Know what's better than drifting along a lazy river in an idyllic vacation destination? Nothing, that's what! As a hotel pool fanatic, I'm always seeking new pools to add to my family's must-swim list. I asked some discerning, globetrotting travel bloggers to share their picks for the best hotels with lazy rivers. Of course, I included a few of my favorites as well. Float along with me as we explore the 25 top hotels with lazy rivers!
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1. Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is one of my family's favorite hotels in the world, and it has our favorite lazy river anywhere. In fact, the hotel/pool/kids club/lazy river setup is so great that we’ve been there three times and we still haven’t made it over to the nearby Disney parks!
The lazy river itself is never crowded, and the setting is gorgeous as you float around the hotel grounds. I usually try to avoid the waterfalls and people squirting water from above, but my kids love those elements.
Even when I’m at the hotel without my kids, I love sitting on a tube and relaxing as the current sends me around, loop after loop. I definitely prefer it to the adult pool that doesn’t go anywhere!
— Eric Stoen, Travel Babbo
2. Marriott Marquis Houston – Houston, Texas
If you’ve ever wanted to swim deep in the heart of Texas, then book a family stay at the Marriott Marquis Houston in the city's downtown core. This luxury Downtown Houston hotel property has one of the best lazy river and pool recreation areas to be found anywhere. For the best pool view, book a hotel room on the 17th floor or higher.
With this hotel's lazy river, the design is where it’s at. This long and languid river outlines the shape of the Lone Star State, so you’re literally floating around the state. Grab a float and enjoy a tour around Texas!
The rooftop lazy river is not heated, which is actually a blessing given that Houston’s summer heat and humidity can hit 100F+.
— Claudia Laroye, Claudia Travels
3. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Oahu, Hawaii
Waikolohe Stream, Aulani's lazy river, winds its way through palm trees and sweet-scented tropical plants like plumeria, pikake, and ginger.
Playful fountains spray water at riders. But these can be avoided if you choose.
My favorite part is riding through a tunnel in a manmade volcano structure. Bubbles flow up from the river's floor in this volcanic cave, surprising riders on their first float.
Once Hawaii was chosen as the location for the first Disney hotel not adjacent to a theme park, Disney CEO Bob Iger told his staff, “Let's build the greatest pool in the Hawaiian Islands.” He very well may have succeeded.
Aulani Resort boasts not only an impressive lazy river, but also two splash play zones, two waterslides, four whirlpool spas, a massive zero-entry pool, and even a manmade snorkeling lagoon. Read all about Aulani's pools and water features in my review.
— Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
4. Hacienda Tres Ríos – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
When is a hotel's lazy river more than just another hotel's lazy river? When it's an ACTUAL river. The Rio Selva connects the brilliant blue waters of Cenote Aguila to the Caribbean Sea.
It's part of the Tres Ríos Nature Park at Hacienda Tres Ríos, a surprisingly sustainable all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. And trust us when we tell you that it's amazing!
Imagine floating in cool, crystal-clear waters through a lush mangrove forest, with schools of fish swimming below you and birds in the trees around you. It's a gorgeous, tranquil place. Plus, during our float, we didn't see a single other soul. Bliss!
— Bret Love and Mary Gabbett, Green Global Travel
5. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa – Naples, Florida
Located just north of Naples, Florida we booked the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point to have a family break of solid aquatic fun. This resort didn’t disappoint one bit.
The Hyatt opened an expanded lazy river and water slide complex. It includes both a speed slide and a slower one for two people to ride down together.
Our family circled the lazy river at least three dozen times. There is a boat service to a private beach for this resort. But the pools were so relaxing and fun, we couldn’t leave them.
— Robin Hutson, Luxe Recess
6. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa – Phoenix, Arizona
The sprawling JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is an amazing destination for vacationers. It offers a lazy river, sparkling pools, and multiple restaurants. Guests also appreciate a 36-hole championship golf course, eight tennis courts, Revive Spa, and amazing views of the Sonoran Desert.
The JW’s pools and lazy river are unquestionably the main draws. Five heated pools offer plenty of room to swim. There is a massive main pool complex, an adults-only saltwater pool at the full-service spa, the Lazy River Pool, and a large family-focused pool with an 89-foot serpentine water slide and colorful splash pad.
The resort offers complimentary brightly colored inner tubes for floating on the lazy river. Families can also rent riverfront private cabanas for prime reserved seating under the shade, complete with cooling fans and flat-screen TVs for afternoon breaks.
Situated in north Phoenix, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge is convenient to the airport and several other popular Arizona cities, including Scottsdale. It's located adjacent to Desert Ridge Marketplace with lots of enticing entertainment and shopping options.
