Cool L.A. Hotel Pools

The pool is almost beside the point at this Philippe Starck–designed rooftop deck. A glittering crowd of jet-setters comes to survey the city views, nibble on light fare by José Andrés, soak up DJ sets, and chill out in private cabanas equipped with mini-bars, MP3 docs, and DVD players.

This legendary pool boasting art by David Hockney was once the province of stars like Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. Today, bikini-clad starlets-in-training sun themselves on mod loungers by day, while by night a sexy crowd of scenesters sips cocktails from the Tropicana Bar poolside. Don’t miss the raucous pool parties.

A teak deck, blooming vines, comfy wicker furniture, underwater music, and stunning city views make this pool area a rather exceptional “outdoor living room.” After dark, glowing lanterns hung from the trees create a romantic scene, and the poolside lounge Skybar heats up with a hot Hollywood throng.

Floating amid downtown skyscrapers, this trendy pool deck (covered in red Astroturf, no less) hosts an impossibly hip crowd. Never mind the pool: most of the cool kids seem more interested in the dance floor with nightly DJs, the biergarten, and the fireplace (while others retreat to the waterbed pods for some privacy).

On Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., this Hollywood rooftop deck hosts an all-out Vegas-style pool party. The tunes are loud, the vibe is “see and be seen,” the patrons are perfectly tanned, and “upscale” swimwear is de rigueur. Get there early to nab a lounger, or reserve one of the elite cabanas.