step up from standard poolside fare. The frosé (made with Whispering Angel rosé) is worth the trip alone. And in case the skyline view of the Crescent City Connection isn’t enough, the pool also features a mural of hand-painted tiles titled the “Roost” by local artists Pippin Frisbie-Calder and Terrie Frisbie that’s worth a look. 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100, fourseasons.com.
The Chloe
The Chloe’s pool is a backyard oasis off the Avenue. Hotel guests can access the pool 24/7. But it’s a great option for a peaceful plunge even if you’re not staying over. For guests 21 and older, the hotel offers day guest access (including a towel) for $30 per person Monday – Thursday and $40 Friday – Sunday. The Chloe is also offering a summer pass, good from May 1 – November 1, for $500 per person. The pool is open daily from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and loungers that haven’t been reserved by hotel guests are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The pool bar features light bites (including The Chloe’s killer fries) and seasonal beverages with a focus on agave spirits. There’s Happy Hour Monday – Friday from 3-5 p.m.; Mezcal Mondays bring a 25 percent discount off a featured mezcal flight and classic cocktails that incorporate mezcal (like a mezcal Negroni). And if you’re looking for a music vibe, the hotel will be running a Summer Poolside DJ Series all season long, featuring the soundtrack of the city’s best DJs on weekends. 4125 St. Charles Ave., 504-541-5500, thechloenola.com.
The Frenchmen Hotel
This Marigny gem is offering a Pool Pass option ($20 for locals, $25 for visitors) which allows access to the intimate courtyard pool between the hours of noon and 5 p.m. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To stay even cooler during those toasty hours, guests can purchase a variety of canned beer, wine, seltzer, and cocktails. The best news? After an afternoon of waterside relaxation, you’re just steps away from some of the city’s finest live music venues to keep the groove going. 417 Frenchmen St., 504-688-2900, thefrenchmenhotel.com.
Hotel Saint Vincent
The cloister-like pool at this fashionable LGD spot has historically only opened to hotel guests. Until now. The hotel has rolled out its Friends of Hotel Saint Vincent Membership Program – Margaret Level, which comes with pool access and a lengthy list of benefits. Perk highlights include getting you (plus two guests) discounts at the hotel’s restaurant San Lorenzo, a complimentary night once a year, and access to the Chapel Club (the exclusive guest-only bar and lounge). And, of course, members get access to the pool and pool bar (Monday through Friday, no reservations are needed; Saturday and Sunday, reservations are required, not guaranteed). Contact Thecongregation@saintvincentnola.com for pricing and other information. 1507 Magazine St., 504-350-2450, saintvincentnola.com.
The Drifter Hotel
This renovated 1950s-era motel on Tulane Avenue bills itself as “an attitude, a mood and a statement about individuality and independence.” If that sounds like you, read on. The hotel reopened as The Drifter in 2017 as a funky, breezy gathering spot for travelers and locals alike. The outdoor pool hosts parties, hangs, and musical performances of all flavors. Their swim club membership runs $299 for a year of access (with a guest) to the private swimming pool, pool bar, and private courtyard area. Or you can also access the pool for two-hour visits for as little as $10 a session. 3522 Tulane Ave., 504-605-4644, thedrifterhotel.com.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta’s pool (the largest in the French Quarter) got a slick, off-season upgrade. On Sunday afternoons through September 24, from 2-6 p.m., a $35 ticket to the Sonesta Sundays Pool Party will buy pool access, towel service, and wifi. The parties feature live entertainment and food and drink for purchase (a full bar with frozen daiquiris and a grill cooking up burgers and chargrilled oysters). Plus, there’s discounted valet garage parking. And since access is free for hotel guests, maybe consider staying the night? 300 Bourbon St., 504-586-0300, Sonesta.com.
There’s an app for that
Like everything else in the world, there are now tech solutions to help with pool hunting. Try these for your next aquatic outing.
Swimply
This innovative app lets pool owners rent their private pool to guests by the hour. Scroll through the app, see what’s available in your area, and book it. Offerings vary to meet different needs and budgets and are located all over town. Owners let you know if they offer a separate bathroom area, grill, etc., and set guidelines for maximum number of guests. It can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to swim with friends or family that isn’t crowded or rowdy, and depending on your budget, you can go high-end or economical. You can also read other guests’ reviews to help guide your choices. Swimple indeed. Swimply.com.
ResortPass
ResortPass simplifies the process of booking a spot at a local hotel or resort pool. Many local hotels use this platform for day passes/reservations, so it’s a great option whether you’re browsing or have a particular destination in mind. Guest reviews are available, so you can also see how other visitors ranked the pool experience and amenities. Pricing for passes is spelled out for venues that offer chairs/daybeds/cabanas, etc., so you can read the fine print before showing up. Resortpass.com.
