Several hotels in downtown Denver and Cherry Creek had visions of flip-flops, rubber duckies and pure relaxation in mind when transforming rooftops into places for mixing and mingling. With 300 days of sunshine annually and blissful summers and autumns, Denver is a paradise for rooftop pools and bars.
For travelers seeking hotels to book with cool pools delivering elevated views, here's a list of great options. Take note that swimming and sunbathing at these pools is limited to overnight hotel guests, but many of the poolside bars and summer activities like poolside yoga and barre are open to the public. We also threw in a bonus hotel rooftop bar that doesn’t have a pool but is absolutely worthy with its 20-story perch!
Downtown
Four properties in the heart of downtown have rooftop pools that capture stellar city views and are open to hotel guests. Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel and Warwick Denver have two of the city’s only year-round pools as they are heated even during the winter months. The fourth-floor rooftop pool at The Westin Denver Downtown offers views of the mountains, and room service is available for food and drink served up poolside. Grab a lounge chair, go for a swim and take in 360-degree views at Crowne Plaza Downtown Denver, with poolside services available during fair weather.
Soak in a bit of Miami vibe in the heart of downtown at Four Seasons Hotel Denver. The third-floor rooftop terrace features a heated pool and is a landscaped oasis with potted plants, flowers and trees. The pool is covered with deep blue mosaic tile and surrounded by Colorado buff sandstone and comfortable loungers, and there is a poolside bar and grill for hotel guests. Those who purchase spa treatments on weekdays also have access to the pool, and there are occasional pool parties and events, including wine tastings and specialty dinners, throughout the summer months.
Located on the 20th floor of Le Méridien Denver Downtown, 54thirty is the highest open-air rooftop bar in the city at 5,430 feet above sea level. This standout rooftop is without a pool but instead devotes the entire space to socializing, sipping and stargazing. Don’t be surprised if there is some live music to enjoy with the nice selection of craft cocktails and globally inspired bar bites.
Whether you’re looking for a little splish splash, spectacular sunsets, sparkling city lights or a tasty beverage, check out these options for great hotel rooftop pools and bars!
River North Art District (RiNo)
The Source Hotel & Market Hall in RiNo has a rooftop pool on the smaller side, but The Woods is a totally different story. The full-service restaurant, bar and beer garden is open to the public and features dishes paired with New Belgium Brewing craft beers. There are 45 beers on tap and yummy beer-based cocktails, indoor and outdoor seating and two fireplaces.
Cherry Creek
There's no doubt that Cherry Creek has some amazing rooftop pools like The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop. The 75-foot lap pool is the focal point of The Jacquard’s rooftop and can be topped with a translucent cover for events that spill over onto the entire patio. While The Jacquard’s ninth-story pool is reserved for hotel guests, the elevated bar experience, Kisbee on the Roof, is open for anyone who wants to wind down and celebrate the day. Seating is available at the bar, community tables and lounging areas for ordering shareable plates and a wide range of beverages like a generous selection of rosé wine varietals from around the world and custom-labeled, house-canned cocktails (try The Lieutenant, a play on a classic mojito using simple syrup made from mint Lifesavers, or The Outrigger, a Mile High City mai tai made with Colorado vodka).
At Halcyon, the pool deck is the perfect blend of urban observatory, cantina and upscale bar. Hotel guests can reserve a private cabana and relax on a lounger, plus there are sprawling community couches. Elevated Rooftop Bar is open for anyone to enjoy along with the hotel’s Summer Fitness Series, where locals and visitors are invited to complimentary “Wine-Down” happy-hour workouts led on the pool deck by local partners barre3 and Corepower Yoga Cherry Creek and come complete with complimentary wine and Vita Coco water.
Photos: The Halcyon (above) and the Westin.