Pool Hopping – The W Hotel

It’s hot in Dallas this summer, and not much beats the heat quite like splashing around in a pool. But if you don’t have your own pool you may be wondering what your options are. We here at Go Oak Cliff will tour the area pools and we’ll give you the details so you can decide for yourself.

Our first stop was the pool at The W Hotel. We had read in the Dallas Morning News that the W had decided to open to the public Monday through Thursday, noon – 7pm. Granted, it’s not in the Cliff… but it’s less than 4 miles as-the -crow-flies from the Bishop Arts District, so we think it’s worth checking out.

We brought our favorite 5 year old pool tester (because who really enjoys a pool more than a kid?) and headed across the Zang Bridge into downtown.

Parking is a piece-of-cake with free 2 hour parking on the deserted streets of Victory Park – we got a spot almost at the front door of the hotel. The doorman swept open the large glass doors at the entrance and we found ourselves standing near the front desk. There really isn’t any sneaking around this place – I’m guessing they’ve got more staff than guests – and a woman behind the desk asked how she could help us. I guess both of us in our swimsuits with a bag full of sunscreen, towels and a raft didn’t quite give it away.

I told her that I had read in the Morning News that the pool was open to the public and we wanted to check it out. She informed me that it’s open to anyone 21 and over, and that there is a two-drink minimum purchase per guest. Hmmm, details that Steve Harris left out of his article. I threw my weight around – told her I’m with Go Oak Cliff and we’re doing some hard-hitting journalistic research. She summoned her manager they decided to let us in. (Perhaps because there wasn’t anyone else at the pool?)

The elevator to the 16th floor is lightening fast, and then it’s a quick walk around the corner and out to the pool deck.

The view is really pretty cool – even if you are looking out across I-35. We spent a little time trying to see our house (we could see Methodist Hospital easily) and then settled in to enjoy the pool. It’s not a huge pool, but the inifinity effect over the edge of the building is cool and makes it appear much larger. It’s mostly shallow – no deeper than 4 feet, but my trusty pool tester assured me this wasn’t a problem.

The bartender was the friendliest staff-member we met, and she gladly served us a cold beer and a glass of pineapple juice. My trusty assistant and I had a great time swimming around, enjoying the view, and generally pretending like this was our private pool.

Overall – we’d rate this a fun pool as a novelty, worth enjoying at least once. But be sure to leave the little swimmers at home and bring your credit card… you’ll probably be expected to enjoy your two drinks.