There’s something deeply comforting about slipping into warm water when it’s cold, rainy, or simply time to unwind. Whether you're seeking a romantic swim under skylights, a peaceful post-spa float, or a lively splash with the kids, these hotels offer indoor pools that feel like more than just an amenity—they feel like part of the escape. From mountain sanctuaries to city high-rises, these pools invite you to breathe deeper, stay longer, and let go.
Each of these stays offered a different kind of calm—urban elegance, rustic luxury, or coastal playfulness. I remember thinking, “It’s not just about where you go—it’s how you feel when you stop moving.”
Best Hotels with Indoor Pools:
Swimming through history at InterContinental Chicago
The InterContinental Chicago lobby gleamed with Art Deco grandeur, and just above it—hidden away like a well-kept secret—was the most elegant pool I’d ever seen. Framed in blue Spanish tiles and stories from the 1920s, it felt like swimming through another time. The whole place had that old Chicago polish, a mix of glamour and grit. I remember thinking, “Luxury doesn’t always whisper—it echoes.”
What I Loved Most: Floating under chandeliers in the historic junior Olympic pool, then drying off beside arched windows overlooking Michigan Avenue.
My Highlights? Dinner at Michael Jordan’s Steak House inside the hotel. I had the Delmonico ribeye with roasted garlic butter and a side of parmesan truffle fries. Classic, bold, and deeply satisfying.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Vibe: Historic, urban, elegant
- Highlights: Grand indoor pool, skyline views, Michigan Ave shopping
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for cozy luxury, or spring for river walks
- Cost: $$$ depending on room and view
- Hours: Pool open daily 6am–10pm
- Address: 505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Soaking in serenity at Omni Grove Park Inn
Wrapped in stone and tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Grove Park Inn felt like a haven from time itself. The indoor pool—dimly lit, naturally warm, cave-like—was a world within a world. Every surface glowed with quiet calm. I remember thinking, “There’s nothing more luxurious than stillness.”
What I Loved Most: Floating in the subterranean spa pool, watching light ripple across stone walls as the mountains disappeared into dusk outside.
My Highlights? A fireside dinner at Blue Ridge, the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant. I had the Carolina mountain trout with pecan brown butter and roasted root vegetables—comfort food reimagined with elegance.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Asheville, North Carolina
- Vibe: Rustic luxury, wellness-focused, historic
- Highlights: Indoor grotto pool, spa, sweeping terrace views
- Best Time to Visit: December for fireplaces and snow, or October for foliage
- Cost: $$$–$$$$ depending on spa access
- Hours: Spa pool access by reservation
- Address: 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Floating above the fog at Primland
We woke to mist blanketing the Blue Ridge forest like silk. Tucked into the spa wing of Primland, the indoor pool was warm and glass-wrapped, offering panoramic views of clouds rolling through treetops. Everything about this place whispered retreat. I remember thinking, “This is what elevated feels like—both literally and emotionally.”
What I Loved Most: Morning swims with no one around, just us, the water, and a forest slowly coming to life through the windows.
My Highlights? Dinner at Elements, their fine dining restaurant. I had the rack of lamb with blackberry jus and rosemary grits, followed by local peach sorbet. Mountain decadence at its best.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Meadows of Dan, Virginia
- Vibe: Secluded, serene, luxe nature
- Highlights: Indoor glass-enclosed pool, mountain spa, stargazing dome
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for color or winter for solitude
- Cost: $$$$ high-end resort
- Hours: Pool open 8am–9pm
- Address: 2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120
Escaping the fog at Hotel Nikko’s indoor oasis
San Francisco in winter is unpredictable—damp, dreamy, full of sudden sun and sharper wind. After exploring the city’s hills and markets, the indoor pool at Hotel Nikko felt like a retreat within a retreat. Clean lines, calm waters, and soft light made it feel more spa than splash. I remember thinking, “You don’t need to leave the city to leave the world behind.”
What I Loved Most: Swimming laps while the skyline blinked through the windows, then slipping into the hot tub with that post-exploration glow.
My Highlights? Dinner at ANZU, the hotel's sleek fusion restaurant. I had the miso-glazed black cod with truffle edamame purée and a yuzu kosho vinaigrette—delicate, savory, unforgettable.
Travel Tips:
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Vibe: Chic, urban, tranquil
- Highlights: Glass-ceiling indoor pool, rooftop deck, Japantown proximity
- Best Time to Visit: December–February for low crowds and spa season
- Cost: $$$ modern boutique
- Hours: Pool open 6am–10pm
- Address: 222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Chasing warmth and waves at Hammock Beach Resort
Even in December, the Atlantic breeze carried salt and sunshine at Hammock Beach Resort. But it was the indoor pool complex—playful, warm, unexpected—that made our weekend feel truly carefree. Whether floating in the lazy river or watching the kids giggle beneath the dome, everything here said: relax. I remember thinking, “This is what a winter beach trip should feel like—easy, warm, full of joy.”
What I Loved Most: Winding down the lazy river while soft rain hit the glass ceiling above, the ocean just beyond the dunes.
My Highlights? Dinner at The Atlantic Grille, with a table facing the water. I had seared scallops over butternut squash risotto, finished with a blood orange reduction. A little sweet, a little sea, just right.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Palm Coast, Florida
- Vibe: Family-friendly, coastal, playful
- Highlights: Indoor water park, spa, golf, oceanfront dining
- Best Time to Visit: December–March for warm-weather escape
- Cost: $$–$$$ for suites or villas
- Hours: Pools open daily 9am–10pm
- Address: 200 Ocean Crest Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Floating above the city at Loews Philadelphia
The Loews Philadelphia lobby kept its 1930s bones—brass elevators, stone columns, echoes of old banks and big dreams. But upstairs, the indoor pool felt surprisingly sleek. Set inside a bright glass atrium, it gave us a place to float quietly above the hum of the city. I remember thinking, “It’s rare to find calm in the middle of everything—and even rarer to rise above it.”
What I Loved Most: A quiet morning swim while the sun rose over the skyline, and steam curled gently above the surface.
My Highlights? Brunch at Bank & Bourbon, where I had brioche French toast with bourbon-maple syrup and candied pecans. Soft, sweet, with just enough edge—very Philly.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Vibe: Urban, architectural, polished
- Highlights: Glass-roof indoor pool, central location, spa
- Best Time to Visit: December for holiday markets and a cozy pool break
- Cost: $$–$$$ depending on season
- Hours: Pool open 5am–10pm
- Address: 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
More Getaway Inspiration
Want to plan your next warm-weather escape, beachfront stay, or coastal weekend? These guides can help:
- Florida Vacation Guide
Explore top destinations in Florida for sun, sand, and relaxing poolside stays year-round. - Places to Visit in Southern California
Discover scenic SoCal spots perfect for pool-lovers, surfers, and sunshine seekers alike. - Beaches in Miami
Pair your indoor pool escape with a coastal detour—these beaches bring the heat in every season.