The Austin that tourists get to enjoy versus the Austin us locals experience isn't always the same city.
The Austin they see is trendy, but they don’t have to deal with it when "slowpac" starts trending all Tuesday long. Thankfully, there’s a way for locals to feel like tourists in their own city, with the comfort of returning home right after (just avoid Mopac, y'all). Skip the song and dance of trying to get a decent spot at Barton Springs, and find your way to one of these Hotel Pools Offering Day Passes. From downtown to Lake Travis, there’s a fancy pool waiting for you somewhere.
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photo via facebook
101 Red River St
Get a day pass at the Fairmont in downtown Austin to enjoy their expansive rooftop pool and resort-style amenities against the backdrop of the city. Starting at just $45 for adults, the pass includes access to the pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, towel service, poolside food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and complimentary self-parking. For larger groups, consider booking a daybed or cabana. The supreme cabanas offer shade, comfortable sofas, TVs, ceiling fans, and dedicated server service, ensuring a luxurious and relaxing experience.
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110 E 2nd St
The JW Marriott offers a nice rooftop pool, along with craft cocktails and locally inspired bar bites. Day passes start at $50 and include poolside service, lounge chairs, towel service, free self-parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For a more exclusive experience, daybeds for two are available starting at $75, and cabanas, accommodating up to 10 people, start at $200.
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Photo via Azul Rooftop Facebook
310 E 5th St
Making its way to being a summer staple, The Westin’s Azul Rooftop Bar + Lounge pool area has long served locals a refuge from the scouring heat. Offering day passes and cabanas, you can fully indulge in the blue waters at the Azul rooftop pool. Rates start at $50 and go up to $450 for an afternoon Super Cabana.
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Photo via Austin Motel Facebook
1220 S Congress Ave
A retro retreat beyond the modern mayhem of South Congress, The Austin Motel welcomes anyone to snag a pass for $25 Monday - Thursday, and $50 for Friday - Sunday. They also have cabanas for $150 which include day passes for up to 5 people, but there is a $100 food and beverage minimum spend requirement. Also, keep an eye out for their pool parties and events for something more than just laying out poolside.
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Photo via Canopy Facebook
604 W 6th St
All the open-air bars on West 6th are amazing, but the heat can bring over that dirty 6th energy real quick. Thankfully, just above you is a cool respite from the steamy bar scene. The Canopy by Hilton offers passes for $30 or cabanas starting at $300 for you to chill out before or after you go out. You can also get the best of both worlds by partaking in their poolside bar without facing the West 6th crowds.
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Photo via The Line Facebook
111 E Cesar Chavez St
You may not technically be allowed to swim in Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake), but the next best swimming hole is tucked away behind a wooden fence at the LINE Hotel. Overlooking the lake, and seemingly a world away from the city, The Line offers a relaxed spot to hang out and even watch the bats while you sip on a cocktail poolside. It also doesn't hurt that Veracuz is available for a poolside snack, should you partake. Full Day passes include complimentary wifi and valet parking and go for $30 per person.
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1108 E 6th St
Find a spot under the pink pillars and enjoy a courtyard pool just above the everchanging eastside of town. Lay back on vintage-inspired loungers and get some snacks from Second Bar + Kitchen before you cool off in the blue waters at the East Austin Hotel. For $15 Monday - Thursday, $30 Friday & Saturday, and $25 on Sunday, you can get a day pass plus parking for a daycation and enjoy an elevated lifestyle.
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photo via Lakeway Resort Facebook
101 Lakeway Dr (Lakeway, TX)
If you have getaway dreams but a stay-put budget, Lakeway Resort has the perfect solution for your summer dilemma. Despite being a 20 min drive from the city, you’ll feel worlds away as you look out over the lake from their multi-tiered pools. Offering an adult swim-up bar, all you need is $40 and you can live out your Riviera Maya dreams without having to go past the Colorado River. They also have cabanas available for five people, starting at $300, or deluxe cabanas starting at $325.
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Photo via The Otis Hotel Facebook
1901 San Antonio St
When you think of pools by campus, you’re probably expecting more of a frat vibe than a fab vibe, but Hotel Otis is reshaping the way you see West Campus. The Otopia Rooftop offers sweeping views of the city skyline and the capitol. For $30, you can get a day pass to access the rooftop pool, and there’s no doubt it will soon become a summertime must-do once the word gets out. Cabanas are also available starting at $200 for a max of six people.
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Photo credit: @yungbludlau via Carpenter Hotel Facebook
400 Josephine St
At its peak, the massive crowds in Zilker Park in the summer feel more hostile than hospitable. Thankfully you can still dip into cool waters just outside the park's gate with far fewer people around. The Carpenter Hotel’s pool is a serene escape with a seventies sensibility to its design. Relax amongst a smaller crowd under the giant iron Carpenter sign surrounded by more plants than people. For $40 per person Monday through Thursday, you can feel like a tourist in your own city.
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Photo via Hotel Van Zandt Facebook
605 Davis St
Up at the Van Zandt, their rooftop pool brings a much-needed sense of rest to Rainey. With sweeping views over the lake and skyline, you’d be forgiven if you forgot you’re just above one of the city’s hottest entertainment districts. Starting at $25, you can reserve a day pass to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and watch it from above in the pool, soaking it all in. Daybeds and cabanas are also available.
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Photo via South Congress Hotel
1603 South Congress Ave
Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking South Congress Avenue, the rooftop pool at South Congress Hotel is a true urban retreat. Spend an entire day relaxing in the shade or sun with a daily pool pass, available Monday – Thursday, 11am – 7pm. Each $40 pass includes entry to the pool and garage as well as complimentary wi-fi and lounge chair access (first come, first served). Poolside dining and drinks available for purchase, provided by Café No Sé.
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MORE POOL PASSES
1101 Music Ln
304 East Cesar Chavez St
8212 Barton Club Dr
506 San Jacinto Blvd
W Austin (Starting at $35)
200 Lavaca St
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