As a native Los Angeleno, I love traveling to far-flung resorts for experiences that feel like a break from the urban hustle and bustle. But that’s not always the recipe for a dream trip.
Sometimes, it’s all about sticking close to urban centers with centrally located hotels that offer both a convenient jumping-off point for exploring as well as a chance to luxuriate right on property.
In fact, some of the most interesting resort experiences happen in cities, far outside the scope of traditional beach resorts. Increasingly, city hotels are borrowing from that playbook, adding expansive pool decks, wellness programming, outdoor recreation, and destination dining designed to immerse guests during their stay.
The result is urban escapes that deliver a vacation mindset right in major metros, whether you’re looking for a lazy river in Phoenix, a beach club in Miami, or a rooftop pool in Beverly Hills.
In this article
The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California
Situated right in the heart of walkable Beverly Hills, The Maybourne Beverly Hills manages to feel worlds away from the surrounding city.
The 205-room luxury hotel centers much of its resort appeal around its rooftop pool, private cabanas, and sweeping views across Los Angeles.
Guests can pair pool time with treatments at one of the city’s largest luxury spas (it’s actually my very favorite one in my home city with its opulent, expansive pools and co-ed lounge spaces), wellness programming, and alfresco dining overlooking Beverly Cañon Gardens (a place so special that my brother-in-law proposed there).
I’ve always appreciated how the property balances top-level urban sophistication with proper relaxation potential right on site.
Claremont Resort & Club in Berkeley, California
Perched in the Berkeley Hills overlooking San Francisco Bay, Claremont Resort & Club blends the amenities of a private club with the comforts of a luxury hotel.
Much like a full-service resort, the historic property features three heated saline pools, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a fitness center, and extensive wellness programming through its members club; hotel guests get access to the club, pools, and fitness center with daily resort fee.
Families can take advantage of seasonal kids camps and recreational activities, while adults can spend afternoons moving between the pool, spa, and Limewood Bar & Restaurant for Californian and New American cuisine.
The result is a resort-style experience that feels remarkably removed from city life despite being minutes from downtown Berkeley, where college students and faculty from my alma mater UC Berkeley roam.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin in Austin, Texas
Located on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, Four Seasons Hotel Austin has long embraced an outdoor lifestyle that feels more resort than city hotel.
The property’s expansive lakeside lawn hosts yoga classes, seasonal programming, and outdoor events, while the outdoor saltwater pool offers a tranquil retreat from Austin’s summer heat.
Guests can easily transition from paddleboarding or kayaking on the lake (provided by the hotel) to cocktails on the terrace or a treatment at the spa. Its combination of waterfront access, outdoor recreation, and luxury amenities are perfect for a slower-paced city visit.
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, Miami
While South Beach is certainly no secret, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel distinguishes itself from other Miami hotels through an ambitious lineup of resort-style programming.
The oceanfront property’s signature Daylife concept provides robust daily programming through live DJs, yoga sessions, wellness activations, themed cabana experiences, and poolside entertainment designed to keep energy levels high from morning through sunset.
Guests also have access to the newly debuted Solei Beach Club, which brings a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere directly to the sand. Rather than simply offering a pool and beach, Surfcomber creates a full schedule of experiences that go right up against what many traditional resorts provide.
Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, Las Vegas
One of my favorite places to stay and hang in Las Vegas lately is Resorts World’s Conrad Las Vegas, which has transformed the idea of an urban resort into a fully integrated experience.
The property’s 5.5-acre pool complex features seven distinct pools, including the infinity-edge Athena pool overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.
Beyond the water, curated on-site experiences bundle together dining, VIP lounge access, nightlife, and dedicated poolside services, allowing guests to spend entire days enjoying the resort without stepping off property.
It’s a compelling example of how city hotels are increasingly packaging accommodations, entertainment, dining, and recreation into a seamless resort-style stay; others in Vegas offering similar packages also include Harrah’s, Luxor, the Linq, and the Flamingo.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa delivers one of the most complete resort experiences you’ll find within a major metropolitan area.
Located about 30 minutes outside of downtown Phoenix, this sprawling property features six distinct pools, a lazy river, water slides, golf courses, and a full-service spa, creating the feel of a destination resort despite its location within Phoenix proper.
Families gravitate toward the water attractions, while adults can split time between on-site golf, wellness experiences like spa fitness and pickleball, and outdoor dining. There are plenty of activities to round out a long weekend… or even longer.
The Shortcut
Some city hotels have gone all-in on water features. Conrad Las Vegas has a 5.5-acre complex with seven pools; JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge adds a lazy river and water slides.
Waterfront property with city access is a key combination. Four Seasons Austin has paddleboards and kayaks to enjoy on Lady Bird Lake. Kimpton Surfcomber has a full beach club on South Beach Miami.
Resort fees at city hotels aren't always a bad deal. At Claremont, the daily fee unlocks three pools, eight tennis courts, and full club access.
Wellness programming has become a differentiator. The Maybourne Beverly Hills has one of LA's largest luxury spas. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge has golf, pickleball, and a full spa on site.
