Eight Great Urban Hotel Pools

While everyone expects a resort to have a knockout pool, finding a decent pool in a city hotel is a different story. Many of them are tucked in the basement off the gym, almost as an after-thought.

But a handful of urban hotels have turned their pools into stylish features, transforming rooftops and terraces into a near-tropical oasis. Throw in a DJ and some food and drink, and even non-guests will be clamoring for a piece of the pool action.

Here's our list of urban hotels where the pools make a big splash.

The Gansevoort, New York
One of the most stylish places to cool off in Manhattan is the rooftop pool of the Gansevoort Hotel. The 45-foot-long heated pool is surrounded by glass, and features underwater music and colored lighting -- and it's open 365 days a year.

The rooftop Plunge lounge serves nibbles and drinks in case you get hungry.

Although the pool is for hotel guests only, those wanting to dip their toes can sign up for the Renewal Day Package, which includes a day pass to the rooftop pool in addition to spa services and a pool bag for $250. Guest rooms start at $495.

	Gansevoort Pool

Hotel Gansevoort
18 Ninth Avenue (at 13th Street)
New York, NY 10014
Phone: [phone]
www.hotelgansevoort.com

The Fullerton, Singapore
Singapore is one of the steamiest cities in the Far East -- and we're talking about the humidity. If you need to cool off, you're in luck if the Fullerton Hotel is your home base.

This grand-dame hotel, which was once a post office, has a 25-meter outdoor infinity pool, which overlooks the Singapore River. The pool is open until 11 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to relax. Rates start at $388 SD (US$284).

	Singapore's Infinity Pool

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Telephone: [phone]
www.fullertonhotel.com

The Hollywood Roosevelt, Los Angeles
The pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt comes with plenty of pedigree. The Olympic-sized pool was painted by David Hockney, and it provided the backdrop to a 1956 Coppertone ad campaign featuring Marilyn Monroe. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the pool area is a stylish place to have a cocktail (and perhaps a swim). If you want to be close to all the pool action, book one of the 60 cabana rooms surrounding the pool, which start at $399.

The Hollywood Roosevelt
7000 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: [phone]
www.thompsonhotels.com

The Observatory, Sydney
Although Sydney has plenty of fabulous beaches to choose from (like Bondi or Manly), if you want to dip your toes in water without straying too far from a guest room, check into the Observatory Hotel. The pool area has a domed ceiling filled with twinkling stars, depicting the Southern Hemisphere.

The star configuration was based on old astronomy charts for the month of November. Rates start at AUD $825 (US$785).

The Observatory Hotel
89-113 Kent Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: [phone]
www.observatoryhotel.com.au

Four Seasons, Houston
You'd never guess you were in the middle of downtown Houston while doing laps in the outdoor pool at the Four Seasons. The new $4 million pool has a large decked area, a fire pit and a water wall, and is surrounded by oak and palm trees.

Guests can swim a few laps or indulge in a treatment from the "Spa Tapas" menu, which are mini spa treatments (some are meant to help soothe burnt skin). Weekend "Cool by the Pool" packages start at $215 a night.

	Houston's Four Seasons Hotel

Four Seasons Houston
300 Lamar Street
Houston, Texas 77010-3017
Phone: [phone]
http://www.fourseasons.com/Houston

Banyan Tree, Bangkok
The Banyan Tree in Bangkok is famous for its open-air Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar, located on the 61st floor -- it is not for the faint of heart, or those who don't like heights. Guests looking for a different type of outdoor relaxation can take a dip in the pool, located on the less-scary 21st floor.