Rooftop Pool Club guide: times, access and what to expect
The Pool Club is a heated outdoor rooftop pool and bar on the 13th floor of Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Hotel guests can swim daily (pool kept at 84°F); the rooftop bar opens to the public in the afternoon with a 21+ rule for non-guests.
In this guide
Location, hours and basic access
The Pool Club sits on the hotel's 13th floor alongside the Dreamboat event space and terrace. Swimming and rooftop access are outdoors on the roof level only.
For hotel guests the Pool Club is available daily; public bar access for non-hotel guests begins in the afternoon. Swimming hours and bar hours differ (see details below).
- Swimming (hotel guests, day-pass holders, VIP reservations): generally 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Rooftop bar hours (typical): Sunday–Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Public (non-hotel-guest) access to the rooftop bar: begins at 3:00 p.m. daily
- Pool temperature: maintained at 84 degrees Fahrenheit
| Access type | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| Hotel guests (swim + bar) | Pool: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Bar: varies (see above) |
| Non-hotel guests (bar) | Public access begins at 3:00 p.m.; entry requires age 21+ |
| Day-pass / VIP seating | Day-pass and VIP options available; hours align with guest swim windows |
Who can use the rooftop and age rules
Virgin Hotels New Orleans welcomes guests of all ages to the property, but the hotel requires the person making the reservation and checking in to be at least 21. The hotel occasionally hosts adults-only events; check with the property if you’re concerned about availability of family-friendly programming during your dates.
Non-hotel guests who want to access the Pool Club or rooftop bar must be 21 or older. Some rooftop night events and certain areas may be limited to adults by policy.
- Primary reservation/check-in age: 21+
- Families are welcome at the property, but the Pool Club restricts non-guest access to 21+
- If traveling with younger companions, call ahead to confirm which amenities will be accessible
| Role | Rooftop access |
|---|---|
| Registered hotel guest (any age) | Pool access as listed (swim allowed during pool hours) |
| Non-hotel guest | Bar access allowed from 3pm; must be 21+ to enter |
| Reservation holder / check-in person | Must be 21+ |
Reservations, day passes and VIP seating
The hotel offers day-pass and VIP seating options for non-guests when available. Day-pass availability, pricing and VIP seating should be confirmed directly with the hotel or via the property’s booking channels before arrival.
Reported day-pass pricing has varied by source; recent third-party reports listed weekday and weekend rates for rooftop day passes, but availability and rates can change seasonally.
- Day-pass (third-party reports): weekday and weekend pricing has been listed (example sources vary)
- VIP seating or reserved lounge areas can sometimes be requested through the hotel's 'Life of the Party' coordinator or concierge
- Reservations for poolside seating are suggested for busy weekends or event nights
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Day pass | Available some days; non-hotel guests must be 21+. Confirm price and hours with hotel |
| VIP seating / sofa reservations | May be requested through hotel event/concierge contacts; fees may apply |
| Hotel guest access | Included with your stay during posted pool hours |
What to expect at the Pool Club
Expect a rooftop bar environment with terrace seating, lounge furniture and skyline views; The Pool Club serves cocktails, beer, wine and light bites. The Pool Club kitchen typically serves until the evening hours.
Swimming takes place in an outdoor heated pool kept at 84°F. The pool is outdoor-only and the rooftop deck includes furniture and shaded areas.
- On-site food & drink: cocktails, beer, wine, light bites from The Pool Club kitchen
- Pool type: outdoor heated rooftop pool (no indoor pool on property)
- Wheelchair-accessible pool design and terrace access are listed among the hotel's accessibility features
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Pool temperature | Approximately 84°F |
| Swimming hours | Generally 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. |
| Bar & kitchen | Bar open later into evening; kitchen service hours typically earlier |
Dress code, what to bring and pool etiquette
The Pool Club dress code is generally 'casual chic'—polished but relaxed. Commons Club (the hotel’s restaurant) recommends Smart Casual; similar standards apply for rooftop evenings.
Bring room key or confirmation for guest access; non-guests will need ID proving they are 21+ to enter. The hotel enforces general pool rules and may have restrictions during private events.
- Recommended: swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, cover-up or smart casual attire for evenings
- Bring government ID if you’re 21+ and a non-hotel guest seeking rooftop entry
- Check with hotel about towels—hotels typically provide pool towels for registered guests
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Room key / reservation confirmation | Proof of hotel guest status for pool access |
| ID (21+) | Required for public rooftop/bar entry if not a guest |
| Sunscreen and hat | Rooftop exposure during daytime hours |
Practicalities: getting there, parking and nearby tips
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is at 550 Baronne St in the Warehouse District/Central Business District, within walking distance of Lafayette Square, Bourbon Street, the National WWII Museum and the St. Charles streetcar. The front desk and concierge are available 24/7 to help with directions and reservations.
There is no self-parking option; the hotel provides 24/7 covered valet parking for overnight guests. If you’re arriving from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), the hotel recommends taxi, rideshare or car service—there is no direct rail link from the airport to downtown.
- Address: 550 Baronne St, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70113, US
- Valet parking: covered, 24/7 (overnight rate listed on hotel channels)
- Nearest airport: Louis Armstrong MSY (about 11 miles); public bus options exist but car service is typical
| Nearby sights | Approximate walk time |
|---|---|
| Lafayette Square | About 5 minutes |
| French Quarter / Bourbon Street | About 10–15 minutes |
| National WWII Museum | About 10 minutes |
How the Pool Club fits into a hotel stay
Guests staying in any of the Chambers or suites (for example, Room, 1 King Bed (Chamber); Grand Suite, Balcony; Penthouse (Richard's Flat)) typically have rooftop pool access during the posted guest swim hours. The Pool Club is part of the hotel's food-and-drink venues alongside Commons Club and Funny Library.
If planning to use the rooftop for events (private parties, wedding adjacent events via Dreamboat), coordinate with the hotel’s events team — Dreamboat sits next to the rooftop and shares terrace space for larger gatherings.
- Pool access is part of the hotel amenity set for registered guests
- Commons Club provides on-site dining earlier in the day; Funny Library covers coffee/pastries
- For rooftop-adjacent private events, Dreamboat and terrace reservations are handled through event sales
| Hotel venues | Purpose / hours |
|---|---|
| Commons Club | Breakfast / lunch / dinner (see hotel for hours); Smart Casual dress |
| The Pool Club | Rooftop pool, bar and light bites; pool swim hours and rooftop public access as noted |
| Funny Library | Coffee, pastries, light bites (morning-to-afternoon hours) |
