The days are getting hotter and longer here in Cape Town and while we live right next to some of the most breathtaking coastline known to man, there’s something about the Cape’s wind, icy cold water, and tourist-packed beaches that isn’t all that appealing to some locals in December.
Don’t get me wrong I love the beach, however, it’s not always a perfect beach day and if sand and saltwater isn’t really your thing then lounging at a sparkling pool, close to a bar might be. Our team have searched high and low and have updated our previous year’s list to include even more options for cooling off during the busy summer season.
Related | Cinema al fresco all summer long – Galileo Open Air returns with 117 blockbuster films!

Most of these pools belong to gorgeous hotels and while they are open to the public, most if not all will require some sort of minimum spend at their poolside bar or restaurant which is only fair and totally worth the exclusive mini staycation experience!
RED ROOF AT THE RADISSON RED HOTEL
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend minimum R100 -R200 on food/drink
Address: No. 6 Silo, Silo Square, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
CLOUD 9 ROOFTOP BAR
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend minimum R100 -R200 on food/drink
Address: 12 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
THE PRESIDENT HOTEL
UPDATE: Membership is required to make use of the pool at The Presidents Hotel. At an affordable price, members can gain full access to the pool, kiddies area, and get to enjoy a variety of drink and food specials. For more information, follow the link here.
Address: 4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, 8001
THE CAPE MILNER
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend minimum R100 -R200 on food/drink
Address: 2 Milner Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town, 8001
HARALD’S BAR TERRACE AT PARK INN RADISSON
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend minimum R100 -R200 on food/drink
Address: 29 Heerengracht St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000
THE GHIBLI BAR AND POOL AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend minimum R100 -R200 on food/drink
Address: 22 Riebeek St, Inside Radisson Blu, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
SKY BAR AT THE GREY HOTEL
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend minimum R100 -R200 on food/drink
Address: 49 Napier St, Cape Town, 8001
THE MURANO DECK AT 15 ON ORANGE HOTEL, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend a minimum of R200 per adult and R100 per child
Address: Orange Street & Grey’s Pass, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
SHIMMY BEACH CLUB
Cost: Walk-ins expected to spend minimum R150- R250 food/drink
Address: 12 S Arm Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
Swimming Pool Specials and Memberships
SANDY B PRIVATE BEACH CLUB AT THE BAY HOTEL
Cost: R250 per person per day. The Daily Membership grants you access to Sandy B on the day of purchase. It includes use of facilities (Bar and Swimming Pool, lockers, towels, loungers and a bottle of still water.) Weekly and monthly memberships available.
Address: 69A Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040
BELMOND MOUNT NELSON POOL AND OASIS BISTRO
Restaurant and Swimming Pool Summer Special – 1 November to 16 December 2019 AND 16 January to 30 April 2020
Cost: Monday-Saturday R 650 per person: welcome cocktail, full buffet, access to Oasis swimming pool and hotel towel to use. ALTERNATIVELY: Book a spa treatment and gain access to their iconic pool.
Address: 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001