A pool club with all the charm of TSA at the airport. I used to love the pool but every year it gets worse. Had a reservation with it showing in my phone but it didnt have my in the check in system so had to wait 10 minutes for them to add me manually. With 2026, they yell at you about coffee. Do they sell coffee? Nope. You can't have water in your water bottle. They go through your gym bag with a gloved inspection. Honestly may dump my pool membership and stop paying so much. read more

An absolute oasis. Urban paradise. Their pool season is long, this year it opened early May and closed September 21. They refreshed the lounge cushions and pool towns this year, which added to the luxurious vibe. I enjoy it most during the weekdays when it's remote workers, lap swimmers like me, and avid readers. There is only one "time slot" and it's all day. On the weekends, you need to arrive at least 15 min before your pool time (either 10am or 2:30pm), and snag loungers if you're GA. This year I discovered that if you have more than one guest, you have to book a sun lounger (the square poolside cushions) or daybeds, which both have a food and drink minimum (the lounger is $75 but they're not too strict). Food-wise I'd choose cobb salad, shrimp tacos (a bit spicy), or their guac. read more

Penthouse Pool and Lounge - U Street - Cobb Salad - Swimming Pools Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Totally not a member, and I also didn't pay the tab (what a charmed life, huh?) so I have no idea if this place is actually worth the money. What I do know is that I was in DESPERATE need of some pooltime and sunshine, complete with cocktails and the Penthouse Pool Club more than delivered. Yep, it's COVID times. So, you gotta make a reservation, they'll take your temperature, you have to wear your mask when not at your spot or in the water, and you're not supposed to mingle with other groups. Makes for a less fun pool party, but beggars can't be choosers. We had a cabana that fit 4 of us nicely, and our server was both friendly and fast. We were drinking pretty heavily and he was always there to keep our little bucket full of canned cocktails. I miss having access to a full bar, but they're doing what they can under the circumstances. The pool is nice. The scene is very gay and very pretty. The music was good, if a bit quiet. This could very well be my happy place. Things like this just don't exist in the PNW, and it was a real treat to visit. read more

Sashay away.... After taking two years off from overpaying for Penthouse Pool I decided to give it a try on a Thursday evening. Bottom line up front, still not worth it, no improvement on service or management. Six years ago this was the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday, now it's a drag. Service is slow, drinks are poorly made and to top it off they still have a Vodka on their menu they have not carried now for a while. The GM of the pool and the staff said "no, we haven't carried Veev for a long time", yet there it is. Staff let their friends in and give them comps, however if you're a member don't expect any favors. Forget emailing Urban Adventures the parent company, they will give you excuses and rationalize their way out of any situation. Urban Adventures needs a serious look at who is running their business units and customer service. Maybe in 2020 the old Penthouse Pool and Vida with working AC will come back! read more

Penthouse Pool and Lounge - U Street - Swimming Pools Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ok so I haven't been here since two years ago when I had a bad experience. I came yesterday with a friend and let me tell you I had such a amazing time and it was all thanks to my server ya ya. I was telling her about my pass experience and she just made sure everything was perfect this time. The energy she brings makes me feel some welcomed and I appreciate that especially after a workout. The burger was amazing and the canned liquor was actually not bad. With covid going on this experience made my life better thanks to Ayanna. Overheard someone saying they share tips so bring cash. The manager I think it's Charles or Chucky but he was amazing also I will definitely recommend this gym to my friends and family. If it's one thing I wish would change is the boring spa music lol it's summer time aka fun time read more

Penthouse Pool and Lounge - U Street - a tray of drinking glasses - Swimming Pools Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Don't come here. Used to be great. VIDA members could bring up to seven guests for free on weekend evenings in the summer. My boyfriend, our friends and I would spend a lot of money at the bar and it was a great place to hang out in the city. Interesting, diverse crowd in many ways. They completely changed the policy this year and now you have to upgrade to a higher membership tier to get in at all. That higher membership tier doesn't even include guest passes. Your guests will have to pay between $20-$30 to get in depending on if it's a "peak time" or not. When I asked a staff member why they changed the policy he said that "they were attracting the wrong demographic" with the old policy. There's only one way to interpret that. At a time when people are reevaluating their support for places like Equinox and Soul Cycle, we will no longer support a place that caters exclusively to rich, white people and has nothing to offer anyone else but disdain. read more

