View Full Version : Hotel Pools
Alright, I'm a HUGE fan of hotel pools. I can handle the ocean as long as I can see the bottom and see no predators. However, a good hotel pool can really sell me to booking with them. For instance, the Hotel Intercontinental pool in San Juan, PR is magnificient. It's HUGE, with a great view of the ocean, swim-up bars and plenty of places to sun yourself. I haven't been in an infinity pool yet, but I hear they are quite cool. The wave pool at Mandalay Bay in Vegas is great too, especially since you can walk on beachy sand once you get out of the pool.
What is your favorite hotel pool? Do you know of any hotels with salt water pools and sandy bottom pools?
DCTravelAgent
11-01-2005, 10:24 AM
I like the two pools at the Kura Hulanda on Curacao.
Also, the main pool at Ladera and the pool at Rock House - both for the views.
jfrenaye
11-01-2005, 11:00 AM
The coolest pool I was ever in was for the view and not the pool itself. The Regent (now Intercontinental) in Hong Kong. An infinity edge perched on the third floor of the hotel overlooking the harbor.
Outstanding at night with a drink in your hand!
http://128.121.48.70/images/hotels/hkgint/2large.jpg
weblet
11-01-2005, 11:23 AM
For view, the Westcliff in Johannesburg. The hotel is built up a hillside and they have an infinity pool on a terrace off the dining room that overlooks Jo'burg. Incredible. Hotel itself is not too shabby, either.
http://www.westcliff.orient-express.com/
DC- What was Ladera like? When did you go? I hear that it can be quite buggy and the plunge pools are frigid. I don't think I would mind the peepers so much. The Inifinity pool there looks like it could be fabulous.
JimFoster1
11-08-2005, 10:28 AM
The pool at the Sheraton Sukhumvit in Bagkok is truly awesome, an absolute jungle haven in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Also, the rooms at this hotel are huge and equal to just about anything in Hong Kong.
I must agree that the pool/hot tub, multi-temp "thing" at the Intercontinental in Hong Kong is great for the view, and, for the idea itself. There are about three different zones in it that are separated by glass, and range from a cold plung to rather warm.
silver cloud
11-08-2005, 10:43 AM
The 6 acres of pools and lazy river at the MGM Grand, The Mirage
Mandarin Oriental in Miami with their infinity pool, hmmmm makes me think.
DCTravelAgent
11-08-2005, 11:38 AM
DC- What was Ladera like? When did you go? I hear that it can be quite buggy and the plunge pools are frigid. I don't think I would mind the peepers so much. The Inifinity pool there looks like it could be fabulous.
Plunge pools in the Caribbean are almost always cold - because of evaporation.....
Just a little due diligence - the infinity pool is beautiful, but I think the photos are a little deceiving.....it looks a lot larger in photos.
Buggy? Sometimes (I've been there Spring and Fall), but we've never had a problems with mosquitos - maybe because it is so high?
Again, look at the two pools at Kura Hulanda (Curacao) are gorgeous!!!
Enough free info for you Gigs!!!
I like free info. I have always considered this site to be a resource. I know that if I lived in DC (where I grew up), I would know exactly who to go through to book my vacations... ;)
DesrtDrmr
11-08-2005, 12:19 PM
We loved the individual private pools at Las Brisas in Acapulco. We were overlooking Acapulco Bay, and it was gorgeous...................we never left our casita......had room service for all meals........it was heavenly.
DCTravelAgent
11-08-2005, 01:14 PM
Ah...you talk so pretty, Gigs! ;)
weblet
11-08-2005, 01:15 PM
I like free info. I have always considered this site to be a resource. I know that if I lived in DC (where I grew up), I would know exactly who to go through to book my vacations...
Hey Gigs, nobody says you have to live in the same place as your travel professional.... Yes, sometimes it makes it easier, but with email, phones and even snail mail, it works. I have clients who I have never met in person but have followed me from NY to MI and their own moves from NY to FL to CA to IL....
;)
joshua362
11-08-2005, 09:48 PM
Well, I'm not fortunate enough to travel to all those international pools, so I'll nominate the Marriott World Center in Florida. Its a huge pool with 24hr waterfalls that I love to sleep to, with the balcony door open, even 20 floors up. And a small slide for the kids.
Additonally, tucked away in the back is something I call the Umbrella pool. Its maybe a round circle 20 ' in diameter with a 10' round umbrella or mushroom shaped piece of fiberglass in which the water is pumped up and then casades over the edges. Its maybe 2' deep but the sound of water is trendous as well as the force of the water failling. I've always wanted something similar for my backyard!
clarkef
11-14-2005, 08:28 AM
I like the Hilton Rhodes. The pool was a work of art.
PCoil
11-14-2005, 09:19 AM
The pool at Frances Lodge is located on top of a hill and overlooks Siena. At sunset all the towers of Siena are highlighted by the sun. The pool is small and very private.
BYOFT
11-14-2005, 04:48 PM
the Hotel Intercontinental pool in San Juan, PR is magnificient.
I've always loved this pool, too. They used to serve the best bloody marys at the swim up bar...with a big shrimp as the swizzle stick!
Ssssmokin'
11-14-2005, 05:01 PM
My bathtub is huge...
stewart502002
11-15-2005, 10:07 AM
Sydney Parkroyal...pool and jacuzzi on the roof with a view of the Opera House swimming one way and the Harbour Bridge the other!
jfrenaye
11-15-2005, 10:10 AM
Originally posted by Ssssmokin'@Nov 14 2005, 06:01 PM
My bathtub is huge...
13536
:lol: :lol:
Originally posted by Gigs@Nov 1 2005, 11:21 AM
Alright, I'm a HUGE fan of hotel pools. I can handle the ocean as long as I can see the bottom and see no predators. However, a good hotel pool can really sell me to booking with them.
12563
So Gigs, not to be a little on the gross side, but...
Did you ever watch a kid in the pool, a few yards away from you with the look of pure satisfaction on his face, after standing in one spot, seemingly not moving a muscle for about 15 to 30 seconds? Did you ever think of what made him so happy? Do you really want to be in the pool with him? Did you ever wonder why hotel pools use so much clorine?
I'll take the ocean myself or an adult only whirlpool. There's a lot more water there and/or better manners.
Kairho
11-15-2005, 12:21 PM
Ocean water tastes better, too...
lamott2k
01-01-2007, 04:33 PM
Ocean water tastes better, too...
So do you after marinating in the salty water - said The Shark. ^_^
lamott2k
01-01-2007, 04:43 PM
Back to topic, a pool I've fallen in love with is the one at the Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort in Florida. This pool has an "S" Slide as well as two Jacuzzi's & a waterfall. Take a look...
http://share.lamottjackson.com/resizedsc09847.jpg
This resort sadly will be closing after May 1st 2007. I plan on taking a vacation during the last week of it's operation.