10 Beautiful Hotel Pools To Laze By Slideshow

Lake Como, in Northern Italy, is a storied destination that plays host to some of the most opulent lakefront properties in the country. Villa D'Este has been the undisputed hotel of choice for jetsetters in Lake Como since it was turned from a private mansion into a resort in 1873. The hotel has three pools on the property, the most beautiful of which is their pool on the lake. Floating on the lake (and with a built in Jacuzzi), the views of the lake and surrounding hills overwhelm you.

What to order poolside? The Sundeck Pool Bar serves light fare like sandwiches and salads. The pasta of the day is the way to go, as it's seasonal and always changing. Order a refreshing cocktail from the Terrace Bar.

Los Angeles is home to many an enviable pool. Few pools are as enviable, though, as the Standard Hotel's rooftop pool in Downtown LA. It's almost hard to work out if the pool or the Rooftop Bar (complete with red Astroturf sundeck and vibrating waterbeds) is the real draw. But the views of high rise buildings nearby are undeniably captivating, especially when you catch a glimpse of some sucker working at a desk while you're lying by the pool. Nightly DJs and weekend parties are all part of the package.

What to order poolside? Lunch at the Rooftop Bar should mean the Standard's sliders and Buffalo chicken pita pizza while the evening should see shrimp taquitos and French fries coming your way.

Most hotels in Las Vegas are aware of how necessary a couple of lavish pools are in their success. First, in 103 degrees, a pool is about the only way to survive outdoors. But then, there's the people watching and poolside partying to be had, as well. The Wynn hotel's pools cater to the widest range of wants and needs. One works for those who want to unwind and work on their tan, where another attracts anyone in the market for an umbrella drink (or a few). Then there is their European Pool, with the option of topless sunbathing, for those who require it.

What to order poolside? Drinks. The food served poolside is finger food at most, but there are plenty of casual restaurants to choose from, should you require sustenance during sunbathing. Try the Zoozacrackers Deli — the matzoh ball soup, pastrami sandwich, and the French fries. For something a little more... Vegas, try the Terrace Pointe Café's Kobe beef sliders and lobster eggs benedict.

The design of the Hotel Habita in Monterrey is enough to make you want to stay there — it is modern, sleek, and minimalist even considering its stunning views and generous amenities. Their rooftop infinity pools, complete with partial roof coverings, Sierra Madre Mountain and San Pedro Garza García city views, and fully stocked bar, are a destination for guests and locals alike.

What to order poolside? Try the octopus ceviche and the quesadillas, which come with squash blossoms and poblano peppers alongside one of the bar's fresh fruit cocktails.

The pool at the Gansevoort is a place to see and be seen. Not necessarily the type of place you wear a bathing cap, goggles, and swim fins to get in a good workout, the rooftop pool at this Meatpacking District hotel is known for its view and its crowd. To top it off, they play music underwater in their always-heated pool so the bathing beauties and the men that ogle them can be constantly entertained.

What to order poolside? While there is no food or drink service at the pool, jet across the rooftop to the Plunge Bar for a California roll, a spicy blue crab pizza, or a "tanuki bombe" (chocolate covered frozen matcha mousse).

An Art Deco-lover's paradise and one of Miami's most beautiful pools (regardless of the beautiful people that frequent it), the Raleigh Hotel's pool is as much of a destination as the neighboring beach. Surrounded by lush, tropical trees and plants, it is an escape (and a hot spot) for locals and visitors. Sneak by the waterfall and toward the nautically-designed terrace to find a well-stocked pool bar and mouth-watering food options or flag one of the dedicated pool staff down for a cooled, scented towel. You'll be forever spoiled.

What to order poolside? Grilled baby octopus, a burger royale, or chips and guacamole. Try a mojito — they're known for them.

An Art Deco-lover's paradise and one of Miami's most beautiful pools (regardless of the beautiful people that frequent it), the Raleigh Hotel's pool is as much of a destination as the neighboring beach. Surrounded by lush, tropical trees and plants, it is an escape (and a hot spot) for locals and visitors. Sneak by the waterfall and toward the nautically-designed terrace to find a well-stocked pool bar and mouth-watering food options or flag one of the dedicated pool staff down for a cooled, scented towel. You'll be forever spoiled.

What to order poolside? Grilled baby octopus, a burger royale, or chips and guacamole. Try a mojito — they're known for them.

Even though the area around Round Hill in Jamaica offers such beautiful distractions as Mayfield Falls, Ocho Rios, and a Rainforest Bobsled adventure, you'll want to spend a good amount of time lazing by their infinity pool, situated just in front of the ocean. Surrounded only by rocks, palm trees, and the deep blue sea, there is not a bad lounge chair in the bunch. Villas in the hotel come with their own private pools, which are secluded, quiet, and have their own shady cabanas.

What to order poolside? Try the local fruits in Jamaica whenever possible. By the pool, try whatever they are barbecuing by the sea that day with a fresh fruit cocktail from the bar.

Dallas' Hotel Joule is a modern, whimsical destination outfitted with sumptuous, colorful fabrics and fixtures from the nightlife lounge to their rooftop "Poule." Open to guests and locals, the pool has a number of unique amenities from their cooling lavender mists and sunglass spritzing to the fact that the pool is built to reach eight feet beyond the hotel's structure making it look like you're swimming right off the roof of the building. It doesn't hurt that Charlie Palmer planned the menu for the Poule.

What to order poolside? Order a Tangerine Mojito or a Watermelon Sangria as you munch on tomatillo guacamole, rum pressed melon, Asiago spinach dip, and paprika hummus.

Paris' Hotel Ritz has got old world luxury down. Columns that recall Ancient Greece, private salons that resemble a French royal court, and their famed indoor pool, situated at the base of a majestic staircase. Promoting well-being and relaxation, the pool at the Hotel Ritz plays calming underwater sounds and is surrounded by beautifully painted murals. With a handful of lounge chairs scattered throughout, this gilded poolside is a far cry from the boisterous Vegas party scene.

What to order poolside? Try the artichoke hearts salad or the burrata cheese with eggplant. For dessert, try their famous Napoleon (made with Bourbon vanilla) and a fresh fruit cocktail or glass of Champagne. 

One of Rio's classic, storied hotels, the Copacabana Palace boasts a nearly unrivaled pool. Open 24 hours a day, their swimming pool is an escape from the bustling streets that border it. Old world charm and a full staff dedicated to serving guests all day, it's enough to make you not take advantage of the hotel's private beach service. With their Pergula restaurant situated poolside, the pool is flourishing with activity both day and night.

What to order poolside? Slip on your cover up and saunter over to the Pergula restaurant for a feijoda — a stew of mixed dried meats — a Brazilian specialty. Take advantage of their classic afternoon tea, as well.