I love coming here on the weekends. Great service and environment to relax and to hangout with friends. BUT I don't care what month it is or what you are celebrating. Either there should be no music at all or play music that everyone loves. A few have asked the pool manger to tone down or turn down the music, but everyone was told no because it's Juneteenth month. How could inclusiveness become exclusiveness. I don't wanna hear the f- word, the pus- word, or the as- word again. The music was so unbearable and stressful this past Sunday. The restroom music was way better than the pool. It's definitely losing it mojo. More and more apartment buildings have better and nicer rooftop pools; I will probably discontinue the membership next year. read more

It's nice up on the roof! I have only been because of Twilight Tuesday's. The first two times I didn't swim, it was night, but it was still warm. The second time I should have came prepared but I didn't. So last night my third time I came ready to swim, I knew it was going to be 60 degrees or lower but I knew this was my last chance since it's Fall. The pool is heated, but damn it was cold outside. They provide towels and plenty of awesome seating. The cabanas are gorgeous. They had two fire pits going last night that I took full advantage of once I got out of the pool. There are mostly guys looking for guys up there, but everyone is friendly and social. I have heard that the food is amazing. I will definitely want to be on the list for next spring and summer to be able to visit the pool. read more

Penthouse Pool and Lounge - U Street - This fire felt great after my dip in the pool. It was cold 9.17.13!! Twilight Tuesday's - Swimming Pools Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I stumbled across this place while hanging out at the rooftop of Local 16. I glanced to my left and noticed some rooftop cabanas a few buildings down. I was intrigued, so my friends and I closed out our Local 16 tab and started the hunt for this mysterious roof top oasis. We matched it up with Vida Fitness. I was like, no way. But the elevator inside opened, and a bunch of people walked out, so we walked in. A few seconds later, we're on the roof top of Vida Fitness...aka the Penthouse Pool Club! This is an AMAZING set up! There's a rooftop pool, cabanas to relax in, a bar, and food service. There are outdoor fire pits for those not so warm nights. My only suggestion is to keep your drink away from the fire cause your cup WILL melt! Anyway, I LOVED the ambiance and the crowd was amazing. Granted the place leans more to the male community, that just means that there will be no lines for the women's bathroom. =D read more

Vida pool club feels like a super exclusive pool party that you have been lucky enough to get an invite to. It is a little slice of LA or Miami in DC. Yesterday the pool was packed with beautiful DC people sunning themselves and drinking cocktails. Waitresses brought around frozen fruit as people sat in the pool or in loungers socializing. Definitely a scene for now, but will be interesting to see how it develops and if it becomes more laid back or more VIP- oriented. First let me tell you what Vida Penthouse is not: - a place to bring kids (you must be over 21) - a place to swim laps - a place that you casually go to after your work out to have a dip. - a traditional gym pool It is: -a place to see and be seen by others (dressed to impress) - mostly a cocktail bar that happens to have a pool - filled with very friendly people, both staff and other members who will chat with you The primary clientele is the DC gay male community. This is not to say others are not welcome, but ladies, you are unlikely to meet your boyfriend here. The only reason I am giving them 4 stars is because this is their first summer and I think they still have to work out some kinks in their operation. If you want to get in and you aren't a member, members can get you in after 5pm on weekdays and after 7pm on weekends. Otherwise it costs $25. read more

Staff members are letting their obnoxious friends in for free here. If you don't have the connection, you're paying and will get half assed service. Last summer (2012) I witnessed the bar manager actually nearly get into a fight with someone! He was barely stopped by a gym employee who was swimming in her off hours. He still works there (has circular dark rimmed glasses). I frequent the gym and the pool is full of freebee non members. I live two blocks from Vida and go frequently, I can tell who's who. I am paying plenty to go here though. The staff members also frequent the pool in their off hours. Being that the lounge chairs are so contentious and I don't always get one, this really makes me mad. I love the actual place but the business concept is constantly evolving. Is it a neighborhood pool where anyone is welcome? Is it exclusive to people who can afford to pay for the membership? Is it a night club/bar that doesn't charge admission? Is it a place to host big corporate or other events? Personally I may be canceling my pool membership. You can be a Vida gym member (not paying for the pool) and come for drinks in the evenings free. The weekends are more of a typical U Street nightclub crowd, including employees and their friends, not a place just for members. I should add that I will not eat here if I am too hungry because I don't expect the food to come anytime soon. Personally I would gladly pay a generous amount to have an exclusive relaxing place without the freebee kids that don't have memberships and have bartender friends. It has grown to be more of a U Street nightclub with a pool. They are chasing the money of the alcohol and club music apparently and struggling with the exclusivity part, but still hanging onto it for dear life to keep those membership dues coming in. I would like to see a new manager and clean the place up with all new staff. I will gladly upgrade my star rating after that. read more

