The pool at the Delano Hotel. Photo: 416style

The Raleigh
Frequently called one of the most beautiful pools in America, the pool at The Raleigh was made famous by Esther Williams, a swimmer and movie star in the 1940s and 50s. Known for her aquamusicals, Williams was a frequent guest of The Raleigh since its pool was the backdrop for many of her films. Today, the pool still retains its vintage-movie charm while kicking up the glamour with modern-day accents. Tropical plants surround the pool area, and the pool’s tumbling waterfall will transport you into an island frame of mind. In case you need a little more help relaxing, grab a scented towel from one of the staff members and hit up the poolside bar.

For more information, visit www.raleighhotel.com/explore/the_pool/.

Eden Roc Resort
A favorite of celebrities like Madonna and Steven Spielberg, and even a filming locale for episodes of “I Love Lucy,” the Eden Roc Resort not only offers oceanfront accommodations, but also three gorgeous pools: an adult pool, the Main Resort Infinity Edge Pool and the Ocean Garden Infinity Edge Pool, which is family friendly. There’s a Jacuzzi (essential!) to relax after a long day of swimming. Unlike many hotel pools in Miami, Eden Roc’s are open 24/7, so you won’t have “some ‘splainin’ to do” to any hotel security guards in case you feel like going for a midnight dip.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/recreation/miasr-eden-roc-renaissance-miami-beach/.

Gansevoort Miami Beach
Like its NYC counterpart, the Gansevoort Miami Beach is set on stunning its patrons with the ultimate in poolside luxury. Undoubtedly, you’ll have to split your time between Gansevoort’s two ocean-view pools; you wouldn’t want to make either one jealous! The rooftop pool is situated on a 26,000 square-foot oasis complete with cabanas and quintessential palm trees. The 110-foot swimming pool is 18 floors high, next to the “Plunge” bar and lounge, and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Miami. The Pool Plaza will seduce you with its ocean-view, infinity-edge pool, located on a Brazilian Ipe deck. Be sure to try the upscale fare at the outdoor restaurant by the infinity-edge pool—just be sure to wait 30 minutes before diving back into the pool or you might float into the abyss.

For more information, visit www.gansevoortmiamibeach.com/features-activities/.

Fontainebleau

One of the pools at Fontainebleau. Photo: David Berkowitz

While many of the poolside scenes in Scarface were filmed at the Fontainebleau, the only thing you’re going to be saying hello to is the incredible poolscape at this luxury resort. Whether you’re looking for an adults-only pool experience or hoping to keep the kids entertained, Fontainebleau has a pool to suite your aquatic needs. The main pool is an amalgamation of a free-form pool combined with the “walls of water” effect, which gives the pool a walk-on-water appearance. For a more sensual experience, flaunt yourself at the enclosed European-style pool that’s surrounded by cozy cabanas and sun loungers. Families with children can visit a multitude of small dipping pools as well as an interactive waterscape play area that includes a waterslide, beach-style entry, a spray canopy, water canons and a zero-entry wading pool.

For more information, visit www.fontainebleau.com/web/recreation/pools_and_beach.

Delano Hotel
The Delano Hotel may only have one pool, but it certainly proves that quality is more important than quantity. Self-labeled as more of a “water salon” as opposed to a pool, Delano’s watery retreat will soothe your soul with its underwater classical music, cascading waterfall and in-pool furniture. There are separate areas in the pool designated for floating and meditating, so you can get your Zen on in peace. Poolside cabana dinning is available, and if that doesn’t make you feel like royalty, butlers are available as well. Don’t, however, let the peaceful daytime surroundings inform your view of what the pool area will be like at night. Once the lights go down, the “water salon” turns into more of a “water saloon,” where guests can indulge in the nightlife experience that inspired Will Smith to write his infamous Miami anthem.

For more information, visit www.delano-hotel.com/#/explore/?id=pool.

