lively hotel pool recommendation

Question

hello,

My family is coming to los angeles for Easter weekend for 4 nights. flying in and out of LAX, with kids ages 16, 19 and 21. Will spend our first night near six flags (as the teens requested rollercoasters, we have already done knotts berry, universal and Disney on previous trips). We will then have 3 nights (2 full days) to spend somewhere in Los Angeles. I'm leaning towards santa monica but open to all suggestions. We would like some down time at a hotel pool with a lively scene and pool service. Hope to also spend a little time at the beach if weather permits. I've looked at Shore hotel, shutters on the beach, and Terranea resort ( I know this one is not in Santa monica). Do any of these places have a lively pool scene for older kids. I'd love to hear any other ideas. Appreciate it, thank you.

Answer

For a lively hotel pool experience in Los Angeles, particularly for older teens and young adults, Santa Monica and nearby areas offer a variety of options. Since your focus is on a vibrant pool scene with service, location, and convenience to the beach, here are some considerations:

In Santa Monica, the options you mentioned are excellent, but each offers a slightly different vibe:

Shore Hotel: Modern, eco-friendly hotel with a rooftop pool. The pool is smaller and tends to be quieter, so it may not offer the lively party-style atmosphere your teens might enjoy. However, its location steps from the beach is a big plus.
Shutters on the Beach: Luxurious and classic Santa Monica beachfront hotel. The pool is elegant but relatively calm, catering more to adults seeking relaxation rather than a lively teen scene. Still excellent for beach access and lounging with service.
Terranea Resort: Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, south of Santa Monica. This resort has multiple pools, including one with a family-friendly atmosphere, cabanas, and poolside service. The large property offers hiking trails, ocean views, and activities, so it can feel more lively, though it’s farther from central LA attractions.

If you are open to areas slightly outside Santa Monica for a more energetic pool scene:

Kimpton La Peer Hotel (West Hollywood): Stylish rooftop pool with a social atmosphere, often hosting DJs and events, appealing to teens and young adults.
W Hollywood: Trendy rooftop pool with daytime pool parties and poolside service. Centrally located for sightseeing, though not beachside.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel: Offers a larger pool with cabanas and direct beach access. The atmosphere is lively enough for older teens, and the poolside service is excellent.

Additional tips:

Check with the hotel if they host any weekend pool events or DJs during your stay; Easter weekend can be busy.
For a balance of pool fun and beach time, a Santa Monica hotel like Loews or Terranea offers the best mix.
If you plan to explore LA during the day, a pool with poolside service in the late afternoon or evening can provide a relaxing base without having to move your entire family around.

Overall, for teens and young adults who enjoy a lively atmosphere, consider either Terranea for resort-style activities or Loews Santa Monica for beach access combined with a fun pool scene. The Shore and Shutters are excellent for comfort and beach proximity but are quieter by design.

lively hotel pool recommendation

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