Beverly Hills Hotel Pool
You need to be a hotel guest if you want to take a dip in many of these pools, but some welcome non-guests who just want to enjoy the atmosphere.
Few hotel pools are as iconic as the one at The Standard Downtown LA, which is likely why Travel + Leisure voted it one of the top 10 hotel swimming pools in the world. Situated on the rooftop, the outdoor pool is as hip as it is relaxing. Funked out vibrating waterbeds and a cocktail lounge highlight the pristine water, but extras like movie nights and DJs take “pool party” to the next level.
Literally steps from the beach, the Loews pool not only boasts amazing ocean and Santa Monica Pier views, but it also observes a host of thoughtful details that keep guests coming back — think water aerobics classes, happy-hour specials to get things started each night, grown-up games during the summer months (with Loews Hotels prizes at stake), and blankets and fireplaces to keep the party going when the weather gets chilly.
Classy and sophisticated, the Viceroy's tree-ringed pool lures an elegant and laid-back crowd with bottle service, designer cocktails, comfy lounge chairs, cozy cabanas that add privacy to any poolside gathering and background music that makes for a festive atmosphere while still allowing you to have a conversation with your pool-mates. 
If pools could talk, the one at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel ought to have some good stories. Surrounded by sultry palm trees and flanked by the famous Tropicana Bar, the David Hockney-designed pool is classic Hollywood — great drinks, loud music and energy buzzing with excitement. During the day, things settle down for some peace and quiet, and you never know what celebrity will plop down on the lounge chair next to you.
Simply put, the Mondrian’s pool boasts views of LA like no other hotel. Sophistication is the name of the game here, and the Mondrian’s sky-high layout is perfect. The serene pool is the center of attention (as it should be), and underwater music is the icing on the cake (makes underwater tea parties a little more festive, doesn’t it?).
Leave it to the Millennium Biltmore to feature an indoor pool just oozing with culture and class. The pool’s architecture is reminiscent of Roman baths, but tranquility is the prevalent feeling here. Take a dip, then head to the adjacent steam room to further unwind.
Relatively new to the hotel scene, the Custom Hotel has made a “splash” with its sleek outdoor pool and comfy cabanas. No wonder it’s the site for the much-publicized “pool parties,” complete with poolside DJs, fancy cocktails and local Angelenos showing off their tans.
The weather is no object when it comes to indulging in some quality pool time at the Warner Center Marriott this winter. Enjoy gorgeous views — rain or shine — within the comfort and convenience of the atrium-inspired indoor pool. Or, for some sun and some fresh air, head outside where you can lounge the day away people watching at the garden setting pool.
The coastal Terranea Resort has perfected the pool experience by offering three choices for getting your swim on. There's one for families with a 140-foot waterslide and a splashy fountain for giggling little ones, an adults-only option for those seeking tranquility, and a salt-water oasis that welcomes those fresh from an exhilarating spa treatment. All three have ocean views and are ringed by cabanas for refuge from the sun. 
If celebrities ever flocked around a watering hole, they did it at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, known locally as the “Pink Palace.” This is quintessential LA: palm trees, bright sunshine, polo-esque lounge chairs and five-star service, whether you need another frozen margarita or a spritz of water.
