Hotel pools can elevate any family vacation, particularly when they are full of standout features, like a stunning view or thrilling water slide. As you plan your summer travels, curb the are-we-there-yet chants with the promise of a dip in one of these ultra-cool hotel pools.
We’ve rounded up 18 family-friendly hotels in New York state with fun hotel pools ready to welcome visitors. Whether you’re planning an urban vacation, a trip to Long Island's East End, or a weekend of Hudson Valley explorations, we’ve got a pick for you.
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Cool Hotel Pools in New York City
1. Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC – Chelsea
Located in the heart of NYC’s Meatpacking District, this heated rooftop pool is open year-round. It offers beautiful sunsets and sweeping views of the city’s skyline. There’s also a pool table in the lobby that kids are welcome to use as long as adults supervise them.
2. The Rockaway Hotel + Spa – Queens
Not only can you enjoy the sun and surf of beach life close to the skyscrapers of the Big Apple, but you can also bask under a charming cabana at this posh NYC hotel. With a seasonal, heated outdoor pool for guests to enjoy (day passes are also available for purchase), this beachside hotel is definitely one to visit. Enjoy the full-service spa and multiple dining options during your stay.
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Swim under the watchful eye of Andy Warhol at Sixty LES.
3. Sixty LES – Lower East Side
This Lower East Side hotel is definitely for the cooler crowd, but families are always welcome. It boasts a pretty unique rooftop swimming pool that features large, black-and-white images of Andy Warhol’s face etched into its surface. Kids can rinse off in the outdoor shower once they've had their fun in the pool.
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Airplane aficionados can enjoy the view from the TWA Hotel's runway-side infinity pool.
4. TWA Hotel – Jamaica, Queens
Enjoy the chic 1960’s vibe at this hotel. It’s located at JFK Airport and is connected to Terminal 5, so it’s an excellent hotel for a layover. Enjoy a rooftop infinity pool where swimmers are treated to a view of the airport’s tarmac. You can book a reservation for the pool even if you aren’t staying the night. The hotel has plenty of other Mad Men-like attractions, including exhibits of TWA memorabilia. Plus, the hotel hosts weekend games outside, weather permitting.
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The William Vale has a chic fourth-floor terrace pool.
5. The William Vale – Brooklyn
The William Vale is a fun spot for families to stay, and it’s perfect for exploring the trendy Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. In addition to a pool on the fourth-floor terrace that opens in the summer, the hotel also features Vale Park, a 15,000-square-foot public park, complete with a mini golf course and an outpost of Mister Dips in a 1974 Airstream trailer retrofitted to serve kid-friendly burgers, fries, shakes, and more.
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Unwind at Long Island's only oceanfront rooftop pool at the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach.
Best Hotel Pools on Long Island
6. Allegria Hotel – Long Beach
Located in the family-friendly enclave of Long Beach, Allegria's claim to fame is having the only rooftop pool on Long Island. After a day at the beach or a round of mini golf—or instead of—the whole family can relax in the heated pool, which offers a great view of the boardwalk.
7. Hartman’s Briney Breezes Beach Resort – Montauk
This family-run hotel is a perfect vacation spot for those who want to explore all Montauk offers. If you want the beachfront feel without the sand, this pool is the perfect option as it's just steps away from the beach. Kids can spend plenty of time splashing around in the large outdoor heated pool.
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The Hero Beach Club's pool has a tropical feel.
8. Hero Beach Club – Montauk
The large pool area at this local resort boasts lush, tropical plants and custom furniture from Bali, so you feel like you’re staying at a far-off, beachfront resort, yet the hotel is super kid-friendly. In addition to the pool and beach areas, there are complimentary lawn games, picnic tables, and evening s’mores.
9. Hotel Indigo East End – Riverhead
Situated in the heart of Riverhead, this hotel boasts an enormous outdoor pool with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Nearby family-friendly attractions include Splish Splash Water Park and the Long Island Aquarium.
10. Sound View Greenport – Greenport
This waterfront hotel offers families the use of a large, outdoor pool surrounded by a deck that overlooks a private, quarter-mile beach. It’s a great location for exploring Greenport and other East End towns.
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The Kartrite is a lovely Catskills destination. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Top Hotel Pools in the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York
11. Kartrite Resort & Indoor Water Park – Monticello
We are huge fans of this Catskills area resort with its huge indoor water park. The Kartrite lays claim to the largest water park in New York state and features an indoor/outdoor heated pool, Affinity Springs. Read our detailed review of The Kartrite Resort or book your stay now.
12. Greek Peak Mountain Resort/Hope Lake Lodge – Cortland
Families can book a stay at Hope Lake Lodge, which features condominium-style suites, and enjoy the amenities at the Cascades Indoor Waterpark next door. It has a 41,000-square-foot water park and boasts tons of water-related fun, including a wave pool, outdoor pool, kiddie pool and slides, splash zones, and much more. The resort is an all-seasons destination. The water park does tend to sell out on busy weekends and holidays, so be sure to purchase tickets to swim.
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Bubbling geysers and a zero-entry pool are just the start of the fun at Rocking Horse Ranch's Boulder Bay.
13. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort – Highland
From an indoor water park to outdoor pools with flumes and slides, the aquatic amenities at this popular dude ranch are sure to thrill the whole family. Parents will enjoy Eldorado Hot Springs, an indoor/outdoor pool area that’s heated to 98 degrees year-round, while kids flip for Boulder Bay, an aquatic adventure zone with five slides and two heated pools. There are plenty of other activities to keep everyone happily busy during your stay. Read our detailed review of Rocking Horse Ranch or book your stay now.
14. The Amelia – Hudson
This unique hotel in the Hudson Valley was formerly a private residence and still holds the personal, individual charm of one. After nibbling on the homemade breakfast granola and sipping coffee on the porch, change into your swimsuits for a morning dip in the outdoor pool.
15. Quality Inn & Suites Palm Island Indoor Waterpark – Batavia
Don't let the name fool you. This is not your typical budget hotel! An on-site indoor water park makes it a vacation haven for families. The park includes an abundance of slides, fountains, and numerous pools to splash around in. There’s also a game room and fitness center.
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Take a dip in Monhonk Mountain's 60-foot-long heated pool featuring underwater music. Photo by Dana Gallagher
16. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz
Mohonk Mountain House is a favorite summer road trip destination from NYC, and its pool does not disappoint. This lakefront resort has an endless list of amazing amenities to enjoy. And the indoor heated pool is definitely at the top. Resembling a relaxing spa oasis, this resort pool has surrounding views of the Catskill Mountains and features underwater music once you dive in—truly a unique swimming experience to add to your vacation checklist. Read our full review of Mohonk Mountain House and book your stay now.
17. Shandaken Inn – Shandaken
Escape to the Catskills and enjoy the hotel pool at the Shandaken Inn. It's just over 2 hours away from NYC but will feel like a world away with its quaint charm and upscale amenities. After a round of tennis or a walk around the town, jump into the outdoor heated pool to keep the vacation vibes going.
18. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge – Queensbury
At three hours away from the city, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge is far enough to feel like you're escaping but close enough for a long weekend. It's near all the attractions of Lake George, but you might have a hard time convincing the kids to get out of the on-site White Water Bay Indoor Water Park. We also love that you are welcome to swim long before check-in time and after checking out! Read our full review of Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and book your room now.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the hotels/resorts
This article contains some affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you book a hotel. There is no extra cost to the reader. We only recommend hotels and services that we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.