United States Washington, D.C. Best Washington, D.C. Hotels With Outdoor Pools The Intercontinental is our top choice By Cathy Brown Cathy Brown Cathy Brown is an Argentina-based travel writer who covers hotels, destinations, and products. She also contributes to Lonely Planet, Fodor's, and Luxury Latin America. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 07/18/22 Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield University of Iowa Elizabeth Brownfield is a writer, editor, and researcher with over 15 years of experience writing about travel, food, and the home. She has contributed to such publications as Vogue, Glamour, Food Network, Martha Stewart Living, Domino, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Fitness, Tasting Table, Eater, and TripSavvy. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Washington, D.C. is not just infamous for politics, but it also abounds in history with its historic national monuments and famous institutions. This city is also well known for its intense heat waves and muggy, humid summer. So Washington, D.C. hotels with outdoor pools are like precious gems, places to cool off, sometimes even with views of the city’s storied architecture. D.C. is also one of the best walking cities in the world, and any good sightseeing trip to the capital will involve a lot of outdoor time. So if you venture to the city during the warmer months, a hotel with an outdoor pool should be at the top of your list. We put together some of the best ones, ranging from a small new boutique to a massive operation with a resort feel. Some are located near the National Mall; others sit at the crossroads of residential D.C. neighborhoods like Shaw and Adams Morgan. And all of them give you access to a good pool for cooling off. Whether you’re looking for family time, a singles scene, or quiet luxury, this list of D.C. hotels with outdoor pools has something for you. The 7 Best Washington, D.C. Hotels With Outdoor Pools in 2023 Best Overall: InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf Best for Families: Omni Shoreham Hotel Best Budget Hotel: The Washington Plaza Best for Nightlife: The Ven at Embassy Row Best for Urban Explorers: The Washington Hilton Best for Singles: Yotel Washington Best for Boutique: Viceroy Washington DC Best Washington, D.C. Hotels With Outdoor Pools View All Best Washington, D.C. Hotels With Outdoor Pools Our Top Picks InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf Omni Shoreham Hotel The Washington Plaza The Ven at Embassy Row The Washington Hilton Yotel Washington Viceroy Washington DC See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf 801 Wharf St SW Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The new Wharf waterfront district is buzzing with things to do, making this an attractive spot for all travelers. Pros & Cons Pros Waterfront views Onsite bar and dining Free high-speed WiFi Close proximity to dozens of local attractions Cons The Wharf area is a bit self-contained and not part of a true neighborhood Set on the banks of the Washington Channel, the InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf has sweeping river views with a tranquil vista that belies its close proximity to the Jefferson Memorial and the National Mall. From the rooftop pool terrace, guests can gaze down upon the yachts sailing along the calm waters and enjoy uninterrupted views of the grasslands, trees, and golf links of the East Potomac Park and the mighty Potomac River beyond. The 12 Stories lounge bar also has generous views through the full-length glass windows and from the alfresco terrace. Guest rooms, furnished in a modern style and with high-tech touch panel controls, have floor-to-ceiling windows, with some rooms opening onto a small unfurnished balcony. The Moon Rabbit restaurant serves a creative Vietnamese menu with dishes like grilled prawns, green mango salad, and kombu-cured scallops. Notable Amenities SpaFitness centerElectric vehicle charging stations Best for Families : Omni Shoreham Hotel TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington DC Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This massive D.C. landmark offers a resort feel right in the city. Pros & Cons Pros Magnificent pool Free high-speed WiFi Kids programming Pet-friendly Stunning exterior Cons Slightly farther from downtown 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. Notable Amenities PoolFire pitsHammocksBike rentals Best Budget Hotel : The Washington Plaza 10 Thomas Cir NW Rates: $ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros Onsite bar and restaurant Free high-speed WiFi Fitness center Cons Pets not allowed 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. Notable Amenities Fitness centerOnsite bar and restaurantLate checkout Best for Nightlife : The Ven at Embassy Row 2015 Massachusetts Ave NW Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It 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. Pros & Cons Pros Proximity to local attractions Fitness center On-site bar and light dining Charming locale Cons Slightly removed from National Mall 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. Notable Amenities Fitness centerEV charging stationBabysitting Best for Urban Explorers : The Washington Hilton 1919 Connecticut Ave Rates: $ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Its location puts the Washington Hilton close to several fun neighborhoods with plenty of DC character. Pros & Cons Pros On-site bar and dining Fitness center Children’s pool Cons Slightly removed from National Mall 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. Notable Amenities Fitness centerPet-friendly roomsChildren’s pool Best for Singles : Yotel Washington 415 New Jersey Ave NW Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The Capitol Hill location, onsite bar and restaurant, and rooftop scene make this an attractive option for single tourists. Pros & Cons Pros Onsite bar and dining Steps from the Capitol and National Mall Fitness center Cons Smaller rooms 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. Notable Amenities Fitness centerSmartBeds Best for Boutique : Viceroy Washington DC 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The Viceroy is a chic hotel that offers a slice of authentic Washington DC. Pros & Cons Pros Great rooftop views On-site bar and dining Attractive decor Cons Slightly removed from National Mall The Viceroy’s decor is both trendy and unique. You’ll find sleek lines in the furniture and architecture, and artwork from D.C. artists adorns the walls. And for a small-ish boutique hotel, Viceroy offers plenty to do: BPM Coffee & Wine, Dovetail Bar and Restaurant, and the seasonal Hush Rooftop Bar all combine to make the hotel a destination itself. Guests also find themselves near Logan Circle and the 14th Street Corridor, both of which offer authentic DC flavor and character. Walk some Washington neighborhoods and experience some of the shops, bars, and restaurants that locals love before cooling off in the rooftop pool. Notable Amenities Bike rentalPet-friendlyBlackout curtains Final Verdict Outdoor hotel pools are not just for Las Vegas and Miami. During the hot spring and summer months, Washington, D.C. has a good variety of hotels with outdoor pools for any traveler type, many of which are modern, trendy places to stay. Some are close to the museums and monuments of the National Mall; others are situated in neighborhoods with a bit more local flavor. Take your pick and take a dip! Compare the Best DC Hotels With Outdoor Pools Property Rates No. of Rooms Free Wi-Fi InterContinental Washington D.C. the Wharf Best Overall $$ 278 Yes Omni Shoreham Hotel Best for Families $$ 834 Yes The Washington Plaza Best Budget Hotel $ 340 Yes The Ven at Embassy Row Best for Nightlife $$ 231 Yes The Washington Hilton Best for Urban Explorers $ 1117 Yes YOTEL Washington DC Best for Singles $$ 136 Yes Viceroy Washington DC Best Boutique $$ 178 Yes How We Chose These Hotels We evaluated nearly two dozen Washington. D.C. hotels. We combed through reviews and considered a number of elements before selecting the best accommodations in each category. We looked at elements including the hotel’s reputation and quality of service, its proximity to major local attractions, and notable amenities. We also considered the dining options, extra fees, and the types of experiences (meals, on-site activities, etc.) available to guests. Getty Images / Flashpop Was this page helpful? 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