Stay Cool with a Day Pass to Austin’s Best Hotel Pools

In a city equally as exciting as it is sweltering, Austin has an abundance of swimming pools to try. Before you melt, we’ll share which hotels offer day-passes to their pools and what makes each of these favorite swimming holes unique. Let’s dive in!

East Austin Hotel

East Sixth Street

Be transported to the ‘60s and ‘70s at East Austin Hotel’s very own retro-inspired pool parties this summer. Starting June 9 and ending September 1, you can expect Summer Swell Sundays to feel like a vintage Palm Springs cocktail party! These Sunday parties are for folks 21 and up and passes start at $30. And if you’re looking for a weekday escape do not fear, East Austin Hotel has still got you covered with pool passes Monday through Thursday starting at $15, with all ages welcome!

South Congress Hotel

South Congress Avenue

Perched over SoCo with views of downtown Austin, South Congress Hotel is for those who don’t want to miss out on the action that accompanies such a lively street. The hotel combines mod and industrial touches to create a unique atmosphere, perfectly fitting with the vibe of this cool part of town. With poolside service from Café No Sé and steps from a seemingly endless array of shops, this is the rooftop pool for those who wish for easy access to one of the most talked-about streets in Austin. Pool passes are $30 per person and are available Monday through Thursday for non-guests to purchase. What are you waiting for? Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the city view.

Hotel Ella

Rio Grande Street

Rooted in Texas history, Hotel Ella is a Greek Revival style mansion built in 1900. But don’t be mistaken – a home this old can still entertain! With a cabana-lined pool area and updated modern touches throughout, this is one pool you may want to dip more than just your toes into as you discover the rich history behind it. Pool passes are available to non-guests Monday through Thursday for $25 and includes valet parking, a pool towel and entry to the courtyard and pool.

The Wayback

Bee Cave Road

Situated 15 minutes west of Austin, the Wayback Cafe and Cottages is a unique experience in the Hill Country. The Wayback’s pool sits under lush green trees surrounded by updated farmhouse cottages, a cafe and a drive-thru coffee and pastry hut. Even if you’re not a guest, this is a place you’ll want to stick around and explore. Daily pool passes are $20 Tuesday through Friday. Living is simple out here and if you’re lucky, your worries just may float away.

The LINE

Cesar Chavez Street

With locations in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and now Austin, the LINE is a vibrant newly- renovated hotel in the heart of the city – and they aren’t skimping out on their first birthday in Austin! This summer you can expect poolside DJs and live music every Sunday brought to you by Mohawk (one of Austin’s favorite spots for live music), movie showings, cocktails and Fourth of July festivities just to name a few of the things the LINE has planned. Did I mention there’s an infinity pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake? Count me in! Weekday pool and parking passes are also available for $25 Monday through Thursday.

Austin Motel

South Congress Avenue

So close yet so far out on South Congress. You may recognize this place just by their iconic red sign – it’s been making heads turn for nearly 80 years. There are many things we love about the Austin Motel and the kidney-shaped pool and lido deck are surely up there in rank. However, the retro red and white patterns and eclectic ‘60s vibe are what keeps us coming back for more. Grab a pool pass at the front desk for $25 and take an Instagram picture or two while you’re at it – this place is worthy of all the photos.

Four Seasons

San Jacinto Boulevard

If you’re looking for a getaway in the middle of the city, Austin’s luxury downtown hotel on San Jacinto is the pool for you. The most basic way to spend a day at the Four Seasons is a $60 day-pass which includes access to the saltwater pool, locker rooms, fitness center, eucalyptus steam rooms, towels and pool toys. Free amenities, including frozen grapes and mini popsicle cocktails are offered throughout the day, too. If you’re left wanting more, try the summer “day-cation” package. This dreamy option goes for $199 and comes with a 50-minute spa treatment, lunch at on-site restaurant Ciclo, and access to the pool.