NEED A POOL DAY? YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR
These 7 Denver-area hotels offer poolside tranquility for a late-summer staycation
After a pandemic break, The Denver Post travel section returns with seven Denver-area hotels where you can spend a relaxing day or a even a weekend by the pool.
We’ve officially reached the dog days of summer.
If you’re panting for some relief — or just need an escape — a pool day
(or better yet, weekend) is in order. From a lazy river out east to a downtown rooftop pool that channels an Italian beach club vibe, the Mile High City and environs have a mix of fun ways to keep cool as you enjoy the waning days of warmth. Here are seven impressive hotel pools in the metro area worth planning a staycation around.
Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek: A friend’s getaway
With a posh pool scene, Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, has breezy nautical-themed cabanas available to rent and spectacular views of downtown Denver with the silhouettes of the mountains
stretched out in the background. Elevated Rooftop Bar slings boozy fruit punch pouches, frosé, and other summery sips and serves a menu of tasty poolside eats with global influence such as elotes and smoked cubanos. The hotel’s on-site Gear Garage is full of fun toys (longboards, Piaggio motor scooters … ) and records you can borrow to spin on your room’s record player. After the sun sets, borrow a telescope for rooftop stargazing before sinking into the hot tub. halcyon.com, 245 Columbine St. in Denver
Sonesta Denver Downtown: For serious pool lovers
Consider Sonesta an urban observatory: The rooftop pool has impressive 360-degree views of Denver and beyond. With a large pool deck, there’s ample space to catch rooftop rays. The hotel makes great use of its spacious heated pool, with dive-in movies on Friday and Saturday nights featuring a mix of classic films and modern blockbusters and yoga on the pool deck on Saturday mornings. Yoga mats, towels and bottled water are provided to guests and the sessions end with an optional poolside meditation. sonesta.com, 1450 Glenarm Place in Denver
Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center: A family escape
Doubling as a water park, the Gaylord is a staycation destination for families with everything you need for a perfect pool day, from the logistics (life jackets for kids) to the sweet treats (s’mores kits). The resort’s Arapahoe Springs area has indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and a lazy river that takes you on a leisurely seven-minute loop, which includes passing through a waterfall feature to cool you down. Choose between sunbathing on the pool deck or renting one of the cabanas. To make the most of a staycation slumber party, the resort offers add-on experiences like princess and pirate academies, scavenger hunts and an escape room. The large whirlpools are a relaxing way to end the night. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dengr-gaylord-rockies-resort-andconvention-center, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd. in Aurora
Four Seasons Hotel Denver: A luxe retreat
The third-story, L-shaped pool at the Four Seasons is a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. Meticulously landscaped, this luxe and lush retreat has lounge chairs shaded by trees and a verdant garden wall. A bubbling jacuzzi is spacious. So too is the azure blue pool that’s lined with iridescent tiling. Snack on hummus and fresh veggies while sipping frosé garnished with berries. Stay into the evening for the romantic aura. To round out the experience, book a cold therapy facial in the spa. Stopping by but not staying? Day passes are available for $200. fourseasons.com/denver, 1111 14th
St. in Denver
The Rally Hotel: For baseball lovers
A new arrival to the downtown hotel scene, The Rally Hotel (with a boost from the recent All-star Game) solidifies Denver’s reputation as a bona fide baseball town. If the
13-story hotel across from Coors Field was built any higher, you’d be able to peer into the stadium and watch games for free. The hotel has a chic rooftop pool with lounges perched around the oval, plus a hot tub. On a game day you can feel the energy thrumming in Mcgregor Square. A gym on the same floor has floor-to-ceiling windows with great city views in case you’re the type who works out while on staycation. therallyhotel.com, 1600 20th St. in Denver
Clayton Members Club and Hotel: For the fun of it
Blue-striped daybeds at Clayton Members Club and Hotel don’t just channel Capri beach club vibes — they’re functional, with a slot to stash your sandals and built-in coolers. You can order variety packs of beverages for your group that also come with chilled towels to keep you cool. Or, ask about the Champagne guns that attach to bottles of bubbly and are a fun way to pour (or blast) your bubbly. The Clayton also offers a Sunday rooftop brunch with DJ performances, bloody mary bars and brunch goodies like lemon and ricotta pancakes, chicken and waffle skewers and salads. claytondenver.com, 233 Clayton
St. in Denver
The Warwick: For a swim with a view
In its past life, the building that’s now The Warwick was the first and only Playboy Club in Colorado. The recently remodeled luxury hotel near Cap Hill has subtle nods to its sultry past and mid-century furniture in the guestrooms. One of the best amenities at The Warwick, however, is a spacious, heated rooftop pool (it’s open yearround!) that has panoramic views of downtown and plenty of lounge chairs for relaxing. A concise menu of poolside fare including pizzas and salads is available to calm those midday munchies.