— Taryn Shorr, Chasing Trail
7. Universal Orlando's Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Orlando, Florida
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is an absolute winner for families! If families can pull themselves away from the theme parks, there is plenty of entertainment on-site. Look for a built-in bowling alley, outdoor fire pits, and lawn games.
This resort boasts two massive pool areas. The first offers a waterslide, while the second pool features a sand beach and its own winding lazy river. One of our favorite features was the underwater music!
Plus, if you really love water slides and lazy rivers, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort has its own guest entrance to Universal Orlando’s amazing Volcano Bay waterpark. (Separate ticket is required.)
— Tamara Gruber, We3Travel
8. Beaches Negril – Negril, Jamaica
The all-inclusive Beaches Negril will tickle your pool-loving soul. Their oceanfront Pirate's Island Waterpark includes a toddler splash area, two large and winding waterslides, a huge whirlpool, and three pools.
Of course, you will want to spend lots of time on this resort's 650-foot-long lazy river. Along the route, colorful faux animals squirt water at rafters.
Leave your inner tube for a while and swim up to the smoothie bar. Kiddies can drink their fill of concoctions with names like Chocolate Monkey and Pink Boots. What a refreshing way to vacation!
Want to learn more about this Jamaican resort? Read my full Beaches Negril review now!
— Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
9. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa – Muscat, Oman
The Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Muscat, Oman is a paradise for families. With a private beach, water sports, a kids club, splash pad, multiple pools, and a fabulous lazy river — there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained!
There is even a turtle conservation program run by the hotel. If you time your visit right, then you can watch the hatchlings as they're released into the sea.
The 1,650-foot lazy river runs from one of the property's hotels to another. So you can just hop on the lazy river and ride it to the hotel next door for a change in restaurants or pools!
— Ashley Klukowski, Born Explorers
10. Atlantis Bahamas – Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas boasts not one, but two lazy rivers for your floating pleasure. These exciting rides make Atlantis one of the best hotels with lazy rivers.
Choose the Lazy River Ride for a relaxing journey along a quarter-mile river. More adventurous resort goers will want to experience The Current. This mile-long inner tube ride includes water escalators, rolling waves, and extreme rapids.
Water is the main attraction at Atlantis, with more than 18 waterslides and 11 distinct swimming pools. The fun doesn't stop there, though. Read about the top 20 things to do at Atlantis Paradise Island.
— Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
11. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
Mandalay Bay Resort may be best known for its massive casino but it is also home to lots of fun for families. Plus, resort guests enjoy luxurious suites, numerous restaurants, the onsite Shark Reef Aquarium, and a pool facility that’s second to none.
The resort features an 11-acre pool facility called Mandalay Bay Beach. It boasts a sandy beach, four unique pools, several whirlpools, a beach club, and a lazy river. One of the most unique parts of the pool complex is the 1.6-million-gallon wave pool with waves up to six feet tall.
For a more relaxing experience, meander through a lush tropical landscape on Mandalay Bay's quarter-mile lazy river loop in an inner tube. Families may want to reserve a Lazy River Cabana so parents can chill in the shade while watching their kids float past.
Mandalay Bay is located on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. It's close to all the action but you might never want to leave the hotel with so many amazing leisure activities onsite!
— Jenifer Byington, The Evolista
12. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Maui, Hawaii
The Grand Wailea is the largest resort on the island of Maui. It features 780 guest rooms, five restaurants, a water park, three golf courses, the largest spa in Hawaii, and several shops.
Located directly on Wailea Beach and nestled amongst 40 acres of lush tropical landscapes, Grand Wailea Resort is one of the best honeymoon hotels in Maui.
However, Grand Wailea is not just for romantic getaways, its water park makes this resort a firm family favorite. The impressive 2000-foot-long pool area includes nine pools on six different levels, connected by a lazy river. Float along the river's course and drift into relaxation or head to the four jungle pools with rope swings, waterfalls, and whitewater rapids slides.
— Sophie Clapton, WeDreamOfTravel.com
13. Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa – Tulúm, Mexico
The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa is set in a picturesque location next to Xaac Bay where you can admire beautiful Mayan ruins. Visit this beautiful hotel in the Yucatan Peninsula, just over a 1.5-hour drive from Cancun.
This resort's lazy river meanders through a tropical jungle environment. It is a perfect place to relax on a hot sunny day. Plus, guests can cool off in three amazing on-site pools with swim-up bars.
