San Diego's Rooftop Pool Parties Guide

Chill on the roof this summer with our rundown of downtown's best pool parties

Waking up Sunday mornings is always hard. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just lounge by the pool all day next to beautiful people with a Bloody Mary in your hand? And wouldn’t it be great if you could do that right here in San Diego? In fact, you have your pick of locales in this city from which to choose. Below are some of the pool parties to check out before the summer months are over.

 

INTERVENTION AT THE HARD ROCK HOTEL, 207 FIFTH AVENUE, 619-702-3000, interventionsd.com
If Ed Hardy lived in San Diego and needed somewhere to relax on Sundays, Hard Rock Hotel’s upstairs bar and pool deck, Float, would be the place. Oh, and don’t forget his friend, Affliction.

Although being a copycat isn’t a prized characteristic, when you mimic your older sibling, it really isn’t copying — it’s learning from the best. That’s exactly what Intervention at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego has done. Much like its partner in crime 400 miles away (Rehab Las Vegas), Intervention at Float has all the same glamour mixed with rock, but with its own unique San Diegan flair.

Pros: With an honest effort to make the pool area and its surroundings look and feel like a rock star haven, Intervention is the place for music lovers and wannabe idols. What sets this place apart from its rivals are the various lyrics adorning the walls (ranging from “Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground to “Going to California” by Led Zeppelin), skimpy bikinis and the number of half-naked people. In addition to the bottle service tables that line the pool and grass areas, Float offers private cabanas you can reserve. These come stocked with HD TVs and two-sided access: one to the pool, and the other toward the 9,000-square-foot Woodstock Terrace, built for concerts and events. With so many lookout points scattered across the pool deck, it's no wonder voyeurism is the name of the game here. The hotel even offers fourth-floor rooms with private patios that open into the party — so watching those go-go dancers is even easier.

Cons: Although it might seem like an oasis marked with gorgeous women and men who idolize the likes of Rafael Palmero and Barry Bonds, if you aren’t ready to be seen or judged, don’t come here. This is a haven for those who want to flaunt what they have, so be sure you are bringing something to the table.

Bottom Line: Las Vegas might be the City of Sin, but San Diego is the City of Sultry. Situated atop the fourth level of the hotel, Intervention offers some of the best real estate around and some of the world’s most famous deejays. If you’re into people-watching and dancing all day, you belong here. Just don’t forget your studded hat.

Cover: $20 and up, guest list consideration
Hours: 11 a.m. to sunset
Specials: Intervention Package: A couple can spend the day at Intervention with a set of priority VIP entries to the party and lounge at night in one of the posh and decked-out studio suites for only $149.

---

EUPHORIA AT IVY HOTEL, 600 F STREET, 619-814-1000, envysandiego.com
If you have money and you want to spend it, $15 mojitos should do the trick. The Ivy Hotel’s rooftop is the place where people are seen and want to be seen. The only “true” rooftop pool out of this bunch, Euphoria on Sundays at the Ivy isn’t as wild or as loud as its perennial rival The Hard Rock, but this watering hole focuses more on luxury rather than gallivanting.

Pros: If you’re into contemporary furniture and contemporary company, Euphoria is the place to be. With wrap-around views of downtown, it’s a haven for the hipsters who want nothing more to relax with big sunglasses and a mojito in hand — and the staff here understands that. If you wish to be more select than the rest, Euphoria offers VIP cabanas with plush couches, 42-inch flat-screen TVs and intimate poolside service.

Cons: Price, cost and affordability are three words you should never even think about when coming here. If you do, it could be torture. Any money you bring is already lost, so just suck it up and have fun with it. So what if a drink is $15? At least you’re drinking it next to the go-go dancers that make the top of the bar their home.

Bottom Line: Perched upon the highest pool party in S.D., you should feel better than the rest. Euphoria, although much smaller than Intervention in square footage, offers a taste of high-end relaxation with a contemporary selection of libations and meals to choose from.

Cover: Complimentary, Reservations recommended
Hours: 2 p.m. to sunset
Specials: Fashionably early dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.

---

SHINE AT KIN LOUNGE, MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT, ONE MARKET PLACE, 619-358-6773, kinlounge.com
Lounge at the Manchester Grand Hyatt is the new kid on the block. Although it’s a fresh and new rooftop oasis, it remains to be seen if this pool party will sink or float. However, the third-floor pool party features local deejays and has a laid-back vibe with a diverse crowd. With a new Sunday pool party that offers a nice view, both poolside and in the distance, Kin Lounge is hoping to make a splash this summer.

Pros: As if the beautiful clientele wasn’t enough of a reason to go, the view of the harbor is second to none. Partying poolside with ocean views in the distance is the way to go, but if you don’t care too much for standing, you can try reserving one of the many daybeds or bottle-service tables.

Cons: It’s brand-new, so it has something to prove and has to do it fast. Only open a little over a month, Kin Lounge has already added a Silent Disco (partiers wear wireless headphones while they dance) to its event calendar, which was a bust, but hopefully SHINE will be able to pick up most of the slack for this new, lavish and colorful rooftop oasis.

Bottom Line: Without a solid clientele, expect few crowds. They have lined up a few big name deejays to attract people, but don’t build expectations too high. The view of the harbor is a nice touch and makes for a “beachy” feel, so don’t forget that really nice set of flip flops.

Cover: Complimentary
Hours: 1 p.m. to sunset
Specials: All-day bottle-service happy hour, three-hour complimentary parking.

---

SIRĚN POOL AND UBER LOUNGE AT SÈ HOTEL, 1047 FIFTH AVENUE, 619-515-3000, sesandiego.com
Ever been to the pool with a blazer on? This might be the place to try it. Not so great during the day but shining at night, the new Sirěn pool and uber lounge features elegance poolside. The new hotel on Fifth avenue, Sè Hotel is the farthest from the bay but offers a more quiet and peaceful approach to spending your weekend hours.

Pros: Characterized by an infinity pool, impeccable pool bar and a comfortable lounge, Sirěn has made a name for itself in just a short time. Sunday guests can enjoy a model show and can even choose to have their hair and makeup done while basking in the sun. With ultra-contemporary furniture and architecture characterizing the pool area, this fourth-floor pool speaks volumes to those looking for drinks that please the palate and sights that catch the eye. As if the spa treatment didn’t make you feel pampered enough, patrons can reserve bottle service to enjoy at private wood cabanas alongside the bar or open daybeds by the pool. And for those who get a little hungry while relaxing, light cuisine is served right to you without getting up.

Cons: If you’re young and looking to get wild with your friends, this isn’t the place. Don’t expect skimpy bikinis and an outrageous clientele — this pool is reserved for people who simply want to enjoy their day in style. If you live anywhere close to the water, getting here is quite a challenge as well; expect a taxi fare.

Bottom Line: Money is no subject here. Be prepared to be treated like royalty, but be prepared to pay for it too. Rooms here are expensive, so keep in mind that you will need to figure out a taxi or a ride if you don’t plan on staying. Besides the high price points, the lounge and pool has much to offer and they have definitely gone out of their way to show guests a good time with fashion shows and spa treatments; ameneties the other pools don’t offer.

Cover: Complimentary
Hours: noon to sunset
Specials: Various room rate packages to go along with your poolside experience.

 

Tell us about your poolside experience below ...

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to San Diego Magazine »