Romantic Getaway – The Joule Dallas

Trip Kick Preferred: Rooms Ending in “813 & 814″ Rooms

These Deluxe Suites are extremely well done.  They each have a high ceiling, oversized bedroom with a sitting area, little patio, and a large bathroom with walk-in shower, soaking tub, and window.  Definitely worth the upgrade from the Joule Suite.

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Hip & Trendy – W Dallas Victory Hotel

Trip Kick Preferred: Rooms Ending in “01″ Rooms

These Cool Corner Rooms or WoW Suites are the most preferred in the hotel.  They all have a nice balcony, great views of Victory Plaza and the American Airlines Center.  The Wow Suites have great bathrooms with windows that view Downtown Dallas.

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Party Scene – Hotel ZaZa

Trip Kick Preferred: Rooms Ending in “08-20 Even” Rooms

This party hotel is eclectic in nature, a sort of Rocker Elegance.  The scene at the pool is especially full of life on the weekends, and with these rooms you’ll never miss any of the action from the Balconies that overlook the pool area.

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Family Getaway – Hotel Palomar Dallas

Trip Kick Preferred: Rooms Ending in “33″ Rooms

Luxury King Room that is a tad oversized and sits on the corner of the building.  It has two windows one with great views of Downtown Dallas, and the other faces the pool area.  This is the room regular guests keep coming back to.

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Business/Convention Hotel – The Westin Galleria Dallas

Trip Kick Preferred: Rooms Ending in “05 & 22″ Rooms on Floors 15-21

Corner Suites that have been renovated with a great sense of modern style and color.  There is a large separate living room with nice suburb views and nice Bedroom suite with a window looking towards the mall and an oversized Bathroom with a large Walk-In Shower and Soaking Tub.  Be sure to check out a fellow travelers review of his room 1522.  These are some of the best rooms we’ve seen at any Westin property.

Romantic Getaway – The Mansion on Peach Tree

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms Ending in “06″ or “07″

The Mansion just opened a few months ago and boy does it impress. Each room feels like a private apartment with amazing finishes. Located in Buckhead, a private English garden, and the new 29 Spa; this is the perfect romantic getaway. The corner “06″ or “07″ Executive Balcony Suites have great views of Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta, and a beautiful bathroom. Be sure to stay here on the 4^th of July, great views of the fireworks show from the balcony of these rooms.

Upscale Business Hotel – The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms Ending in “19″

This Ritz-Carlton just went through an extensive room’s renovation where they took great pains to attend to the needs of the modern business man but maintain the elegance that is Ritz-Carlton. The “19″ corner rooms have great Downtown Atlanta City views and 2 windows filling the room with an abundance of natural light.

Hip & Trendy – W Atlanta-Midtown

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms Ending in “02″ or “08″ Fantastic Suites

This new W has become one of the Jewels of the chain and the heart of Atlanta Nightlife. On Friday and Saturday the 3 Bars entertain a rather large party scene. These Fantastic Suites have the preferred Midtown Views and are perfect for those wishing to have a lot of fun. The bathroom is extremey oversized with a soaking tub and a large glass shower that can fit up to 6 (according to a Bachelorette Party we ran into). So reserve this room for your uh…Bachelorette parties.

Quiet & Serene – The Westin Buckhead

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms Ending in “19″

Westin is known for continuity and simple comforts and this Westin is perfectly serene. The “19″ corner rooms are oversized with 2 windows that bring in great natural light and spectacular views of Downtown Atlanta.

Business / Convention Hotel – Marriott Marquis Atlanta

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms Ending in “22″

This Marriot Marquis just went through a $140 million renovation and has transformed into a wonderfully sophisticated mega hotel.  We hope Marriott breathes this new modern design into more of their hotels. The “22″ rooms are quiet corner rooms located away from the elevators and have great views of Downtown Atlanta and Midtown.

Out of All the Rooms in Los Angeles TripKick has seen, these 5 stand out for their respective Categories

Trendy Boutique – The London West Hollywood

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “07″

This Hotel just opened and is one of our Favorites in the Party Scene West Hollywood Area.  The preferred corner 07 rooms have the best views of West Hollywood and even a glimpse of Downtown LA on a rare smog clear day.  The bathroom is large, designed by Waterworks, with all white mosaic tiles and an oversized bathtub with a dual walk in shower.  Be sure to check out the Roof Top Pool, some of the best views in all of LA!

