Cool off in the best hotel pools in Brisbane

If ever a city warranted having a solid line-up of hotel pools, it has to be Brisbane. With an average of 283 days of sunshine and a climate that can be considered balmy year-round, it pays to ensure your Brisbane hotel has a pool when booking a stay.

Whether you’re looking for resort vibes in the middle of the city, want to swim overlooking the river, or prefer to shop up a storm then sip cocktails by the pool, put your best poolside foot forward with this list of the best hotel pools in Brisbane.

The Calile, Fortitude Valley

Easily the most instantly recognisable hotel pool in Brisbane, staying the night at award-winning urban resort The Calile grants you exclusive access to this sundrenched showstopper – 27-metres long and lined with glass-green tiles, surrounded by Turkish travertine. There’s enough room for those morning laps but when a pool is this beautiful, and stairs run the entire length of the pool, you’ll probably much prefer to sit immersed in the water while you read your book or sip that cocktail.

Stretch out on a sage sun lounger or settle into a cabana where you can order bites from Hellenika in between dips in the sparkling pool. Cabanas are available on a first come, first served basis during the day (Hellenika takes them over by night).

There’s much to love about the hotel playground that is W Brisbane but the WET Deck pool on level four has to be right up there. With its bold geometric black and white ceiling and mosaic tiling, the heated 20-metre pool is protected from the elements so you can swim rain, hail or shine, yet the sun loungers are positioned to catch those sunny Queensland vibes.

Order poolside cocktails and bites from the WET Deck bar as live DJs spin beats – underwater speakers mean you can still listen while submerged – and keep an eye out for floating cinema events.

Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane City

Set under the Story Bridge and crowning Crystalbrook Vincent, what this black-tiled infinity pool lacks in size it makes up for in style. Backed by the arresting cliffs that plunge into the river at Howard Smith Wharves and surrounded by pool loungers that drink in views of the riverbend and the city skyline, the rooftop pool dishes up an intimate summer scene

Making it very easy to linger hours after your swim, service is on hand from Fiume (try the native negroni) during the rooftop bar’s open hours.

Crowning the sophisticated Hotel X in Fortitude Valley, the toughest choice you’ll have to make at this rooftop pool is what to order from the menu at the adjoining bar and restaurant, Iris.

Plonk yourself onto a sun lounger with one of the best views in Brisbane – stretching over the Story Bridge and down across leafy New Farm – and you can order without even having to dry off.

Emporium Hotel, South Bank

Perched high above the Brisbane River and overlooking the CBD from its prime position in South Bank, it's little wonder why the 23-metre infinity-edge pool at Emporium Hotel South Bank scored #6 in the best hotel pools category in Wotif’s annual ‘Uniquely Aussie Awards’.

Plan on spending a lot of time poolside? Book your stay in one of the three Poolside Cabana Suites, located mere metres from the infinity pool, 21 storeys up.  

The Johnson, Spring Hill

Set in Spring Hill on the fringes of the CBD, this Art Series Hotel is a quiet achiever on the pool front. For starters, the 50-metre lap pool was designed by Australian Olympic gold medallist, Michael Klim. But those in the know love it for its tranquil outlook, gazing into the trees and revamped workers cottages this suburb is known for.

The north-facing pool deck is likely where you’ll spend most of your time here, soaking up that Brisbane sunshine, enjoying one of the BBQs or hitting the gym, which adjoins the pool.

The Westin, Brisbane City

Home to Brisbane’s iconic swim-up pool bar, Nautilus, book your stay at The Westin Brisbane for the ultimate escape from the everyday. The bar is open daily from 11am – 4pm, so if you dream of floating with a spritz in hand, the Westin’s sprawling pool has you covered. 

Lina Rooftop, South Brisbane

One of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, Lina feels like a trip to the French Riviera right here in the river city. The lounge and pool deck – complete with 30 metre infinity pool – is the perfect escape on a humid day. With a side of burrata, grilled octopus, and wagyu beef sliders.  

Guests of inner-city retreat, Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm, get complimentary access to Lina Rooftop during their stay. Members of the public can also reserve poolside lounges, with an additional fee for pool access, towel, locker and shower amenities.

Note: the pool deck is strictly an 18+ zone.

More Brisbane hotels with pools worth booking:

• Hyatt Regency Brisbane - cool off with views over Queen Street Mall
• Ovolo The Valley - a small but funky sun deck and a lap pool with city views
• FV by Peppers - this apartment hotel is best for night dips when the pool is illuminated
• voco Brisbane City Centre - refreshing rooftop pool open 7am - 7pm 

Venturing beyond Brissie? Dive into the best hotel pools in Queensland.