The Best Hotels in Boston with Swimming Pools

Designed to resemble a luxury cruise liner inside and out, the Boston Marriott Long Wharf takes full advantage of its location along one of Boston’s oldest piers. The pool is no exception. Located at the “prow” of the ship-inspired structure, notice, as you swim, how the whole glassed-in area faces directly into the harbor. Doors lead out onto a wrap-around deck with lounge chairs where, in warm weather, you can sip a drink while basking in the sea breeze.

This Back Bay mainstay offers the expected luxury amenities: thick, comfy robes, electronic docking stations, views over the city lights. But it’s best known for its RTP, or Roof Top Pool. Only open during the summer, it feels like a Caribbean resort in the middle of the city. Lay back on a rattan-weave lounge chair and gaze up at the glass skyscrapers with a frozen drink from the poolside bar. For the full experience, reserve one of the billowing, Bedouin-inspired cabanas.

It’s out in Cambridge, but the Royal Sonesta boasts some of the best views of Boston. See the skyline reflected in the Charles River, and sailing boats tacking in front of the Longfellow Bridge. The atrium pool area flaunts tasteful tropical touches, such as glass brick and potted palms. In warmer months, navy-blue curtains pull back to reveal a brick-walled patio for sunbathing. You can drink out on the riverfront terrace well into the fall, thanks to the toasty tabletop fire pits.

This vintage motor lodge in Fenway has been restored to its ’50s glory, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the vibe. As giant words in the stairwell proclaim: “If the music is too loud, you’re too old.” Guest rooms overlook the scene of the action: the courtyard pool area with candy-coloured umbrellas, white retro sun loungers and hoop chairs like satellite dishes on legs. Sip a manhattan and feel starry, listening to vinyl records from the hotel’s curated collection.

From the Four Seasons eighth-floor indoor swimming pool, and its jacuzzi, you can look out over the treetops of Boston Garden and Beacon Hill, to the state capitol dome and the soaring downtown skyscrapers. This being a Four Seasons property, you can expect freshly laundered towels, complimentary coffee, fruit and flavoured water to sip poolside. When hunger pangs strike, room-service will even deliver that burger to the pool deck, so you can stay all day.

Skies threatening rain? No worries; the indoor/outdoor pool here is equipped with a retractable glass roof. (It’s also as chic as a retro lido, with its arrayed loungers and cream tones.) You can swim year-round: after you’ve had a stroll around preppy-chic Newbury Street, Copley Square, and the decadent Eataly marketplace. Rooms on the upper floors reveal wonderful views of the Charles River, Back Back Bay and the reflecting pool at Christian Science Plaza.