It’s that time of year when we trade out pants for shorts, slather on the sunblock, and pray we make it to the car before sweat forms on our brow. It’s H-O-T and only getting hotter. Luckily, Austin offers interesting options to cool down in the summer temps. Jump in the lake? We got it. Float a river? Check. Soak in Barton Springs, Hamilton Pool, or Deep Eddy Pool? Yes, yes, and yes!
But did you know there are several local hotels offering pool passes this summer?
It doesn’t get any better than that! I love the idea of relaxing in a chair by the pool with a fun cocktail or snack, before sliding into the water. Keep on reading to find the coolest spots to hang out this summer with friends.
1/ South Congress Hotel
Slide into the pool until Sept. 3, 2019 at South Congress Hotel, located in the heart of Austin’s iconic South Congress District. Guests who purchase a pool pass get access to the rooftop pool, bar, and towel service. Food and drink are available to buy at Café No Sé. Reserve your ticket today by emailing concierge@southcongresshotel.com.
Price: $30 per person
Days: Monday through Thursday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1603 S. Congress Ave. — Website
2/ East Austin Hotel
East Austin Hotel is hosting the Summer Swell Series, pool parties every Sunday that are reminiscent of the 1960s with rotating themes and $5 appetizers. In addition, this new boutique hotel will be offering pool passes throughout the week for non-guests to enjoy the water.
Fun fact: Even though you should be having fun in the pool, these passes do include complimentary Wi-Fi.
Summer Swell price: $30 per person
Days: Every Sunday through Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 1, 2019)
Hours: 2 to 6 p.m.
Age limit: 21 and up
Regular pool pass price: $25 for adults, $15 for children
Days: Monday through Thursday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
1108 E. 6th St. — Website
3/ The Wayback
Escape the hectic traffic of Central Austin by driving out to The Wayback in Westlake Hills.
Not only does this local hotel have the cutest cottages for overnight guests, but there’s a great pool and cabana for some relaxation time. You can sip Italian spritzers or white wine mojitos by the poolside, or head over to the cafe for a classic farm-to-table meal.
Make sure to give The Wayback a call at (512) 520-9590 to make your reservation.
Pool pass price: $20 per person
Days: Tuesday through Friday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9601 Bee Cave Road — Website
➡️ Keep reading: Where to Swim in Austin: Pools, Splash Pads, Swimming Holes
4/ Geraldine’s and Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
If downtown Austin is your jam, then I recommend visiting the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt pool. Geraldine’s provides delicious poolside drinks and treats, such as tacos and fried chicken sandwiches.
A pool pass will get you access to the outdoor heated swimming pool and complimentary Wi-Fi. If you forget your sunscreen, that’s included as well. Check out the Cabana packages, which include pool passes and premium shaded comfort seating.
Pool pass price: $35 for adults, $15 for children
Days: Every day
Hours: 11 a.m. to sundown
605 Davis St. — Website
5/ Hotel Ella
Hotel Ella is just a jump, hop, and skip away from the UT campus. This adorable boutique hotel is located in one of Austin’s original landmark estates, the Goodall Wooten House.
The pool passes this summer include valet parking, pool towels, and entry to the pool and courtyard. While outside food and drink are not allowed, you’ll have all the good things you need from Goodall’s Kitchen.
Email Hotel Ella at concierge@hotelella.com up to one week in advance to reserve your passes.
Pool pass price: $25 per person
Days: Monday through Thursday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1900 Rio Grande St. — Website
6/ Austin Motel
Just can’t get enough of the South Congress District? Make sure to check out Austin Motel. This historic 1938 motel is opening up its pool to the public for daily pool passes. It will also have several events throughout the summer, including Full Moon Swims and The Endless Sunday.
The Endless Sunday events will have food and drink specials, as well as DJ Montag the Magnificent playing your favorite music. Give Austin Motel a call at 512-441-1157 to reserve your pool passes.
Pool pass price: $20 for a single day or $100 Splash Cash Card for 10 swims
Days: Every day
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Full Moon Swims price: Free
Days: June 17, July 16, Aug. 15, Sept. 14, and Oct. 13
Hours: Sundown to pool close
The Endless Sunday price: Half-price pool pass
Days: Every Sunday
Hours: 3 to 6 p.m.
1220 S. Congress Ave. — Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
Have you been to any of these hotel pools before?