Windsor Court Hotel
You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the freshly revamped pool at the Windsor Court (though that’s a great way to do it). Guests can book day passes and cabanas through ResortPass (see below): for adults, it’s $75 Monday – Thursday and $125 Friday – Sunday. Kids’ passes are $25 every day. With the renovation, the hotel created a stunning pool area that extends the elegance and gracious service for which the Windsor Court is known. Upgrades include new deck tiling, a pool bench, fresh landscaping, and new pool bathrooms plus four cozy cabanas with TVs, roof louvers and lighting controlled by remote. Food and beverage come from the pool bar, which now serves specialty daiquiris and upscale cocktails as well as a custom pool snack cart that keeps guests extra cool with frozen treats. The pool bar menu is anything but an afterthought – ranging from Boston Lobster Rolls to salads to tortilla chips (house made because this is the Windsor Court) with salsa and guacamole. Plus, there’s a kids’ menu. So, if you haven’t been to the Windsor Court pool for a minute, this summer is a very good time to revisit. 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com.
Alto at Ace Hotel New Orleans
On the ninth floor of the Ace, you can float above the clamor of downtown at Alto, the hotel’s rooftop pool perch. Guests 21 and older can enjoy towel service, complimentary wifi, and poolside service with food and drinks available for purchase. The menu offers light and refreshing options like fruit salad and heartier fare such as the burger or andouille en croute. Book a lounge chair or comfy daybed surrounded by greenery and feel the city melt away. Hit the daily happy hour from 5-8 p.m. and enjoy $8 daily drink specials (on yummy sips like mai tais and piña coladas, depending on the day) and $6 draughts. 600 Carondelet St., 504-900-1180, acehotel.com.
The Roosevelt
The Roosevelt’s gorgeous rooftop pool is free to hotel guests as well as members of the Roosevelt’s Spa Club and guests of the Waldorf Astoria Spa who have booked treatments at the hotel. Other visitors can reserve a day pass on ResortPass (see below), which gets you access to the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, lounge chairs (first come, first served), towel service, and complimentary wifi; $65 per adult, $35 for kids. Valet and self-parking are available for a fee, and cocktails and snacks from the poolside bar are also available for purchase. If you’re looking for a little seclusion, reserve a private cabana. Full day (10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) rates: Friday – Sunday and holidays $550 for rental plus tax and gratuity; Monday – Thursday $375 for rental plus tax and gratuity. Each Cabana seats up to 10 people and features shaded day beds, towel service, chilled bottled water, fresh fruit, and a complimentary pitcher of draft beer or frozen cocktail. The Roosevelt has also partnered with the organization Footsteps to Fitness to offer “A Sunset Soiree,” a happy hour with a wellness focus. These are scheduled for June 6 and June 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the rooftop, and tickets include a hip-hop inspired yoga, Pilates, and Barre fusion class, pool access, and discounted parking rates (more info at footprintstofitness.com). 130 Roosevelt Way, 504-648-1200, Hilton.com.
Pool guest etiquette
Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a friend or neighbor who invites you to use their pool. If so, be a thoughtful visitor. We polled some NOLA pool owners about what they love/don’t love in a pool guest:
Make sure all guests know how to swim or are supervised AT ALL TIMES.
Bring your own towels. If you show up with a crowd, it helps not to leave your host with a heap of wet towels to wash. They may not mind, but at least offer to BYO.
Don’t walk out with their gear. If you or your kids borrow goggles, sunscreen, or other swim accessories, make sure they don’t accidentally leave with you.
Dry off! If accessing the pool or bathroom means walking through their home, don’t leave a wet trail. It makes things messy (and slippery) for others.
Put away any pool toys when you’re done swimming.
Their pool, their rules. If they don’t allow diving or horseplay (or nudity, or whatever!), be sure to respect (and make sure kids adhere to) the host’s pool norms – if you want to be invited again.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans Pool Club
The rooftop Pool Club is the fun and festive venue one would expect from this vibrant hotel in the Warehouse District. The Pool Club offers day passes at various levels granting access to seating options from “VIP Corner Sofa” to “Dreamboat Corner Terrace.” Bargain hunters might appreciate the “Love for the Locals” Monday special, which features $10 pool passes for locals on Mondays. Shade seekers and sun worshippers can take comfort in a pool area that offers both covered and uncovered seating. Food and beverage options are enticing, from frozen cocktails and Aperol spritzes by the pitcher to bites like Charred Onion and Herb Dip or a Gulf Shrimp Roll. Monday – Friday from 4-6 p.m. is “Golden Hour,” with specials on drinks like espresso martinis, buckets of beer, and more. And watch the Pool Club calendar for regular weekend events featuring DJs to keep the poolside party going from the late afternoon into the evenings. 550 Baronne St., 504-603-8000, virginhotels.com/new-orleans.
