(Living)

The Hottest LA Poolside Bars and Their Swimsuit Soulmates

by Hillary Eaton

When it comes to summer, there’s almost nothing better than dipping into a nice cold pool and lying out on a lounge chair. Especially when that pool has an amazing slew of cocktails to go along with it. With the weekend approaching, we’ve put together a list of the trendiest poolside bars around L.A. (along with their swimsuit soulmates so you can sip in style.) Don’t live nearby? Consider this your excuse to book a visit, stat.

Plan Your Perfect Weekend

The Pool: Skybar

Why We Love It: When it comes to enjoying your drink with a 'grammable view, there’s no place better than this Sunset Boulevard hotspot, located within the sleek Mondrian hotel. Grab a cocktail, lay out on their plush lounge furniture, and enjoy a skyline that reminds you how much you love this city. Swimsuit Soulmate: We love this white one-piece by Marysia Swim to go along with the monochromatic color palette of Skybar.

The Pool: Mr. C Beverly Hills

Why We Love It: Open to guests and L.A. locals alike, this hotel pool bar is as sophisticated as it gets. With elevated poolside bites from the hotel’s famed Italian restaurant, Cipriani, to poolside cabanas complete with your own TV (and their signature Bellinis to sip on) there’s no place better to live it up in between dips. They even have poolside movie screenings! Swimsuit Soulmate: Go for classic Mediterranean elegance with a polka-dot bikini like this structured number from Dolce and Gabbana.

The Pool: Upstairs at the Ace Hotel

Why We Love It: Atop downtown L.A.’s buzzing Ace Hotel, the pool is a place of refuge in this otherwise bustling part of the city. Lounge around with a hand-squeezed cocktail from L.A. Chapter and tune out or enjoy a rotating array of pop-up shops, yoga classes, and sets from the city's trendiest DJs, all poolside. Swimsuit Soulmate: Channel the Ace’s boho-hipster vibe with this crocheted bikini from indie label She Made Me.

The Pool: Tropicana Bar and Pool

Why We Love It: Mellow in the day and wild by night, this star-studded pool bar atop the Roosevelt Hotel is the ultimate place to see and be seen while enjoying champagne cocktails and traditional poolside fare (read: gourmet French fries.) Swimsuit Soulmate: For a suit that can keep it going into the night hours, go for something a bit sexy and glam like this color-block style from Flagpole Swim.

The Pool: Bar 1200 at Sunset Marquis

Why We Love It: For something a bit more secluded, go for Bar 1200 at the Sunset Marquis. As one of Sunset Boulevard’s best-kept secrets, this spot is frequented by celebs and industry insiders who come for the privacy and unparalleled poolside drinks. Swimsuit Soulmate: Make yourself stand out in a bright bikini. We love this vibrant yellow option from Solid and Striped.