Ultimate Guide to Crashing Hotel Pools in Miami this Summer
Temperatures are forecast to reach 93 degrees in Miami this week and they’re not cooling off until at least September. The only place for refuge (aside from inside with the A/C cranking) is, perhaps, at the pool underneath the cool shade of an umbrella.
So where does one turn for cushy lounge chairs, cabana service, frosty cocktails and dips in the pool at regularly scheduled intervals? To one of Miami’s many hotel pools, of course.
We’ve got your plan to get past the gilded gates typically reserved “for hotel guests only” with our guide below. Read on to find out where to go and how to get in, so you can enjoy a prime spot in the sun (or shade) this summer.
For a Fee
Conrad Miami
The Price: $35 per day; $50 per month.
The Deal: Non-hotel guests can access Conrad Miami’s 24th floor swimming pool, fitness center and tennis courts, including three hours valet parking, for a $35 day pass. For just $50, locals can purchase a monthly membership (no contract) for access to the pool and tennis courts.
1395 Brickell Ave., Brickell; 305-503-6500; http://conradmiami.com
The Raleigh
The Price: $30 F&B Minimum Monday through Thursday; $60 F&B Minimum Friday through Sunday
The Deal: Order a pitcher of sangria or anything else off the poolside menu to meet the F&B minimum and you’ll receive chair, towels and access to the pool. Cabana and day bed rentals are also available.
1775 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-534-6300; http://raleighhotel.com
Mondrian South Beach
The Price: $50 F&B Minimum
The Deal: Open a tab and keep the drinks coming. Fifty dollars spent at the pool will earn your keep of a chair, towel and access to the pool based on availability.
1100 West Ave., South Beach; 305-514-1500; https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/mondrian/mondrian-south-beach
The Standard Spa Miami Beach
The Price: $75, Monday to Thursday; $150, Friday to Sunday
The Deal: Pool access, chair, towel, hammam and spa amenities.
40 Island Ave., South Beach; 305-673-1717; http://www.standardhotels.com/miami/properties/miami-beach
Surfcomber
The Price: $75 per person
The Deal: Cabana rental.
1717 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-532-7715; http://www.surfcomber.com
InterContinental Miami
The Price: $89 per month, July 15 through September 15
The Deal: The InterCon is offering Miami locals a monthly summertime membership that includes access to their rooftop swimming pool and choice of either a 50 minute myMassage or mySignature Facial each month. Other perks include, complimentary use of the fitness center, steam room, sauna, valet and additional spa discounts.
100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown; 305-577-1000; http://www.icmiamihotel.com
The Biltmore
The Price: From $159 to $189
The Deal: Cabana rental.
1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; 855-311-6903; http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Fontainebleau
The Price: From $200 to $1,000
The Deal: If you’re looking to spend a pool day like a baller, the Fontainebleau offers daybeds and cabanas to non-hotel guests based on availability.
4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-538-2000; https://fontainebleau.com/activities/miami-beach-cabanas
Spa Day
Miami Spa Month is in full swing now through the end of August with treatments starting at $109 at participating spas. Take advantage of that deal at one of these hotels that includes pool access with spa treatments:
- The Carillon
- Conrad Miami
- Epic
- Fontainebleau
- JW Marriott Marquis
- Mayfair Hotel & Spa
- The Sagamore
- Shelborne Wyndham Grand
- The Standard
- The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove
For a complete list of Miami Spa Month participants and offers, click here.
Pool Parties
Nautilus
The Parties: Hello Sailor (Saturdays) and Rosé Sundays
Head to the Nautilus over the weekend for a pair of booze-fueled fiestas. On Saturdays, the pool is open to non-hotel guests for its Hello Sailor party with guest DJs and frozen cocktail specials. On Sundays, enjoy unlimited Whispering Angel rosé for $25 with the Rosé Sundays pool party.
When: Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
1825 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-503-5700; http://www.sixtyhotels.com/nautilus-south-beach/
Delano
The Party: Privileged Sundays at Delano Beach Club.
Groove poolside, lounge in daybeds and cabanas to the tunes of resident DJ Nate Ryan. For cabana and daybed reservations, contact Castiana at VIP Services, 305-924-4071.
When: Sundays, 2 p.m. to Sundown
1685 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-672-2000; https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/delano/delano-south-beach
Pool Crashing Tips 101:
Still want to forgo the fee or slip into a pool not on this guide? You didn’t hear it from us, but here are a few tips to get you through the gate and into the cool, blue water:
Walk in like you own the place – Don’t stop to talk to the man guarding the back gate by the beach or the woman checking room keys past the lobby, breeze past them with confidence like you belong there and know where you’re going
Have lunch or drinks at the poolside restaurant, then casually make your way to the pool and take a dip
Snag towels and set up your chair when the pool attendant isn’t looking
Have an exit strategy – If you get busted, know how you’re going to handle it ahead of time. Playing dumb works, “Oh, I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to be here.” Then, calmly and quietly collect your things.
Don’t bother during a holiday weekend when hotels are sold out and security is on high alert.
Shayne Benowitz is Miami.com’s Travel Editor. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at ShayneBenowitz.com.
This story was originally published July 16, 2016 at 11:07 PM.