Downtown Living: Spending the Summer Poolside
Sip, snack and stay cool by the pool this summer at these gorgeous downtown hotels.
Alto at the Ace Hotel
Beat the summer heat with cool cocktails and a dip in the pool at Alto, the lush garden bar and rooftop pool at the Ace Hotel. Even locals can enjoy a dip in the pool (non-guests are charged a $20 fee during peak hours Friday through Sunday), but all are invited to enjoy the bar and tasty Italian-inspired dishes created by the hotel’s culinary partners, Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. Try the Field Roast Italian Dog with eggplant and pesto relish or grilled kale with Romesco and ricotta salata. The full bar offers everything from frozen drinks to sparkling wine, so you can dive right into an Eternal Summer (an adult slushy made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, honeysuckle vodka and coconut) or throw back an Urban South Holy Roller IPA — whatever keeps you cool. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180, acehotel.com/neworleans/alto
Above the Grid at the NOPSI Hotel
Opened last year, the NOPSI Hotel on the corner of Baronne and Union streets is an immaculate renovation of the former headquarters for New Orleans Public Service Inc., originally built in 1927. Known as a luxury hotel with a community spirit, the NOPSI welcomes one and all to enjoy its many amenities, including a spectacular rooftop bar dubbed Above the Grid. Open daily to the public during the evening hours, you can revel in the unique views of the New Orleans skyline, while sipping a banana daiquiri and sharing a Mixed Mezze (black bean hummus, artichoke caponata and curried chicken) with friends. 317 Baronne St., (844) 439-1493, nopsihotel.com/dine/above-the-grid
Le Méridien New Orleans
One of the city’s many stylish boutique hotels, Le Méridien New Orleans seamlessly blends European heritage with a modern sense of style. Located on the corner of Poydras and S. Peters streets, Le Méridien offers a Poolside Summer Soiree where locals can enjoy a splash on Sundays during the summertime for $15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lounge poolside with cocktails and friends, and groove to a uniquely curated playlist that’s guaranteed to set the tone for your summertime fun. You can also boost your afternoon fun by renting a cabana (both Saturday and Sunday), which includes admission for up to six guests, food and beverage credit, custom sunglasses for two and towel rentals for all guests. 333 Poydras St., (504) 525-9444, lemeridienneworleanshotel.com
Waterman Poolside Bar at the Windsor Court Hotel
Experience the ultimate in luxurious summertime bliss at the new rooftop poolside bar at the Windsor Court Hotel. Though guests are afforded the breathtaking views as part of their amenities, locals can also get a taste of the good life. Though $75 might seem like a lot for a day by the pool, it’s a small price to pay for what you get. Not only will you spend a day poolside soaking up the sun and fun at the Waterman, but you’ll also have access to showers, a dry sauna, a eucalyptus steamer, a plush comfortable robe and slippers, and a credit at the hotel’s exquisite salon. Invite your friends and laze upon a chaise, while taking advantage of a full bar with specialty seasonal cocktails and frozen drinks like a Hemmingway daiquiri with Cana Brava White Rum and Maraska Maraschino liqueur or a glass of Singlo Prosecco. Pair it with skewered Gulf shrimp in a honey Sriracha glaze or a tuna poke bowl with avocado and wonton chips. 300 Gravier St., (504) 523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com/waterman-poolside-bar