When the heat rises, we're cooling down with a dip in one of these fabulous pools, this REPORTER ROUNDUP is of the coolest pool party venues in the U.S. of A. Think cannonballs, caftans, cocktails, pink flamingos, drink umbrellas, spritzers, the smell of coconut sunscreen, and polka dot bikini galore. Grab your floaties, beer koozies, and sandal sporting buddies, its time to get wet and wild with this venue roundup.
Whether you want to just dip your toes or dive right in, when the mercury rises where will you take a plunge? This is a list of the top eight USA pool venues to throw a party at this summer. From the rooftops of NYC to the legendary pools in Hollywood, some of our favorites have been featured in movies and some are brand spanking new. Whether you will be toasting with a glass of champs or slurping a mojito out of a straw, where will you celebrate?! This roundup is for those of you who are ready to get wet and wild.
1. VENUE: Raleigh Hotel LOCATION: Miami, Florida
THE REPORT: A south beach icon since 1941 this poolside venue is 5,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 500 of your nearest and dearest party animals. This is no ordinary pool, the shape of the pool itself makes this poolside venue number one on our list. You and your guests can swim, amble over to the bar for a cool drink or eat delightfully delicious bites from Restaurant Michael Schwartz.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: Whether wading in the water with an inner tube or relaxing in the shade of a private cabana, the retro black and white stripes, tropical foliage, and fringed umbrellas set the tone for a well-designed shindig, not to mention the history at this legendary hotel. The pool itself has been the set for many an Esther Williams film. The pool was awarded the most beautiful in America by Life Magazine in 1947.
2. VENUE: The Villa by Barton G LOCATION: Miami, Florida
THE REPORT: This luxury boutique hotel is also the iconic mansion that was the former residence of famous fashion designer Gianni Versace. Events impresario and restaurateur Barton G. Weiss infused his design sensibility into the palatial property and made it ideal for events. With full-service event planning options, custom menus, and décor, he will guide your event needs.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: This pool is chock full of history, opulence and elegance, all situated at the Ocean Drive address. Guests can take a dip in the mansion’s pool designed by Gianni Versace himself. It is 54 feet long with thousands of mosaics and is lined in 24 karat gold! The perfect setting for weddings, corporate and private pool party events.
3. VENUE: Gansevoort Hotel LOCATION: Park Avenue, NYC
THE REPORT: Gansevoort Hotel is the first luxury, full service resort in Manhattan’s vibrant and historic Meatpacking District. The enticing rooftop pool has already been the backdrop for many an NYC party. Surrounding the iconic pool is a venue space ideal for receptions of up to 100 guests. Featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding windows with wraparound terraces, hardwood floors and a private bar.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: At this rooftop pool venue you will be able to take in the views of the Empire State building twenty stories above the city. The 5-foot heated pool features the Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge with landscaped terraces, an outdoor grill and 5,500 square feet of event space with soaring 20+ foot ceilings. There are wall-to-wall windows where guests can enjoy a priceless sunset off the Hudson River. At the center of the pool is a mosaic 1940’s pin up temptress that offers an incredible design centerpiece to your soiree.
4. VENUE: Gateway Canyons LOCATION: Gateway, Colorado
THE REPORT: The Palisade Pool Deck and Cantina is the perfect venue to host poolside receptions, roast s'mores around the fire, and throw a private evening event on the deck.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: While partying poolside and enjoying the handcrafted cocktails you can also take in the sunset, and dine under the stars! With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa is the perfect place for a pool bash because the sunny weather and surroundings make it bikini bash perfection.
5. VENUE:Roosevelt Hotel LOCATION: Hollywood, California
THE REPORT: Since its 1927 opening—and as the birthplace of the first Academy Awards in 1929—the Hollywood Roosevelt has been an iconic hotel full of Old Hollywood elegance. To start your soiree eat at the Tropicana Bar overlooking the million dollar swimming pool venue that boasts 3,200 square feet of event space and a guest capacity of 500.Enjoy handcrafted bespoke cocktails while bowling a strike in one of the vintage lanes, then head over to famed Beechers Madhouse Cabaret for a nightcap.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: All 60 cabana rooms surround theTropicana Bar & Pool, which is the centerpiece of the legendary hotel. There is also a famous pool mural painted by famous pop artist David Hockney.
6. VENUE: Enchantment Resort LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona
THE REPORT: Following a recent multi-million-dollar renovation, Enchantment's total indoor meeting and event space exceeds 13,000 square feet including the incredible pool with stunning red rock formations as the backdrop.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: Eye-popping is the only way to describe the 360-degree Red Rock vistas that surround Enchantment’s aqua blue watering hole. Recently revamped, the pool and patio were doubled in size and elevated 10 feet (for better sightseeing). Sip, sip hooray!
7. VENUE:Ace Hotel LOCATION: Palm Springs, California
THE REPORT: A cool pool party list is not complete without mentioning Palm Springs, otherwise known as Hollywood's Playground. This mid-century modern desert hotel has pool party scene down to a science. Their pool venue is a big event space available to host parties, weddings, film screenings, family dinners and celebrations. The walls of the Commune open up to the circular pool, an intimate amphitheater and views of the mountains. Think indoor/outdoor living room on a very grand scale.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: Catch some rays, gear up for a swim, or have an open-air mixer with friends. We love what event geniuses Bash, Please did for their clients' pool party. Chock full of black & white beach balls, BBQ, live music, ice cream sandwiches and fun floaties. This is a place we would love to drink the day away with family and friends while soaking up the desert sun. Photos: Max Wanger
8.VENUE:Saguaro Scottsdale LOCATION: Scottsdale, Arizona
THE REPORT: In the heart of Old Town, near the Arts district sits The Saguaro with a buzzing pool scene and colorful backdrop. The Picante pool can accommodate evening functions for up to 600 guests. The 4 private cabanas offer a wonderful VIP section for your guests and Chef Garces' team of exceptional chefs can provide a unique reception by incorporating the outside, poolside kitchen.
COOL POOL PARTY FACTOR: Waterfalls and lush foliage along with the two heated pools dotted with daybeds, cabanas, and plentiful lounge seating make this venue pool party perfect. Bonus: Fresh fruit margaritas, crafted cocktails by the pitcher, pet friendly accommodations and the use of Saguaro desert cruiser bikes.
Tell us where your next pool party will and be featured on our next pool party roundup!
