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Swimming in Manhattan at the Marriott

Where: 85 West Street [map], New York, NY, United States, 10006

It's true, it was 79 degrees in Manhattan yesterday...a few degrees more and we'll need a beach. Or a pool. How about a hotel pool?

The Gansevoort's rooftop pool sounds fantastic, with its views and situation, but what is one to do when just a swim is in order, not a stylish scene? Plus we just want our water to sound like water, instead of music piped into the pool, which the Times Square's Hotel QT boasts as one of its aquatic perks.

The kicker is these hotel pools are off-limits -- both are restricted to guests, so muster the stamina to try and sneak in, and steel yourself to be booted before you ever hit the water.

A guaranteed option of hotel and water in Manhattan is The Marriott at The Financial Center. They offer an all-day fee of $25 to use their pool, fitness center, and as many towels as you can wrap around your waist. Children get in for $15.

A reservationist at the hotel reveals that they also offer annual pool passes for $650.  This actually beats the prices on yearly dues for some of the more affordable health clubs.  That's pretty darn smart.

Hint to hoteliers: It would be great if more hotels opened their doors to non-guests to use their season-friendly facilities; pools are an excellent place to begin.

[Photo: Edyson]