1 Hotel South Beach tops this list with four pools, including an adults-only rooftop pool 18 stories up. The Setai is next with three oceanfront pools, each kept at a different temperature. All five hotels are on the ocean along Collins Avenue, from South Beach up to Bal Harbour, and we picked them because the pool is a real reason to book.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort pairs an oceanfront pool with an adults-only saltwater pool on the roof. Not staying? Faena Miami Beach and 1 Hotel South Beach sell day passes in some seasons.
How we ranked these hotel pools
No hotel here publishes the size of its pools, so we ranked on what each one does publish.
- 1. Number of separate pools listed on the hotel's own site, so more choice of pools ranks higher.
- 2. Guest score, for hotels with the same number of pools.
- 3. Alphabetical order for anything still tied.
Miami's subtropical climate means outdoor pools run year-round, so seasonal closures did not factor in unless a pool was known to be under renovation.
Miami hotel pools at a glance
| Hotel | Pools listed by the hotel | Setting | Star rating | Guest access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Hotel South Beach | Four pools, incl. adults-only rooftop | Oceanfront, Collins Ave | 5 | Hotel guests; pool club access varies |
| The Setai | Three outdoor pools, incl. a lap pool | Oceanfront, Collins Ave | 5 | Hotel guests only |
| Carillon Miami Wellness Resort | Oceanfront pool + adults-only rooftop pool | Oceanfront, Collins Ave | 5 | Hotel guests and spa members |
| Faena Miami Beach | One outdoor pool | Oceanfront, Collins Ave | 5 | Hotel guests; day passes available seasonally |
| The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami | One outdoor pool | Oceanfront, Collins Ave | 5 | Hotel guests only |
Before you book
- Maintenance windows: Miami pools run year-round, but some hotels close pools for one to two weeks in winter for maintenance. Call ahead if you're visiting January through February.
- Day pass access: Day pass availability at pool clubs changes by season and day of week. Confirm directly with the hotel before assuming public access.
- Sun timing: Tall oceanfront towers can shade a pool deck for part of the day, so ask the hotel when its deck gets sun.
- Lap swimming: None of these hotels publishes a pool length, so if lap swimming matters to you, ask the hotel before you book.
Best hotel pools in Miami: what sets these five apart
1 Hotel South Beach has four pools: the 30,000-square-foot Center Pool, the Cabana and South pools on the second floor, and an adults-only Rooftop Pool. The Cabana Pool is finished in reclaimed wood and natural fabrics.
The Setai keeps its three pools at different temperatures, 75, 85 and 90 degrees, and the coolest is a lap pool. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort has an oceanfront pool for families and an adults-only saltwater pool on the roof.
Faena Miami Beach's pool is on the lobby level, on a wide, symmetrical deck framed by the hotel's red-and-gold look. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami is at the quieter northern end of Collins Avenue, where the pool deck gets less foot traffic than South Beach properties. It's a long way from South Beach restaurants and nightlife, which is the point if you want a calm pool.
The hotels
Frequently asked questions
Which Miami hotel has the best pool for lap swimming?+
None of the five hotels publishes a pool length, so ask before you book. The Setai says the coolest of its three pools, kept at 75 degrees, is a lap pool. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort at 6801 Collins Avenue has the oceanfront Cabana Pool and the adults-only rooftop Atlantic Pool, a saltwater pool.
Can non-guests access hotel pools in Miami?+
It depends on the property. Faena Miami Beach and 1 Hotel South Beach offer day passes or pool club access on a seasonal basis, though availability and pricing change frequently. The Setai and The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour restrict pool access to hotel guests. Carillon allows spa members to use the spa pool. Always confirm directly with the hotel before planning a visit as a non-guest.
Are Miami hotel pools open year-round?+
Yes. Miami's subtropical climate keeps outdoor pools operational through every month of the year. Some properties schedule brief maintenance closures in January or February, typically lasting a few days to two weeks. If you're visiting in winter, a quick call to the hotel confirms whether any closure is planned.
Which pool has the best ocean view?+
All five hotels on this list are on the oceanfront along Collins Avenue or in Bal Harbour, so every pool faces the Atlantic. The Setai's three-pool configuration at 2001 Collins Avenue gives the most direct sightlines to the water, with the pools positioned between the hotel building and the beach.
Is there a Miami hotel pool that works well for families?+
1 Hotel South Beach at 2341 Collins Avenue has multiple pools, which allows families and adults-only guests to use separate areas. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort also has distinct pool zones. The Setai and Faena skew toward adult guests in atmosphere, though neither formally restricts children.
How far are these hotels from downtown Miami?+
All five properties are on Miami Beach or in Bal Harbour, separated from downtown Miami by Biscayne Bay. The Setai, Faena, and 1 Hotel South Beach are roughly 5 to 7 miles from Brickell by road. Carillon is about 9 miles north of downtown. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour is approximately 12 miles north of downtown. None of these properties have direct Metrorail access; reaching downtown requires a car, rideshare, or Metrobus Route 100, which runs along Collins Avenue to downtown Miami.



