Updated: July 25, 2021… A majority of my travels are spent staying in Airbnbs, rather than hotels. I’m one to rather save the money and spend it on another aspect of my trip like an excursion or nice meal. For me, a majority of the amenities that hotels offers are things that I frankly, won’t utilize. I don’t need a fancy gym, or a trendy bar. The one thing I do care about though? The pool. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, it is possible to get the perk. I’ve successfully used the pools on O’ahu, Maui, and in Las Vegas. This is my ultimate guide to sneaking into hotel pools!
I know what you’re thinking… “Isn’t this unethical?”
In a word, yes. But it’s also fun, and isn’t hurting anyone (so long as you’re respectful and keep to yourself). To be clear, this may be considered trespassing and I’m not suggesting anyone do this. However, if you were going to do it, this is how you would. 😉
Act like you belong
Sneaking into hotel pools is a bit of an art, but this is the golden rule in pool crashing! The more you can blend in, the less red flags will be raised. Take a moment to think back to the times where you actually paid money and used the hotel pool. No pool boy or attendant gave you a second look. Channel that energy and strut with confidence!
Casually chat with other guests, but be careful not to say anything incriminating. A good safety while chatting is to say that “you just arrived today,” that way they won’t wonder why they haven’t seen you around the pool before. You can then use this as an opportunity to get more information about pool security and procedures. “Do you know if they accept cash at the bar, or do they only charge to my room?” “If I wanted to get another towel, is that allowed?”
Don’t arrive in your bathing suit
Think about it. If you actually were a guest in the hotel, you wouldn’t be walking through the front door and lobby in your bathing suit. You’d be getting dressed in your room! The former is a huge red flag and staff will see right through it.
Instead, find a public bathroom on property. Your best bet will be to find one that is outside near the pool. Then, you’ll be able to change and walk right out in your bathing suit without raising any eyebrows. If there isn’t one, try to find one near the lobby that is out of direct sight. Larger hotels that double as convention centers will have plenty as well!
If you do need to arrive in your swimsuit, make it as inconspicuous as possible. For example, don’t have ties hanging out of the back of your shirt, wear swim trunks that can also pass as shorts, and wear real clothes on top (not a coverup).
Do a bit of homework
Before your arrival, do a little bit of legwork to get some “insider information.” Start by going on Instagram or Snapchat and watching stories, or looking at photos from guests who have recently been there. This can help you learn key details such as if the guests are wearing wristbands or where the attendants are stationed.
Towels can be a big concern.
Often times, hotels will require some kind of check to issue a towel. If they do, don’t panic! There are workarounds to every scenario!
Many guests will pick up towels from the cabana and use them to simply reserve their lounge chair. Casually swipe one as you pass by, or sit on the adjacent chair for a few minutes and grab it as you stand up. (And again, yes, I know this is a mean and unethical thing to do. But the worst thing that will happen is the guest has to go get another towel. Let’s be honest, that’s not a big deal).
Another solution is not for the squeamish, but has proven successful for me in the past. You know that big bin of dirty towels in the corner of the bathroom? (I think you know where I’m going with this…) Wait until no one is around, and snag one from the top. Yes, it may be wet and used, but hey- it’s a free towel! Spread it on your lounge chair and let it air dry while you swim. When you dry off, it’ll be fine for your hair and body, but I’d avoid drying your mouth and eyes with it to be safe 😉
Tip: Treat your towel like gold! Once you have one, don’t let it go. Pack it in your bag on your way out so you can come back again on your trip.
Study resort floor plans
A key part of your planning! Quickly search “[Hotel Name] floor plan” on Google and click on the “Images” tab. You’ll get maps of the hotel, lobby, and sometimes the entire property! Here’s an example result for the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui, Hawaii.
You can use this information for many things! Use it as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the property, so you can know where you are going upon arrival. Secondly, become acquainted with the room numbering and have a fake room number memorized just in case you are asked. For example, at the Grand Wailea you may say “I’m staying in the Lagoon Wing, room 2051.” Finally, and perhaps the most important piece, scope out where the bathrooms are (as mentioned above) so you know where to change when you arrive!
Don’t overstay your “welcome”
One of the biggest keys is to know when you got your fill, and when to walk away. You successfully got in to the pool, had a nice dip, cooled off, and no one was the wiser. Don’t press your luck. After you get everything you wanted out of the situation, it’s time to pack up and head out. Getting caught would be mortifying (or worse- you could get into real trouble), so why test your luck any more? Try limiting yourself to a time limit upon arrival. Tell yourself you’re only going to stay for an hour or two and stick to it.
If you sense staff or other guests are catching on to you, nonchalantly pack up your things and casually head out. Leaving in a rush or a panic will only cause more unwanted attention and alarm.
Bonus Tips for Sneaking into Hotel Pools
Keycards. Some hotels will require keycards to access the pool. If this is the case, try timing your arrival to when someone else is leaving or arriving. Stand a few feet away from the door and look at your phone, pretending that you’re “answering an important email.” As you see someone walk by, you look away from your phone and follow them in. If any questions get asked, pull the whole “I left my keycard in my room.”
Bonus: Next time you stay at a hotel (any hotel), hold on to your room key and use this to try to access the pool. When it inevitably fails, people will be sympathetic and grab the door for you. Thank them and drop a quick “I’ll have to stop by the front desk later and get a new key.”
Pay with cash. Indulge a little by ordering a drink or snack at the pool bar. State from the beginning that you would like to pay with cash, before they even have an opportunity to ask for your room number.
Check the pool hours. Some pools may open later or close early, or shut down mid-day for cleaning. Real guests of the hotel would know these hours, so plan your arrival and departure times accordingly.
Be friendly. Give a smile to other guests. Offer to watch someone’s stuff if they need to step away. Try not to divulge too much information and give yourself away, but avoiding people completely would be a huge red flag.
Do you have any of your own tips for sneaking into hotel pools? Comment below!
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