Escape to the finest swimming pools in Cape Town’s finest hotels.
If you’re looking to soak up the sun, yet still need some sparkling respite from the summer heat, then you should definitely visit these divine hotel swimming pools in downtown Cape Town.
Nestled in the heart of South Africa, the beautiful city of Cape Town is renowned for its stunning landscapes. From the famous Table Mountain to the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s natural charm is seamlessly intertwined with its lively Central Business District. This makes it a must-visit destination for a summer escape. So, don’t miss out on our top picks for refreshing swimming pools that are just waiting to be discovered.
Gorgeous George Hotel
It’s small but fabulous and oh-so-stylish. The rooftop swimming pool at award-winning inner-city boutique hotel Gorgeous George sets the sophisticated scene for a sublime cocktail at the go-to sundowner venue for the chic set, Gigi Rooftop Bar.
- 118 St Georges Mall.
- www.gigirooftop.com
- www.gorgeousgeorge.co.za
The Rockefeller Hotel & Residence
Located on the 18th floor of the trendy The Rockefeller on the Foreshore, this swimming pool is a sight to behold. Designed by renowned interior designer Tristan du Plessis, the pool boasts a fresh and sparkling ambience that will impress you. Natural light floods the space and offers a warm and inviting atmosphere thanks to the sunroof. The glass doors most certainly provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding area, adding to the charm of the pool. To top it off, the pool paraphernalia is also pretty stylish.
- 12 Christiaan Barnard St.
- www.newmarkhotels.com
Pullman Cape Town City Centre
Looking for a luxurious stay in Cape Town? Look no further than Pullman Cape Town City Centre, formerly known as Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence. With a refreshing outdoor pool, a deck equipped with comfortable loungers, and a convenient location on the same floor as the Ghibli Bar, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your stay in style. Make yourself at home!
- 22 Riebeek St.
- www.all.accor.com
Hotel Sky
The Glamorous Hotel Sky has not one but two small, heated swimming pools on two of its decks where guests can soak up the sun and be mesmerised by the astonishing view of Table Mountain, the CBD skyline and Cape Town harbour.
- 9 Lower Long St.
- www.hotelsky.co.za
Southern Sun The Cullinan
If you are looking to escape the summer heat in Cape Town, Southern Sun The Cullinan is the perfect place to unwind and cool off. The hotel features an expansive, deep-blue outdoor heated pool that is surrounded by comfortable reclining chairs clad in crisp black and white. It’s the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- 1 Cullinan St
- www.southernsun.com
The Onyx Aparthotel
Imagine lounging on chic poolside furniture while taking in the breathtaking views of the Central City and Table Mountain from the 4th floor of a sophisticated inner-city aparthotel. The beautiful mural adds a touch of art and elegance to the already serene atmosphere. And the fact that the outside area is linked to the bar makes it a perfect spot for some refreshing sundowners. It’s an inside-outside pool experience that you wouldn’t want to miss! There is also a spa on the same floor.
- 57 Heerengracht
- www.newmarkhotels.com
The Westin Cape Town
One of the most famous inner-city pools, The Westin’s rooftop infinity lap pool is located inside the Heavenly Spa on the 19th floor and is best enjoyed before or after a relaxing spa treatment. Hotel and outside guests with a booked treatment can access the spa facilities, including the gym and pool.
- Lower Long St
- www.westin.com
Pepperclub Hotel
Pepperclub Hotel’s year-round outdoor pool on the 8th floor is located near its highly recommended Cayenne Spa. Surrounded by lush greenery, the pool area offers stunning views of the nearby mountain. You can lounge on the plush chairs, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing dip in the pool whenever you please. And if you’re in the mood for some pampering, the Cayenne Spa is just a stone’s throw away. This is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate during your stay. Take in the lush greenery, sink into the plush loungers and marvel at the mountain.
- Cnr Loop and Pepper Sts
- www.pepperclub.co.za
Onomo Hotel Inn On The Square
Onomo Hotel Inn on the Square features a rooftop heated pool, providing an unforgettable downtown view experience.
- Greenmarket Square
- www.onomohotels.com
The Capital 15 On Orange
Located near the historical Company’s Garden, The Capital 15 on Orange is an urban oasis with an inviting outdoor pool cleverly positioned to take advantage of scenic mountain views. The Grotto Wellness Spa inside the hotel also has a heated pool to accompany the relaxing treatments.
- Cnr Orange St and Grey’s Pass
- www.thecapital.co.za
One Thibault Residence
One Thibault Residence, the highest residential tower in town, has a rooftop pool in an adjoining building that’s perfect for letting your hair down after a day out on the town.
- Cnr Long St & Hans Strijdom Ave
- www.onethibault.com
The Duke
Dynamite comes in small packages at The Duke, the luxury apartment block at Fountain Circle on the Heerengracht. There’s a relaxing rooftop entertainment area with a splash pool that’s perfect for a refreshing cool-down.
- 5 Heerengracht
- www.theduke.co.za
Urban Oasis Aparthotel
Aparthotel Urban Oasis, conveniently located near the Houses of Parliament, has a rooftop pool and bar from where visitors can drink in great views.
- 91 Plein St
- www.urbanoasis.co.za
The Fountains Hotel
This four-star inner-city hotel has a cold outdoor lap pool and a neighbouring heated pool perfect for that crack-of-dawn 10-lap water workout.
- 1 St Georges Mall
- www.fountainshotel.co.za
Note: Most of these hotel swimming pools, which all fall into the 1.6 km² area of the Cape Town CBD, managed and promoted by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District https://www.capetownccid.org/ (CCID), are mostly accessible to hotel guests only.
This feature first appeared in City Views published by the CCID.