Update: Hello Again! After talking with the manager my friend and I decided to give VIDA another chance. Since we did not have a pleasant experience the last time. The manager wanted us to go back to hopefully have a different experience! It started out great! We got Sangria, Champagne and food - was delicious - I got a Salmon Sandwich that was amazing (recommend that!). Our Waitress, Patience, was very informative and fantastic service! The weather was warm, we even got in the pool! Then we see the General Manager and he remembered us, and we started talking about how it was rude to snatch a drink out of someone's hand while they are drinking and asked for an apology. He refused and said that it was in the policies and procedures that he could do that. He had the right to do anything to get people out. Remember all we are trying to do is finish the expensive drinks that we ordered and there is still another table full of people (6+) that he has not even gone over to tell them to leave. He refused to apology, and said if we don't like it we could leave. In fact, he just told us to leave. He picked up our cups, half empty bottle and kicked us out the door still wet from the pool. He escorted us out the door and told us we are not welcomed back, don't worry we will not be back to this establishment. According to the manager - he has never gotten a complaint about the GM, so I guess we are special? OK... read more

I joined about 3 months ago - it was a rocky run in the begining. Everyone quoted different prices for everything and i was lost. Seems they have gotten it a bit more together now and are extending hours which is nice. The food service is still a bit spotty in terms of time - they don't do crowds that well yet. The food is good though! The drinks are great too! They are learning to cater to a member environment, having staff walk around and hand out water and on occasion free ice cream (it's the little things!). The only thing that seems to be weird is that I pay a lot of money to be a memeber and everytime i go there seems to be more and more people that aren't members and just "walked in". I'm not going to lie - Im a little more than bothered by this, only because Im bitter that I pay a good chunk monthly and other people just walk in off the street....it makes me wish i didn't get a membership and was just smart enough to talk in like everyone else seems to be! They need to be more strict about not coming in unless you are a member or with a member so that their members don't feel taken advantage of. It would be nice if they gave members two free guest passes every month so you could enjoy a day at the pool with your close friend as a perk. The pool is gorgeous - they used to have some bad staff that didn't know what was going on (see old reviews that knock it with one star) but they seem to have a good team in place now with Lou, Jose and Oscar and the others and are doing really well! I love going - i go as much as i can :) they really make you feel welcome and invited! read more

The service is just god awful. Don't come hungry - if we're ordering food we order as soon as we see someone with a red shirt, because it's going to take 30-60 minutes on a weekend. The majority of the servers act like they're doing you a favor, not their job, and quite literally storm around the pool. Tall guy with dreads has almost knocked me over without an "excuse me" or acknowledgement like ten times this season. There are some select servers who are so sweet but beware anyone you're not directly interacting with. The pool is nice, the drinks are okay, but them and the food is way overpriced. There are certainly not enough chairs and not enough of a guarantee for a seat for the price they charge read more

Consistently mismanaged. I had a few bad experiences here before I filed a complaint with the front desk. Each time I went... the staff let anyone in, even non Vida members who acted like it was a public pool doing cannon balls splashing into peoples drinks, gave the regular guests attitude , and when you ask the front desk what the policy is on guests they state "it's always changing" when I went I counted 15-20 non Vida/penthouse members in bands and only a small handful of membership paying folks... I should have never bought a membership and just snuck in with the rest. When I filed a complaint the front desk no one got back to me on my request to cancel Nor did anyone return 2nd follow up . What a shame. Don't waste your money. read more

Fundamentally, Penthouse is a U Street club focused on selling food and beverages which has a pool as a feature. The business is very focused on growing its membership, possibly beyond its capacity to serve that membership. The instagram advertisements show a demo version of the pool - svelte young adults lounging poolside, drinks in hand, with the place all to themselves. The reality is it's virtually impossible to get a chair at the pool on weekends unless you arrive at 10AM, which has caused me to change my arrival time to 4PM or never. One factor causing the overcrowding is the non-member guests who are there. I pay year-round for the pool yet am unable to find a chair because of the one-off visit by a non-paying non-member. You may have a better experience on a weekday, but how many of us really has that luxury? Poolside service has consistently been poor over the years; I've long given up and just deal with the bar directly. I've been unable to discern rhyme or reason as to how they manage poolside service. read more

