Best Washington, D.C. Hotels With Outdoor Pools

The new Wharf waterfront district is buzzing with things to do, making this an attractive spot for all travelers.

Set on the banks of the Washington Channel, the InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf has sweeping river views with a tranquil vista that belies its close proximity to the Jefferson Memorial and the National Mall. From the rooftop pool terrace, guests can gaze down upon the yachts sailing along the calm waters and enjoy uninterrupted views of the grasslands, trees, and golf links of the East Potomac Park and the mighty Potomac River beyond.

The 12 Stories lounge bar also has generous views through the full-length glass windows and from the alfresco terrace. Guest rooms, furnished in a modern style and with high-tech touch panel controls, have floor-to-ceiling windows, with some rooms opening onto a small unfurnished balcony.

The Moon Rabbit restaurant serves a creative Vietnamese menu with dishes like grilled prawns, green mango salad, and kombu-cured scallops. 

This massive D.C. landmark offers a resort feel right in the city.

The Omni Shoreham sits just off Connecticut Avenue in Woodley Park, steps from the National Zoo and the quietly busy Woodley Park neighborhood. The property’s exterior is jaw-dropping: A towering facade and sweeping staircases make it unmistakable. But the selling points here are the resort feel and the enjoyment for all family members: an award-winning pool scene and the Omni Kids Crew (toys, milk and cookies, etc.) will keep the young ones busy once they’ve finished with the zoo and museums. And with over 800 well-appointed rooms, the hotel has space for everyone.

A variety of services, from dining options to bars to a fitness center, plus a unique outdoor pool setup make this an especially fun choice during the warmer months.

It’s like someone dropped a private outdoor pool right in the middle of the city. Right at ground level, near Embassy Row, sits the Washington Plaza Pool, and it’s reason enough to choose the hotel for your stay. But you’ll also find a wide variety of room options, a full restaurant and bar, and an eye-catching design from Morris Lapidus, the same architect who designed Miami's famed Fontainebleau. While not the Plaza, this hotel is an often overlooked choice right in the heart of the city.

A chic Marriott portfolio hotel in the heart of charming Embassy Row, The Ven offers a scenic neighborhood with proximity to the vibrant nightlife of Adams Morgan.

Washington, D.C.’s Embassy Row is about as close as the United States gets to Europe (in fact, inside many of the embassies technically is European territory). The architecture, the tree-lined streets, the international population—it all makes for one of the best parts of DC to visit. And one of the best hotels in the area is The Ven. Not only is it set amidst this scene enclave, but it’s also got a great bar with delicious bites (Fred & Stilla), a bustling rooftop pool bar (The Rooftop), and a location near the bars and clubs of Adams Morgan. For those who appreciate beauty and fun, The Ven is for you.

Its location puts the Washington Hilton close to several fun neighborhoods with plenty of DC character.

Standing tall between Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle and within walking distance of Logan Circle and Shaw, the Washington Hilton is perfect for those looking to explore DC beyond the tourist sites (and with over 1,100 rooms, the hotel itself gives guests plenty to explore). It is unmistakable from the outside: a huge white facade that curves sleekly unto a soft U shape. Inside, the decor is modern and the rooms spacious. Interesting fact: The Washington Hilton is the site of the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan. 

The Capitol Hill location, onsite bar and restaurant, and rooftop scene make this an attractive option for single tourists. 

YOTEL has started popping up properties around the United States, and they do things a little differently. First, they call their rooms “cabins.” They’re comfortable enough, but the focus is on common areas and mingling, so singles traveling to DC might want to give YOTEL Washington DC a shot. The rooftop bar and the hotel restaurant provide onsite social activity. The check-in process is automated, with self-service kiosks, and the decor feels futuristic. So while it’s not for everyone, YOTEL offers a unique experience different from the standard hotel stay.

The Viceroy is a chic hotel that offers a slice of authentic Washington DC.

The Viceroy’s decor is both trendy and unique. You’ll find sleek lines in the furniture and architecture, and artwork from D.C. artists adorns the walls. And for a small-ish boutique hotel, Viceroy offers plenty to do: BPM Coffee & Wine, Dovetail Bar and Restaurant, and the seasonal Hush Rooftop Bar all combine to make the hotel a destination itself. Guests also find themselves near Logan Circle and the 14th Street Corridor, both of which offer authentic DC flavor and character. Walk some Washington neighborhoods and experience some of the shops, bars, and restaurants that locals love before cooling off in the rooftop pool.