Top Los Angeles

Poolside Luxury Lounges

by Amber George

Summertime nights in Los Angeles call for drinks outside, tapas on the deck and maybe even a dip in the pool. Here we feature some of the best summertime hotel hotspots in LA to take advantage of the warm weather and beautiful sights.

Bar Nineteen12

Beverly Hills Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA

A California Classic, the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows have always been “the place to be seen” for trendsetters. The historic pool area, frequented by celebrities, features 130 full-size lounges and twenty-one private cabanas. The Cabanas, located on two levels, feature luxurious lounging furniture, flat screen televisions, telephones and internet hook ups. The adjacent Cabana Club Café offers drinks and a light fare food menu. During the summer, famous movie tunes are piped through an underwater music system all day long. The Hotel has also stepped it up a notch with their latest addition: Bar Nineteen Twelve. Opened last summer, this new mingling place is named in honor of the year the hotel was opened. Located near the lobby, it is another great place to socialize, snack and sip a few of their unique drinks in custom-designed stemware. Bar Nineteen 12 also features a terrace lounge for dining and drinking alfresco. With more of a laidback feel, this classic hotel makes you feel like you are stepping back to the glamorous days of old Hollywood.

Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90210, 310.276.2251, www.beverlyhillshotel.com

Tropicana

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
Hollywood, CA

This traditional haven may be the oldest continuously running hotel in the city, but it certainly doesn’t mean it is outdated. This landmark hotel offers three great hot spots, with something for everyone. The main scene is The Tropicana – a nightclub and lounge adjacent to the Olympic-sized pool. Open from 9pm to 2am, The Tropicana has become a favorite play place of the trend-setting younger crowd. Another option is the new 25 Degrees, a hip 24/7 restaurant and wine bar modeled after burger joints from the 1950s. The burgers are quickly gaining notoriety and the wine menu is extensive. And finally, there is Teddy’s. This swanky, exclusive bar is ultra luxe and can be difficult to get into. Teddy's exudes that glamorous old-Hollywood feel. In short, The Roosevelt is an updated classic hotel that will never go out of style.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel & Tropicana Lounge 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028, www.hollywoodroosevelt.com, 323.466.7000

Viceroy Poolside & Cameo Bar

The Viceroy Hotel
Santa Monica, CA

This new Kor Group hotel entered the scene with a bang. Located across from the beach, its bright and unique décor is only one aspect of the hotel that has brought it so much attention. Currently one of the hottest spots that side of town, its seaside location offers a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city. If you feel like splurging, full spa services by Fred Segal Beauty are offered at the poolside spa tent. Or, you can sip drinks at the Cameo Bar, which is always has a vibrant theme to its patrons. It almost has the feel of a club, rather than a bar, with loud but not too loud music and everyone is dressed to impress. To truly take advantage of the seaside location and great mild weather of Santa Monica, order your food and drinks to-go and relax in a poolside cabana. This hip new place combines a beachy feel with a modern vibe.

Viceroy Santa Monica 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, www.viceroysantamonica.com, 310.260.7500

Rooftop Bar

The Standard Downtown
Los Angeles

Featuring an amazing panoramic view of Downtown LA, the Rooftop Bar at The Standard is one of the choicest spots in the downtown area. The roof not only hosts a bar, but a heated swimming pool, dance floor, outdoor fireplace, and vibrating waterbed pods, not to mention a spectacular view of the skyscrapers and sparkling lights of the city. The Rooftop Bar serves food until midnight and drinks until 1:30am. Nightly DJs spin tunes and movies are projected in the pool area for additional entertainment. Should you desire a snack or drink later than what the Rooftop Bar allows, there is always the 24-hour restaurant 24/7 within the hotel. Tempting menu offerings include the Moroccan crab and artichoke cakes, falafel crusted calamari and French fries with gorgonzola fondue. Bottle service is offered, but even more desirable are their intriguing cocktails including the French pear martini and sparkling sangria. DJs, special events and an on-site tattoo parlor seem to attract a younger affluent crowd, but it seems there is something for everyone at The Standard.

The Standard Downtown 550 South Flower,Los Angeles, CA 90071, www.standardhotels.com, 213.892.8080

The Backyard

The W Hotel
Westwood, CA

This European-inspired hotel in Westwood is like finding a pearl in an oyster shell.
Located just off the 405 in a residential neighborhood, the W has almost a hideaway or secret getaway type vibe with just a bit of funk. Chaise lounges and beds that surround the heated outdoor pool provide ultimate comfort. Be sure to check out the "Summer Screenings" nights where movies are shown by the pool or rent a private cabana and you'll have your own flat screen TV and DVD player inside. The Whiskey Blue bar and restaurant serves snacks and drinks, including an incredibly extensive martini selection. The pool closes at 10pm, but you can prolong the night if you choose by sipping drinks over at Whiskey Blue until 2am. Their outdoor patio has a great Polynesian feel -- very hip and contemporary. Offering a quieter vibe (only some of the time), the W is where the beautiful people go to drink and unwind.

The W Hotel 930 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024, www.whotels.com, 310.208.8765