Not quite a pool… but still cool
Splash Pads
If you’re not looking to be fully submerged, you can find a bit of cooling relief for the little ones (10 and under) at the Lafreniere Spray Park (Eastbank) or the Parc des Familles Spray Park (Westbank). Both offer a bit of colorful – and free – novelty for those dog days of summer. Information is available at Jprd.com/aquatics. Lafreniere Park: 3000 Downs Blvd., 504-838-4389; Parc des Familles: 6101 Leo Kerner Lafitte Pkwy., 504-349-5000.
Audubon Cool Zoo and Gator Run
Sometimes a plain old pool just won’t do. For days when you need to spice up the swim (e.g., with an enormous alligator water slide), Audubon Cool Zoo is an excellent choice. Located in the Audubon Zoo, this wet and wild haven offers kids (and adult kids) a chance to splash, slide, and shoot each other with spider monkey soakers. There’s also a 750-foot lazy river – Gator Run – which offers inner tube floating, sand beaches, and water cannons. Because the Audubon Zoo folks know us well by now, they know we’ll forget towels, sunscreen, or some other necessity and therefore offer a well-stocked Cool Shop. Cool Zoo also offers substantial concessions and plenty of shaded seating throughout the area. To carve out some privacy, you might consider springing for a cabana rental. For Audubon members, Cool Zoo admission is $8 per person, per visit. For non-members, it’s $10 per person PLUS zoo admission. Open daily through Aug. 4 then on weekends through Sep. 4. 6500 Magazine St., 504-861-2537, audubonnatureinstitute.org.
Other Pool Venues
If a hotel’s not your speed, there are plenty of options that cater to frisky frolics, family fun, or health and fitness.
Spyre
For a tranquil pool experience with a dash of Zen (or fitness), check out Spyre. This wellness emporium created within the former Scandinavian Jazz Church offers a range of facilities and spaces for soothing, strengthening, sweating – and swimming. Their 1,130 square foot saltwater outdoor pool offers two bookable swim lanes and dedicated space for in-water exercise and rehabilitation. Sign up for a water aerobics class, do some laps, or just float. Spyre also offers hydrotherapy through hot and cold plunge tank sessions if that’s your thing. Enjoy post-swim nourishment at the onsite Well Café, which serves teas, smoothies, salads, and more – especially delightful when consumed al fresco in the patio and gardens surrounding the pool. Access the pool and/or other facilities with a day pass or package or a monthly membership. 1772 Prytania St., 504-900-0980, spyrecenter.com.
The Country Club
This Bywater hangout is always a good time – sometimes mellow, sometimes a little more high-energy, but always a spot for scene (and ‘be seen’). The Country Club is 21-and-over, making it an appealing option for those not seeking swim diapers and splash pads. Buy a day pass for a single visit or, if you plan on frequent use, spring for an annual membership for $499. The pass (or membership) gets you access to the saltwater pool, surrounded by lovely landscaping, as well as the hot tub and sauna house. Refresh yourself with food and drinks from the poolside bar and cabana grill. 634 Louisa St., 504-945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com.
East Jefferson YMCA
The East Jefferson YMCA is always accepting new members, and it’s an excellent option for a 25-meter outdoor pool in Metairie. The YMCA offers a full range of swim lessons, from blowing bubbles all the way to butterfly, as well as a swim team. Plus, you get all the other benefits of “Y” membership, including the fitness center and group exercise classes. 6691 Riverside Dr., 504-888-9622, ymcaneworleans.org.
New Orleans JCC
The New Orleans JCC has two campuses, each with plenty of aquatic offerings and a lively summer swim scene. Membership is required, but there are several categories available, and all include outdoor pool access. Uptown, choose among the six-lane, 25-yard heated lap pool, family pool with water slide, toddler splash pad for children under 5, and an indoor pool for teaching and fitness. Private and group swim lessons are available. In Metairie, the six-lane, 25-yard outdoor pool has morning adult lap swim hours and a reserved lane in the afternoon and evening for lap swimming. Kids under 5 can frolic in the (canopied) splash pad, and swim lessons are available for children ages 3 and up (through SELA Aquatics). If you’re looking to burn calories without burning up, both facilities offer water aerobics classes (to gold-level members). Uptown: 5342 St. Charles Ave., 504-897-0143; Metairie: 3747 W. Esplanade Ave., 504-887-5158; nojcc.org. [Note: the author is a member of the New Orleans JCC Board of Directors].
New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) Pools
NORD operates several pools across Orleans parish – some aquatic facilities year-round and some outdoor pools open for summer. They offer free spots to swim – no membership required. For summer outdoor swims, there’s the Lyons Pool at Lyons Recreation Center (624 Louisiana Ave.) and Stallings Gentilly Pool (2700 Lapeyrouse St.). NORDC also operates several indoor pools that offer swim lessons, lap swimming, water aerobics, and more. To get the latest on schedules and operating status (which can change frequently), visit nordc.org.
