This week’s pick is for adults who would love to have a vacation but may not be able to make the time to hit the beach.

Day passes at area hotels are becoming increasingly popular stay options. Virgin’s boutique hotel at 550 Baronne St., New Orleans offers day passes to their rooftop pool and it might be one of the cutest places to cool off. in the city – and reasonably priced.

Access to The Pool Club restaurant and bar is free, and pool use is $25. The top floor is decorated in mid-century style with a wraparound outdoor patio. The views of downtown were quite spectacular from this location. The pool is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The front desk clerks were nice and directed us to the elevators to reach the 13th floor. On the first floor are several neatly curated spaces, a cafe called Funny Library, Commons Club, and several other small rooms with eclectic decor.

The hotel’s interior design is fresh and avant-garde – imagine a Zoomer’s version of Jeannie and Major Anthony Nelson’s living room. The style matches classic New Orleans, but the hotel opened in 2021, so is a new addition to party town. Although it is a newly constructed building, the decor creates a warm atmosphere.

When you step out onto the pool deck, the bar is your first stop. The area gives a tropical island feel to the garden barbecue encounter, with the sounds of the city echoing from the streets below.

The drink menu included 8 signature cocktails. The Pacific Rim was my pick, expertly blended with Bayou Rum from Louisiana (distillery featured in a West Side Journal travel article in Summer 2021), pineapple juice, and lemon bitters. It went down a little too easily.

Visitors have a choice of lounge chairs by the pool and cushioned seating along the perimeter of the terrace. With refreshments in hand, you can step into the pool for a dip and then relax on a partially shaded deck.

Hummus with fresh vegetables and pita chips is one of the few poolside bites they offer.

The bartender was nice and the cocktails were excellent. A red neon sign urges customers to live in the moment by declaring, “Come, let’s go.” Even the bathrooms were artistically designed and fun. Almost everywhere the eye travels, a detail brings a cheeky smile.

On a weekday, the terrace was not crowded. Both hotel guests and day pass members enjoy downtown views and libations. I highly recommend checking out this pool before the summer ends.

After years of isolation and security measures, this place, built in uncertain times, opens its doors to a post-COVID travel scene where we are all looking for a little more cheerfulness.

Parking can be difficult in the city but not impossible. Paid parking is readily available on the streets surrounding the hotel, but free parking can be a hike. Luckily you’ll be freshening up soon!