So I have a bitter taste with this pool club. Every time I have attempt to hang out there, they are closed or closing early. I went to their grand opening tonight and it was ok, not really their fault since they can't control the rain. I was quote different prices to use the cabana from $50 to $250 which didn't make any sense. They can't really service liquid yet and there is no food service but I am still paying full price to not really get what was promise. Not really friendly staff maybe because they don't know what they are suppose to do. I really hope they get it together because right now it's not. read more

Went for "Twilight Tuesdays" and the service SUCKED! First drink took about 8 minutes, went and hung out with my friends. Went back for our second round and it took 15 minutes. What is so frustrating about the situation was it wasn't THAT busy. There were maybe 20 people waiting for cocktails around the bar and the bar tenders could not handle it. The bartender on my side of the bar was not managing people as they came to the bar, but where they were in the bar. A couple times he had to look up drink recipes. When he was close to me and I thought I was going to order my drink, he turns and goes around the bar to people who just arrived. Understand they may have been short staffed, but really? It is one of your busier nites and you are not offering drink specials. . .everything is rack rate. GET SOME DECENT SERVICE IF YOU ARE GOING TO CHARGE PREMIUM PRICES. . . . read more

Came on a Thursday for a African get together at the pool and the vibe was very sexy. There was a good amount of diversity and everyone seemed very chill and relax. I would definitely come back here read more

Members only pool club with no day pass access. Website doesn't mention that it's a members only club and they put me on hold for 25 minutes when I called just to let me know that I have to be a member to get in. read more

I absolutely love Penthouse Pool Club! I went on Memorial Day weekend with a few friends. I was able to get into the pool for free because a friend of mine is a member. I love the décor and color scheme of this pool. Usually, I am not a huge fan of pool parties; they can become hectic and sometimes pools are dirty and it just freaks me out. The Penthouse Pool Club is extremely clean and the staff is super friendly. I enjoyed the noise level; I didn't feel like I had to scream while talking with friends. The music was "club" music, which really adds to the venue. I also ordered a drink and some wine. My drink was really strong! It was something with tequila. I did not actually get in the pool; it was actually kind of cold this Memorial Day, so I just relaxed by the pool. I've read other reviews where it says it costs $20-$25 to get into the pool if you are not a member. After my great experience, I wouldn't mind paying an entry fee the next time I go. If I lived near U Street, I would actually pay for a membership. The Penthouse Pool Club is also gay friendly. read more

The rooftop pool is beautiful, but don't join the club if you expect to relax by it. They play loud, awful club music all day long, seven days a week. They should at least give it a rest on weekdays, when it's relatively empty and people are trying to relax. The pool is completely mobbed on the weekends, and you need to show up early to get a chair or spot. The guest policy is constantly changing, but perhaps the new limit of one guest per member on weekends will help. In the past, it has seemed like some people were bringing 8 or 10 guests, crowding out dues-paying members. For me, one of the nicest parts of membership last year was access to the roof bar in the evenings. They recently limited this benefit, by shutting down at 7pm four nights a week to host private parties. In general, the management has been pretty incompetent. The good news is its constantly changing, so fingers crossed for the new team. read more

The space is beautiful, it's a great place to come up and relax after a workout. That said, the service is hit or miss -- often a miss. I usually head up to the pool alone just to relax and while I make eye contact with the servers, generally if I want something I have to get up and go to the bar to order it as they seem too busy to stop and offer me a menu or ask me if i'd like any food or bevs. At a place not passing itself off as upscale, this would be completely acceptable. However, paying $500+ for just a season of access to the pool suggests to me that the waitstaff should at least talk to their guests. Not so--when I go to the pool I am consistently ignored. This is the second season I've been a pool member and it will probably be my last. I can get the same level of service (i.e. Almost none) at the city run pool around the corner from my house. read more

Cool vibe but was super busy, impossible to get a good seat. Would recommend coming as early as possible. Food is good but a bit overpriced

LOVE this pool. A little expensive for the membership, but if you don't live in a condo/apartment with a pool, this is a great alternative. Unfortunately this summer has been extremely wet so I'm not sure the membership is worth it. Maybe they will extend the season if we have a warm and dry fall? read more

it is a nice scenery, and i wish it wasn't so cold the day we went. I like it and the food and drinks, but there were a lot of gay men there. Kinda ruined the scene seeing the good looking men and they weren't even available. I was told later that this is their spot. If that is true, this isn't a place i'd really want to frequent as i am into men and not really looking to chill at a pool with gay men.. not fun. read more

