8 Most Epic Indoor Pools in Texas

Known for its Olympic-sized pool and great downtown Houston location, Hilton Americas Houston in the heart of downtown is one of the newer hotels on this list. Built as an ideal destination for business travelers, this hotel is adjacent to the convention center and boasts some of the best views of downtown Houston. The indoor pool is housed in an upper-floor room with a wall of glass overlooking the city center.

After swimming a few long laps (or taking a quick soak in the oversized Whirlpool), towel off and head over to the Skyline Spa and Health Club. The hotel offers a full spa, plus a well-stocked gym that includes locker rooms in addition to the Olympic swimming experience. You don’t have to be a fitness buff, though; there are plenty of loungers between the pool and the windows for kicking back and taking in the view. The hotel caters to the business class, so expect high-end, modern furnishings and luxe finishes in the rooms.

When the kids want to play in the water 24-7, Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine is the place to vacation. No matter the season, the resort’s indoor water park is available for hours (and hours) of water fun. Yes, there are outdoor pools and an impressive lazy river, but the indoor space for kids makes this a perfect spot for families. Older kids and adults can ride through a network of water tubes and slides, while younger kids enjoy the water playground.

This resort is self-contained, so you can swim, eat, sleep and even participate in activities like a rope challenge or a mining adventure without leaving the property. Rooms have a lodge theme, so you’ll see lots of wood and wolves in the décor. If somehow the kids get tired of playing at the water park (not likely), there are also activities planned throughout the day for different age groups. Think of it like a mini amusement park with costumed characters.

At the opposite end of the swimming spectrum, the tranquil grounds of the Lake Austin Spa Resort are about as peaceful as you can get. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.

This resort spa in the country was named the No. 1 Destination Spa Resort in North America and the No. 2 Destination Spa Resort in the World by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in 2019. Situated on the banks of Lake Austin, it features two outdoor pools and one junior Olympic-sized pool inside a chic “pool barn.”

Beyond swimming, take advantage of daily aquatic workouts in the pool barn, then grab a kayak and head out to the lake.

Guests at the resort are thoroughly pampered. Locally sourced, “conscientious cuisine” is prepared by one of the top chefs in the region. There are special wellness speakers and a water taxi that will take you to Austin. Luxurious linens and furnishings adorn each room.

If an urban setting is more your schtick, book into The Beeman in the upscale Dallas neighborhood of Park Cities. The indoor pool is in a brightly lit atrium with rolling garage door-style windows that are often opened to let in fresh air.

Everything about this hotel is decidedly modern, artsy, funky and fun. You may feel like you’ve stepped into a sexy mid-century time capsule.

The Beeman was renovated and relaunched in 2019, so don’t be surprised if you get a faint whiff of that fresh-paint smell. Rooms are smartly appointed with modern furniture and unique paint treatments that match the artsy feel of the lobby and gastropub. Try any of their seasonal made-from-scratch cocktails… after you’ve left the pool.

On the west side of Houston, the Memorial City area is frequented by locals and visitors alike. It’s a hub for quality medical care and home to several shopping centers and residential neighborhoods.

Near the center of the district stands The Westin Houston Memorial City — a hotel with a heated infinity pool housed in an open-air room on the top floor. Guests of the hotel can take a ride up to the roof, then swim from inside to the edge of the pool and look out over the city as if they’re floating above it.

Views aside, you can also lounge and feel the cool breeze that nearly always blows through the pool area.

Want to bring your pet along? Can do. Can’t miss your daily workout? Have an exercise bike brought into your room.

The hotel caters to business and medical visitors, so rooms are contemporary and well appointed. Most floors feature wall-to-wall windows along the wide corridor and there are chairs and benches to enjoy the view.

Is saltwater the future of pools? Saltwater is softer and more gentle on skin than chlorine, and they seem to be growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional pools. If you want to try one out, check out the Hotel Granduca Austin.

This luxury hotel has multiple pools, including a heated saltwater pool (outdoors) and a relaxing indoor pool near the on-site spa. Take a soak in the pool while you soak in the views of peaceful rolling hills just outside Austin. Enjoy spa treatments before or after you take a dive.

There’s an Italian theme running through the Hotel Granduca Austin, from its Tuscan yellow walls to wood furnishings and granite and marble accents. The furnishings in the common areas have a cozy old world feel. Hill Country wouldn’t be complete without some wine, and a fine selection (along with spirits) is available in the on-site bar. Sip and savor alongside the fresh Italian food is served in the restaurant.

If you’re interested in overlooking the Dallas skyline while relaxing next to a pool, The Westin Dallas Downtown has to be on your list. The indoor pool in this high-rise hotel is on a top floor with a wall of windows overlooking downtown. You might just feel like you’re in an episode of Dallas!

This central Dallas hotel is right in the middle of the action and is walking distance to downtown attractions. If you want to stay on-site, the hotel restaurant has panoramic views of the city. The hotel isn’t as new as some of the other contenders on this list, but few can match the views from this location. Rooms are modern and comfortable, though the real attraction is the view.

The Galleria area of Houston boasts some of the most expensive designer shopping the state.

If high-end shopping and eating is on your agenda, the pool at the Hotel Marriott Houston West Loop Galleria will be icing on the cake. This indoor pool is housed in a glass atrium with steel beam construction and an almost industrial vibe. It’s a bit like being inside a giant greenhouse. Except with a pool.

The steel beam and glass ceilings continue into the lobby, which is flooded with light during the day. At night, the nearby city lights and stars are visible and lend a romantic feeling to the common spaces.

Most rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows to further let in light and show off views of the city. Warm oak furnishings and neutral paint treatments make the rooms feel comfortable and inviting. After a day of swimming or shopping — or both — it’s a relaxing place to get a good night’s sleep.