That time in Tampa is coming; it’s so hot out that you can’t stand being outside if you aren’t in water. Some people flock to the beautiful beaches of Tampa Bay, others stay poolside at home.
But what if you don’t feel like driving to the beach and you don’t have a pool? Then what do you do? Sure, you could join the YMCA but no food or alcohol poolside makes for a very boring day. So I called around and luckily there are a few hotels in the area that let local residents use the pool!
Free use of the pool
–The Tahitian Inn, a boutique hotel located on S. Dale Mabry, welcomes locals to use the pool area anytime that it’s open. They just ask that you purchase food and drinks while you’re there. No big deal, since floating around in the hot sun really works up quite a thirst and hunger.
-The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel, located downtown near Channelside and on the water, also welcomes locals to the pool area. Although they didn’t specifically say that you need to buy food and drinks while you’re there, it sure would be a nice gesture in return for them letting you use the pool. They do limit locals using the pool on weekends that they are at maximum occupancy, so call ahead, just to be safe.
–Aloft Downtown allows locals to use the pool, but it is currently under renovation. If you decide to use the pool, just know that it is located right off the bar area, which has all glass windows. When I stayed there for my birthday I didn’t use the pool, as I didn’t want everyone at the bar to see me in bathing suit.
Limited use of the pool with a fee
–Epicurean Hotel, a boutique hotel on S. Howard, has a fabulous little pool area. I’ve used it both as a guest staying the night and for the Splash Sundays. Every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day the Epicurean opens the pool to locals for a fee of $5 (I think it was $10 last year, the price must have gone down). They have a bar and live music, and it’s quite the party.
–The Seminole Hard Rock allows locals to use the pool area, as long as they rent cabanas. The small cabanas hold 6-8 people and are $125 Monday through Thursday and $200 Friday through Sunday. The larger cabana holds 10-12 people and is $150 Monday through Thursday and $250 Friday to Sunday. Call ahead to the spa to reserve.
Don’t even try it
-The Sheraton Downtown Riverwalk, The InterContinental, the Tampa Marriott Westshore, Sailport Waterfront Suites, and Grand Hyatt Tampa said the pool is strictly for the use of guests only.
Now you know where to head when you just want to spend the day lounging by the pool.
Do you know of any hotels that allow locals to use the pool that isn’t on the list? Let me know in the comments below!