Hotel Pool Access at IAH?
Jul 4, 2015, 6:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: RDU
Programs: UA 1MM & *A Gold
Posts: 193
Hotel Pool Access at IAH?
I have a 6-hour mid-day layover at Houston Airport in early July. Perfect time to enjoy a hotel pool instead of yet another crappy domestic lounge.
Does anyone know if the airport hotel or nearby (free shuttle) hotels have day rates to access their outdoor pool?
I'd rather spend a few hours luxuriating in the heat of a Texas summer than hermetically sealed in the airport between long-haul flights.
Thanks!
Does anyone know if the airport hotel or nearby (free shuttle) hotels have day rates to access their outdoor pool?
I'd rather spend a few hours luxuriating in the heat of a Texas summer than hermetically sealed in the airport between long-haul flights.
Thanks!
Aug 25, 2015, 9:52 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Grand County, Colorado
Programs: IHG Plat, HH D, UA GS, Perm BonVoyed
Posts: 2,013
I'm pretty much the country's foremost expert on lounging at hotel pools (especially while not a registered guest). As a matter of fact, I'm lounging at one now awaiting my XXX-ORD-MIA flights enjoying complimentary WiFi & coffee.
Most hotels only allow registered guests in the water facilities (insurance reasons). Exceptions include full-scale properties with a day-spa.
As far as I know, there is no pool-only rate.
Here's my IAH expertise:
-Marriott (on airfield, accessible from the Tram) As of July 2015, the entire property, including the outdoor pool is undergoing renovations. I'm sure it will be key card access only. Their nightly rate is a bit steep (I'm sure the day rate is as well).
-Sheraton decent indoor pool and hottub without card key access
-Hampton JFK Blvd small outdoor pool with card key access
-Staybridge very nice outdoor pool with card key access
-Doubletree nice outdoor pool, open access
**if you're top-tier Elite at IHG or Hilton, I've had an extremely high success rate just approaching the front desk, state you're on a lengthy connection and they usually store your bags and issue you a property access key. This is, of course, totally discretionary. Tips (in the form of gifts work).
YMMV
Hope this helps!
Most hotels only allow registered guests in the water facilities (insurance reasons). Exceptions include full-scale properties with a day-spa.
As far as I know, there is no pool-only rate.
Here's my IAH expertise:
-Marriott (on airfield, accessible from the Tram) As of July 2015, the entire property, including the outdoor pool is undergoing renovations. I'm sure it will be key card access only. Their nightly rate is a bit steep (I'm sure the day rate is as well).
-Sheraton decent indoor pool and hottub without card key access
-Hampton JFK Blvd small outdoor pool with card key access
-Staybridge very nice outdoor pool with card key access
-Doubletree nice outdoor pool, open access
**if you're top-tier Elite at IHG or Hilton, I've had an extremely high success rate just approaching the front desk, state you're on a lengthy connection and they usually store your bags and issue you a property access key. This is, of course, totally discretionary. Tips (in the form of gifts work).
YMMV
Hope this helps!
Aug 25, 2015, 10:32 am
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
If you call these same properties directly (not the 800#) and ask about a specific day rate for 4 hours, you may find something very attractive. You've then also got a room and a place to clean up and relax as well as the pool.
Barring that, this may work at the FD, especially if accompanied by a picture of a President.
Barring that, this may work at the FD, especially if accompanied by a picture of a President.
Aug 27, 2015, 9:55 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: SAT
Programs: AA EXP BA Gold, TK Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AS 100K, QR PLT, SAS Gold, IHG Spire, AMR
Posts: 5,898
Check out the Springhill Suites. Free shuttle and nice people at the front desk. Bring them some chocolate or something cool and you are at a pool