When swanky hotels open up their facilities to non-hotel guests, it must be summertime, the slow season. A plus for visiting tourists and us locals. Let the pool wars begin!

The Four Seasons in downtown Miami kicks off their weekly posh pool party Saturdays featuring music, Evian spritzes, cool towels, butler-passed frozen treats and a liquor cart serving up $7 Leblon caipirinhas made right at your lounge. Cost for this luxury: $25, a bargain for country-club goers. (End September 10)

For those who are ready to splurge and upgrade to first class, the cabanas for four may be reserved and rented for $150 and includes water, fruit platter and one cocktail per person. Reservations are suggested by calling 305-381-3037 during the week or 305-381-3190 on weekends.

The Mayfair in the Grove is heating things up by offering lounge-by-the-pool perk on Saturdays to the public for free! Featuring  mojitos at their rooftop pool with panoramic views of the bay and uplifted by two DJs and cabanas, the action starts at 11am and extends well into the night at 11pm.   Feet away are soothing accomodations and treatments at the Jurlique Spa. Relaxing in the Miami sun will certainly make you hungry. Comfort food resides nearby at Spartico that features a Roman style pizza in a wood burning stove.

Pool at the Mayfair

A recent newcomer to the pool wars or playground is the Dream Hotel, the old Tudor Hotel in South Beach. On the rooftop, all of four floors, is the dream pool with live DJs and mojito pitchers and unobstructed views of South Beach.  Sunbathe, people watch and drink away on Sundays 2pm-8pm. It's FREE! But be sure to RSVP.

Dream Hotel
1111 Collins Avenue
305-673-4747




DJ pod faces small rectangular pool