Hip & Trendy – Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “11″ or “22″

Newly Opened Thompson Hotel exudes the style and sophistication of the Hip & Trendy Scene in Los Angeles; located in the Heart of Beverly Hills and a walking distance to all the designer shops and gourmet restaurants.  These two corner rooms are oversized rooms with the most preferred views, “11″ of the Hollywood Hills, and “22″ of Downtown LA.

Family Getaway – Shutters on the Beach

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “47″

Fantastic California Craftsman Style Hotel that sits right on Santa Monica Beach.  It’s a stones throw from both the Santa Monica Pier, 3^rd St. Promenade, and Main St.  They just completed a renovation of their Pool area and although the “47″ rooms are in the Ocean House, these corner rooms are close to the Pool and have great views of the Beach/Pier.

Quiet & Serene – Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills

TripKick Preferred Room: Room “225″

Wonderful boutique hotel with only 49 rooms that makes Los Angeles seem to slow down.  Located on a mostly residential street, still within walking distance to the Beverly Hills Shops, makes you feel like you’ve just arrived at your 2^nd home.  Room 225, located in the outdoor building, sits right above the pool and is used as one of the Bedrooms of the Presidential Suite; however it can be booked separately.  We highly recommend this hotel/room for those looking to be in LA without the stress of LA.

Upscale Business Hotel – InterContinental Los Angeles Century City

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “39″

Located in the heart of Century City, the Westside’s Downtown, this hotel is ideal for the business traveler.  The design is understated elegance, great lobby bar, and Wi-Fi through the hotel.  We choose the “39″ rooms due to their size, separate living and bedroom, they are corner rooms, and their superior views of Los Angeles.

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta has recently unveiled a new guest room experience, complete with new technology enhancements, contemporary furnishings and rooms that take a complete departure from the old. Ritz has taken fresh turn in room design at this property, while also preserving a level of elegance that one would expect from the brand. Service here is simply amazing, as evident by our dining experience while visiting this hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead: The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead is located in the prestigious community of Buckhead, just fifteen minutes from Downtown. Guest rooms at this property have also taken a new turn, by playing on the classic elegance of Georgian style, while also updating the old look. These rooms will really knock your socks off. For true indulgence, try booking a “Luxury Suite” complete with a bathroom that comes stocked with Bath Salts that probably cost as much as a standard room rate! Suite bathrooms have separate showers and bathtubs, while standard rooms come equipped with stand alone seamless glass showers. Rooms with 2 Double Beds have a shower/bathtub combination. The lobby has not yet undergone a renovation, but rumor has it that the hotel will maintain a classic traditional look with a few updates and refinements.

The Mansion on Peachtree: Also located in Buckhead, the Mansion is one of Atlanta’s newest properties, boasting some of the most sophisticated accommodations available in the city. With less than 130 rooms and suites, the Mansion offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury. We were particularly impressed with the bathrooms, as most offer windows for added lighting, as well as separate showers and bathtubs. What’s truly notable with these rooms however is the “hidden television” feature, which might leave you guessing where to find your TV. The Mansion has hidden their guest room televisions in a portrait, yes the TV is also an art piece! Hit the button, and artwork transforms into a TV… wow.

W Atlanta Midtown What can we say, W has done it again. This time though, we think W has really outdone themselves, as this property might just offer some of the best rooms in the chain. There is little or no resemblance of its days as a Sheraton, honestly, none! We’ve all seen bad hotel transformations, but this one is not. W has spent an incredible amount of money, essentially transforming the W Atlanta Midtown into a brand new hotel. Rooms are incredibly well finished with true hip W Style. Every comfort imaginable is at your disposal. All King Bedded rooms offer Stand Up Glass showers, while Suites offer huge Rainforest style showers with a window view of the bedroom. This is definitely one to check out.

Stay tuned for Atlanta Hotels!