Image via Complex Original
Damn that groundhog. After seeing its shadow earlier this year, the extended six weeks of winter felt more like an additional six months. Now that Mother Nature has gotten the memo that spring has indeed sprung, it’s time to shed those layers and make up for lost time.
If the brutal winter is any indication of how intense the summer will be, you’ll need to spend some time poolside for sure. Hot summer days by the pool as a kid called for one thing: lemonade. This summer is no different. Beware: this is not your grandmother’s concoction. Add one part Bacardi Limón and three parts lemonade for your one-way ticket to fun.
Slather on that SPF and hit a few last-minute push ups. Don’t just hit up any pool; here are 10 of the best ones. You’ve waited this long, now let the turn up commence.
Ace Hotel
Location: 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, Calif.
Admission: $30
Who you’ll see there: Hipsters
Why you should be there: Ace Hotel’s aesthetics are something straight from a Tumblr page. The hipster hideaway is the place to be chilling poolside this summer without the pressures of being a guest. It isn’t a real pool party without a DJ or libations, and Ace provides you with both. Ace is frequented for their weekend pool parties like Reggae Sol, hosted on the last Saturday of the month. To take a splash in this Palm Springs pool, call ahead of time to reserve your daily pass to avoid the curve upon arrival.
Dream Downtown
Location: 355 W. 16th St., New York City
Admission: Free with finesse
Who you’ll see there: Socialites
Why you should be there: Dream’s downtown location has shown some of your favorite socialites a good time, so why not join in on some of the fun? Non-hotel guests are frowned upon, but the hotel does hold events for the public. If you’re known as the king or queen of finesse among your friends, try your luck at Dream’s Sun-Tropez Fridays, where being a guest is not required. After the major success of their weekly rooftop bashes last summer, expect Sun-Tropez’s return this summer.
The Clevelander
Location: 1020 Ocean Dr., Miami
Admission: Free
Who you’ll see there:Turnt tourists
Why you should be there: Who in their right mind passes up a free pool party on a Saturday? No one. The Clevelander’s Splash Saturdays give you Miami realness, swimsuit showcase included. Fellas, thank me later.
Wet Republic @ MGM Grand
Location: 3799 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas
Admission: Varies
Who you’ll see there: EDM enthusiasts
Why you should be there: Vegas’ pool scene is like none other. Yes, most hotel pool parties will have DJs and music, but can you say that you partied with Calvin Harris or Steve Aoki? The two EDM gawds are practically regulars at Wet Republic this summer. Purchase tickets here.EDM gawds are practically regulars at Wet Republic this summer. Purchase tickets here.
Rehab @ Hard Rock
Location: 4455 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas
Admission: $20 Ladies, $40 Gentlemen
Who you’ll see there: Pretty much everyone
Why you should be there: We’ve already established that Vegas’ pool party scene is unmatched, and we all have Rehab to thank for that. The leader of partying in swimsuits has continued to cater to your partying needs when they released Summer Camp Fridays along with Rehab Saturdays and Sundays. They pretty much have the entire weekend on lock.
RIO
Location: 601 Rio Grande, Austin, Texas
Admission: Free
Who you’ll see there: Half-naked bottle service girls
Why you should be there: For those of you who don’t need too much to have a good time, RIO is where you need to be. It’s also worth mentioning that if you’re not the best swimmer, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about losing your life. RIO’s three-foot pool puts all the focus on having fun.
TAO Beach @ The Venetian
Location: 3377 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas
Admission: Varies
Who you’ll see there: Hip-hop circuit
Why you should be there: If you’re lucky enough to hit TAO on a weekday, you might get a little more than you bargained for. The scene is so random that you can catch anyone from Fabolous and Kevin Hart to Rae Sremmurd and Brody Jenner hosting a party there. Just remember what they say about what happens in Vegas…
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Location: 8500 Arturo Dr., Dallas
Admission: $7
Who you’ll see there: Parents who turn up
Why you should be there: F.O.E. definitely knows how to party. After playing volleyball or taking a few laps, grab your wallet and put your singles to good use. They’re known for their one-dollar Jell-O shots—for those who are about that life.
DNV Rooftop Lounge
Location: 1155 14th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Admission: An overnight stay
Who you’ll see there: Partying professionals
Why you should be there: D.C. is a mash-up of cultures, so it’s only right that you give DNV Rooftop Lounge at The Donovan a chance. This Asian-inspired hotel allows their guests to let loose in their newly renovated rooftop pool. A weekend in D.C. is worth the price tag, including the happy hours and brunches that DNV has to offer. You haven’t truly brunched if it wasn’t in the District.
Shore Club Hotel
Location: 1901 Collins Ave., Miami
Admission: $20
Who you’ll see there: Babes who brunch
Why you should be there: Thrillist dubbed Shore Club Hotel’s Sunday pool party the number one pool party in Miami. That alone should be an indication that there’s no other place you need to be poolside if you’re dropping by the 305. Aside from their bottomless mimosa deals, their extensive Rumbar with a selection of 75 different rums puts this pool as the winner by a landslide.