Poolside Picks
The pool is only one part of the picture. We’ve gathered some additional recommendations for the where and what of swim fashion and fun.
Sourcing the suit
Basics Underneath/Swim & Gym is an excellent choice for women’s swim fashions. Whether you prefer to bare it (mostly) all or keep things modest, this Uptown institution has a wide range of styles to suit all ages. They’ve also got wraps, caftans, and hats to keep you covered in style. 5513 Magazine St., 504-894-1000., basicsunderneath.com. Did you know Bra Genie sells more than bras? They also carry a broad selection of swimwear, from flashy bikinis to sophisticated tanks to all the accessories to cover up (including shorts, dresses, and more). 3054 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. C, 504-644-2500, thebragenie.com. JuJu’s Kids Boutique features lots of cute suits for babies and older children plus accessories like glittery sunscreen, swim goggles (including the kind with the fabric strap that won’t pull hair), hats, and towels. They even sell inflatable pool toys to keep the littles entertained. 5519 Magazine St., 504-304-2737, jujuskidsboutique.com.
Made in the shade(s)
On a sunny day, protection is key. Keep your head covered with a fabulous hat. We like the breezy, colorful woven hats and visors from Hola Guava (3650 Magazine St., holaguava.com) – they also carry killer sunglasses that won’t break the bank. Browse the offerings at the iconic Meyer the Hatter, which carries an array of summery toppers for men and women (120 Saint Charles Ave., 504-525-1048, meyerthehatter.com). For the eyes, shades from Krewe are poolside de rigueur (619 Royal St., 504-407-2925; 1818 Magazine St., 504-342-2462, krewe.com).
Flip-worthy flops
If you’re looking for high-end foot fashion (think Gucci slides or Louboutin sandals), check out Joseph. This Magazine Street boutique carries a range of styles that will have your toes looking sharp in any cabana. (5500 Magazine St., 504-900-1422, josephstores.com). Feet First has cute, casual styles from makers like Hari Mari and Olukai (4122 Magazine St., 504-899-6800, feetfirststores.com). Another trusted source is Jean Therapy, which carries a selection of pool-friendly Havainas, waterproof Birkenstocks, and more to meet a range of budgets (5505 Magazine St., 504-897-5535; and at Lakeside Mall, 504-833-6144, jeantherapy.com).
Terrific towels
We love the Saheli handloomed beach towel from Lekha (2111 Magazine St., shoplekha.com) because it’s chic and multipurpose (can also be used as a head wrap, shawl, or even a tablecloth). Bonfolk makes an adorable array of NOLA-themed beach towels, featuring designs from beignets to Sazeracs to snoballs (bonfolk.com or at select local retailers including Dirty Coast, Fleurty Girl, and Home Malone).
Cool(ing) cups
Lionheart Prints may be known for its creative stationery, but they also have an abundant selection of gifts and home goods, including an array of Corkcicle tumblers and drinkware to keep beverages cold. They’ve also got sweet cocktail napkins and other festive seasonal tidbits that make excellent pool host gifts. 3312 Magazine St., 504-267-5299, lionheartprints.com.
Safe skin
For every pool visit, remember sunscreen! With so many options to choose from, we asked Dr. Mara Haseltine from Pure Dermatology for some guidance. According to Haseltine, mineral sunscreens (like zinc and titanium) work instantly by reflecting UV rays, while chemical sunscreens need 30 minutes to activate as they work by absorbing the UV rays and undergoing a chemical reaction. “Both are good options,” says Haseltine, “but a lot of consumers prefer mineral sunscreens as more ‘natural’ and ‘clean.’ We love both chemical and physical sunscreens, and there is some evidence that the broadest UV coverage is a combination of both.”
One of Pure Dermatology’s favorites is Elta Pure, which contains zinc and titanium and is water resistant for 80 minutes, non-irritating, and safe for all ages. Other recs include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Lotion and the easy-to-use Supergoop! PLAY Body Mousse (Bluemercury carries a large Supergoop! selection, 5601 Magazine St.). For a budget-friendly option, Trader Joe’s Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Spray gets the nod. Pure also likes SPFs that are combined with DNA repair enzymes, which have been shown to reverse sun damage (while offering sun protection). In the physical SPF and DNA repair category, their favorite product for the face is Isdin Eryfotona Actinica, and for the body, Neova Active.
Create your own haven
Maybe an outing to one of these fabulous pools will inspire you to zhush up your own outdoor space. If you need ideas, Backyard Living carries all things pool, from stylish pool furniture and umbrellas in every color to tableware for poolside entertaining. They also offer design services to help you create your own oasis (no day pass required) – from pools to spas to outdoor kitchens. 7211 Regent St., Ste. G, 504-282-1011, backyardlivingnola.com.