Additionally, the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya makes a fantastic choice for those who love snorkeling. The hotel is located right next to the second largest coral reef in the world. Don a mask and flippers to view manta rays, turtles, and tropical fish of all sorts.
— Paulina Borowik, UK Every Day
14. Disney's Beach Club – Orlando, Florida
If you can't decide between a New England beach vacation and Walt Disney World, then you are in luck! Get the best of both worlds at Disney's Beach Club Resort in Orlando. This New England-themed hotel will transport you to Cape Cod with Disney magic.
The resort's Stormalong Bay is full of aquatic entertainment. Kids love Shipwreck Pool, a shallow sand-bottomed area perfect for kids to splash around and build sandcastles. You can even “walk the plank” on a replica shipwreck complete with a ride on a 230-foot waterslide into the pool! Disney's Yacht Club is right next door and the two hotels share the amazing pool area.
One of Stormalong Bay's best features is its lazy river. Float along in a tube on a gentle current. The lazy river goes around an island platform area, that includes lounge chairs and a bridge connecting the “island” to the “mainland” pool deck. This makes it not only one of the best hotels with lazy rivers in Orlando but also in the world.
Disney's Beach Club is within walking distance to both Epcot Theme Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can also walk to Disney's Boardwalk, which includes restaurants, entertainment, carnival games, live music, and surrey bicycles.
— Keri Baugh, Bon Voyage With Kids
15. CenterParcs France Trois Forêts – Metz, France
Aqua Mundo is the delightful onsite water park at CenterParcs France Trois Forêts. It contains many pools, several waterslides, hot tubs, a wave pool, and plenty of lifeguards for safety. The centerpiece is the Arbre à Eau (Water Tree), with a waterslide, tower, and splash station.
Much of the water park is located indoors, making it a great place to play no matter the weather. Sun lovers will appreciate an outdoor swimming pool as well.
Features of the water park include two fantastic rivers. One is a mellow indoor lazy river. The other is a wild water rapids ride, which winds through the beautiful French countryside.
CenterParcs France Trois Forêts is immersed in nature in the remote area of Moselle Lorraine, France. The closest train station is Sarrebourg, about 12 miles away.
Read our full CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets review!
— Farrah Ritter, Travel Mamas
16. Planet Hollywood Cancun – Cancun, Mexico
If you love a great all-inclusive resort with fabulous food, signature cocktails, loads of daily activities, and a fabulous white sand beach, then Planet Hollywood Cancun is for you! Located on the pristine shore of Costa Mujeres in Cancun, this resort provides an amazing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Planet Hollywood Cancun boasts an abundance of pools and water attractions. In fact, the property features five pools including family-friendly pools and adults-only pools. Water lovers also enjoy an onsite waterpark and a FlowRider surf simulator.
Of course, Planet Hollywood Cancun is also home to a fabulous lazy river. Hop into one of the inner tubes and float past the immaculately manicured grounds. You'll pass under a waterfall before floating into the Blue Lagoon Lazy River Grotto Bar. Then, simply swim up to the bar and order the drink of your choice!
When you are ready to get out of the water, enjoy the other amazing resort amenities. Start by lounging on the gorgeous white sand beach. Then treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment. Next, play a round or two of miniature golf. Top off your day with a delicious meal in one of the resort's 11 restaurants.
— Michelle Snell, That Texas Couple
17. The Omni Homestead Resort – Hot Springs, Virginia
History mixed with modern amenities — that’s what families experience when they check into the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. This timeless hotel is a tranquil oasis with natural mineral springs filling its pools.
The large pool area, called Alleghany Springs, is a 2-acre water park with a leisurely 400-foot lazy river, two 100-foot thrilling water slides, a kids' water-play zone, and a sandy beach. The pool is surrounded by gorgeous views of the Allegheny mountains. Even in the summer, outdoor temperatures can be chilly, but the pool is heated for those crisp days.
— Leigh Hines, HinesSiteBlog
18. Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark – Montego Bay, Jamaica
The Sunset Beach Resort is perfect for water-loving families seeking an an inclusive luxury resort. Enjoy unlimited drinks at swim-up pool bars all day and white linen table service every evening. Supervised clubs for kids and teens are included, too.
Guests appreciate all sorts of splashy activities at this hotel. Pirate's Paradise Waterpark features water slides galore. The park's impressive lazy river winds around a castle and a pirate ship. There are also private beautiful beaches, adult pools, and plentiful watersports.
This resort is located in Montego Bay, on Jamaica's north coast. It's just 15 minutes from the airport and a short ride from the cruise terminal.
Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark was formerly known as Sunscape Splash Montego Bay Resort. It reopened under new management in June 2022.