I came here today with about eight friends. We had a cabana and I put my credit card down to open the tab. We ordered a bunch of food and drinks. When it came time to pay the bill, they brought a check to sign, but not my credit card. I informed them my card was missing and they said they would go for it. So after an hour of Brie (our waitress that lost it) avoiding us, the manager came by to say that sometimes they drop the cards in the wood deck. He took my info down and said he would call if they find it. Seriously. Now I've got to deal with canceling a credit card. Not the best customer service. Drinks started out weak, ended kind of strong. Food was mediocre. Music was too low. My condo doesn't have a pool so unfortunately I imagine I'll get dragged back. read more

Beautiful place. But for the monthly price there should be service. There is none. I sat for over an hour and not a single waitress came by to take my order. They literally sat at the bar chatting with each other. Definitely a disappointment and I doubt I will continue my membership. read more

To the non-memebers complaining about the pool club, I'm sorry you aren't a member so I can't feel bad for you. I was a pool member for a year and I loved having the ability to swim and relax after a workout. The service improved a lot and I loved the parties for members (Cinco de Mayo, 4th of July etc.). Downsides... All the non- members who were allowed to come in, leaving no room for those of us who pay ALOT/ TOO MUCH money every month. Had I known that nonmembers would be allowed to swim and come in I would have just gotten a regular gym membership and paid the $20 entrance fee to get in. I love Vida, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. But, I feel like I wasted a lot of money as a pool member. You know you pay for your pool membership even when the pool is closed... crazy... read more

Really in love with the pool went for a night time pool party. Beautiful place, they have free open to the public pool parties on Tuesday. Only downside is party gets sold out quick so even if you come down you may not gain entry, and the super high fee to become a member.....a bit to exclusive for my test. read more

THE PENTHOUSE IS FOR GYM MEMBERS ONLY. Wonderful area for VIDA Gym members to relax. PLEASE NOTE: The penthouse pool is only open to VIDA gym members. The pool and bar are not open to the general public, and there are no pool passes you can buy for access. read more

posh members-only rooftop pool highly recommend the portobello burger and tuna tartare decent wine selection read more

This place is truly an oasis in DC! Great views, drinks, food and fellow members. Don't join though, don't want it to get too crowded...haha read more

Location - great. Venue - great. Service - subpar. Consistent wait for any bartender or server service. (Unfortunately I can't underline this statement). Don't go expecting anything, you'll be disappointed. And be sure to ask the price of anything not on the menu. A $200 bill awaited me when asking for a vodka/ginger which resulted in the premium vodka instead of the house vodka (which is standard at EVERY OTHER BAR)!!! read more

My wife had 8-10 passes on her account from the previous year. At the beginning of this summer, she called to verify the number of passes to begin using them that weekend. VIDA told her that there policy changed at some undetermined date and so they removed the passes because they had to be used last year. They had never informed her of that policy change. She has called the manager now 4 times and the calls aren't returned. So after years of being a VIDA member, spending literally thousands of dollars at the gym, VIDA decides to arbitrarily steal $250 worth of passes. Thanks but no thanks. read more

The negative reviews posted on here gave me pause, but especially given the crazy heat in DC, I'm so glad that I joined a happening, local pool club that is well kept, serves food and drinks, and a really nice place for me to hang out with some friends. In my experience, the service has been friendly and prompt, and the music is pretty low key. It gets crowded on hot summer weekends, but understandably so. There really isn't anywhere else like it within walking distance of Logan/Dupont/Adams Morgan/U Street. And while membership isn't cheap, I don't feel like I am paying for something that I am not receiving -- however, the cost of the food/drinks can add up. (Frankly, if it were "cheap," it probably would not be someplace I'd want to go.) Yes, it is quite a scene, but I think that's part of its appeal. And yes, you may not have three pool chairs lined up in a row as soon as you get there, but people come and go, so you will shortly. The only things that I would flag for prospective members are: (1) there seems to be a lack of coordination between Vida and the pool club, so it's unclear who handles what; and (2) because the pool is surrounded by decking and artificial turf, both of which get extremely hot in the sun, walking barefoot is uncomfortable. If you can handle that, you -- like me -- will be happy you joined. read more