— Daniel, Layer Culture
19. Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge – Glenwood Springs, Colorado
The Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is an incredible historic resort in western Colorado. It is centrally located within walking distance of charming downtown Glenwood Springs. Guests enjoy incredible views of the mountains and hot springs from the hotel year-round.
This hotel's primary attraction is its pool complex, which is naturally heated by the area's hot springs. Hotel guests get unlimited access to the world’s largest hot springs pool plus a hot tub, splash pad, and lazy river. The pool maintains a comfortable 94F degrees. The splash zone and lazy river are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.
Shoshone Chutes, the resort's lazy river, features a few light rapids plus lots of twists and turns, which mimic a mellow white water rafting experience. The warm water 3-minute river ride is surrounded by trees and mountains. It's fun for all ages to ride again and again! (Children must be 36″+ to ride.)
— Nikki, Inspired Routes
20. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa – Cedar Creek, Texas
The family-friendly Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa offers more amazing amenities than vacationers could possibly fit into a weekend getaway. This treasure is located on over 400 acres of land just 16 miles drive from the Austin Airport.
The resort's Crooked River Waterpark consists of a pool with a lazy river, gradual beach entry, splash pad, and two-story water slide. The pool is heated year-round and is the perfect place for littles to splash in the shallow water. Meanwhile, older kids (42″ minimum) are sure to ride the water slide repeatedly.
Tubes are complimentary and plentiful allowing hotel guests to float down the cool, refreshing lazy river dozens of times if desired. Mature trees surround the river, offering plenty of shade. Waterfalls along the route add to the experience. You can even purchase beverages from poolside bars from the comfort of your inner tube.
Land activities abound at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, too. An indoor pool table, ping pong, and shuffleboard keep competitors happy. There are also daily craft activities, horseback riding, complimentary bicycles, and zip-lining onsite. You can also meet resident longhorn mascots at the resort's own petting zoo.
— Sierra Schmidt, Free to Travel Mama
21. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva is located on the stunning white sand beaches of Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. In addition to an onsite water park and swimming pools, the resort offers a kids club, unique dining, and a world-class spa. Sign up for nearby golfing and deep-sea fishing excursions. The variety of activities available makes it an excellent choice for travelers of all kinds.
The hotel's water park features a lazy river, water sports, pool games, and water slides for toddlers and adults. There is also a large main zero-entry pool and a club pool.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana's lazy river runs along the outside of the water park. It is surrounded by tropical plants that create a jungle-like atmosphere. The flow is slow and easygoing, but watch out for the many waterfalls sprinkled throughout the river.
— Julie Dameron, Family Trips and Travels
22. Tahiti Village Resort – Las Vegas, Nevada
The Tahiti Village Resort in Las Vegas is iconic for its Tahitian Island theming. Tahiti Village Resort stands out among the best-themed hotels in the U.S. for its dedication to making guests feel like they're on a real tropical island.
The crown jewel of the resort is undoubtedly its 1/8-mile-long lazy river. The Tahiti Village lazy river is heated in the winter and shaded from the Las Vegas summer heat by lots of beautiful palm trees. With waterfalls and fountains along the route, the lazy river is also lit by dozens of real tiki torches at night, completing the island illusion.
— Katie from KatieCafTravel.com
23. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – Kauai, Hawaii
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is one of the best hotels in Hawaii. The multi-level pools are where this property really shines. Enjoy a saltwater lagoon, 150-foot waterslide, and a lazy river.
You can relax the day away floating around the black lava rock-lined lazy river. It's complete with waterfalls, caves, and seating nooks. While the river doesn't really flow as many lazy rivers do, there's ample area to float around and explore. Plus, the views and atmosphere are pure paradise.
Pro tip: If you want to forgo paying the fee to rent or buy an inner tube at the resort, make a quick stop at the store to pick up your own before heading to the hotel.
— Sara Wellensiek, Mom Endeavors
24. Nickelodeon Hotel Punta Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
For a beach getaway sure to please the whole family, Nickelodeon Hotel Punta Cana makes a fantastic choice. Parents enjoy five-star accommodations, pampering amenities, and all-inclusive fine dining. Meanwhile, kids love an over-the-top water park, an engaging kids club, and non-stop entertainment.
Located on Uvero Alto Beach, the hotel’s beach and infinity pool are easily accessible by foot or golf cart. Meanwhile, the Aqua Nick water park is equipped with a lazy river, splash center, water slides, water cannons, and a zero-entry play area for young kids. Plus, Nick’s Swim-Up Suites make a great option for pool lovers.
Read my Nickelodeon Hotel Punta Cana review to learn why this is one of the best beach resorts for kids.
— — Lyla Gleason, Travel Mamas
25. Turquoise Place – Orange Beach, Alabama
Turquoise Place by Hosteeva in Orange Beach, Alabama is a luxury condominium resort that caters to families. Besides the amazing beach just outside the front door, the resort also has several outdoor pools, a huge indoor pool, a kids' playground, and a game room. Plus, each suite has its own hot tub on the balcony, overlooking the gorgeous gulf waters.
The best-kept secret is the lazy river, which is tucked away on the fourth-floor roof and offers stunning sunset views. Take a book, hop on a float, and relax as the day fades away.
— Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget
Discover More Amazing Hotels
For additional fabulous places to stay, take a look at the best hotels in the USA for families.
Spa lovers will love this round-up of dreamy hotel spa pools.
Even when the weather is frightful, swimmers will enjoy these incredible indoor hotel pools.
Embassy Suites is a great mid-range brand for travelers. Dive into the best Embassy Suites hotel pools.
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Which of these hotel lazy rivers looks most enticing for your next vacation? Let us know in the comments below!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
We’re doing JW Marriott Star Pass Resort in Tucson this week. Was bummed it wasn’t on your Lazy River list. I’m sure it will be great.
Norm – Thank you for sharing your recommendation of JW Marriott Star Pass Resort! Since we live in Scottsdale, this isn’t far for a weekend getaway for us. Will need to check out their lazy river next time we are in Tucson!
Just know most are not free access. You have to pay for chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, floatation devices, etc. We were at Mandalay Bay and could have easily spent $1500 for one am at the pool.
Sara – Thanks for the heads-up. While extras like cabanas and rented floats cost extra, lazy river access should be free for hotel guests at most (if not all) of the resorts. Good to keep in mind that there can be extra costs at some for extra frills, though!
Hey, can you say which hotel is the most exclusive? I just took the family to the Gaylord Palms in Orlando and it was absolutely swamped with a lot of things we didn’t really want to experience…like super revealing bathing suits and beer guzzling….:( don’t mind paying more to stay away from that, thanks!
Hi Eli – I would say that most of these hotels would fit the bill. In particular, Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa – Muscat in Oman is a good choice if you want to avoid lots of alcohol consumption since alcohol is limited in that country and public drunkenness is highly frowned upon even at hotels. Other good options include the high-end Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World and family-focused Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, Hawaii. I hope you find a great fit and have a fabulous time floating on their lazy river!
Arizona Grand in Phoenix has a wonderful lazy river as well!
Thanks for sharing, Julie! There really are so many fabulous hotel pools in Phoenix and Scottsdale!
Great list, however Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon should be on it, imo. Although it isn’t directly attached to a hotel, there are plenty in area to chose from.
Hi Kel – I bet Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is amazing! This list is all about lazy rivers at hotels, though. Thanks for the input!
Hacienda Tres Rios sounds amazing. I would love to float down an actual river and relax!
Doesn’t that sound amazing?! Love unique experiences like that!
These hotels looks so amazing!
I love hotels that have Lazy Rivers! I’ve been to one in Palm Springs and loved it. This looks like a great list.
Palm Springs really has some incredible hotel pools!
OMG! I gotta hide this list from our son. He LOVES hotels/resorts with great pools & lazy rivers. If he sees this he’ll flip!
LOL! Don’t hide the lazy rivers…plan a trip with your son! #momoftheyear
Thanks for this list! I love lazy river rides! I have to make it to one of these hotels/resorts this summer. OMG, my inner mermaid is screaming to get out and have some fun!
Let the inner mermaid free! 🙂
This is a great list! Awesome suggestions! Thank you so much for sharing!
I could lazy river it for days on end. All these resorts look so inviting!
Seriously…a lazy river at a fab hotel is my happy place!
I am not much for pools, but I can be in a lazy river all day long! I’d be thrilled to have the opportunity to stay at any of these hotels!
I can’t think of a better way to while away a day than on a sweet lazy river!
Hands up I love a good lazy river, I mean who doesn’t just love relaxing and gently bobbing along. These all sound like some amazing places to go and stay and relax.
I may need to spend some time at a water park now…I’m getting lazy river fever! 🙂
Who wouldn’t love to spend a weekend (or more!) at one of these fabulous places? The Resort and Spa in Hawaii caught my eye!
Oh yes, that pool at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa does look especially dreamy!
What an amazing list! Any of these would be a family fun vacation destination.
Agreed – you really can’t go wrong with any of these family-friendly hotels!
Thanks Colleen!!!!
You’re most welcome!