Top 9 'Rooftop-Pool' Budget Hotels to visit in Southeast Asia's Buzziest Cities
Picture this: You’re floating in cool, turquoise water, a chilled drink in hand, with the sprawling, electric skyline of a Southeast Asian metropolis laid out before you like a glittering carpet. The sun is setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, and the city's hum is a distant, soothing soundtrack. Sounds like a scene from a multi-millionaire's travel vlog, right? A luxury reserved for those with platinum credit cards and an expense account?
Think again. For years, the rooftop infinity pool has been the ultimate symbol of travel opulence. It's the money shot, the "I've made it" moment. But here's a secret that seasoned travellers know: this slice of paradise is more accessible than you could ever imagine. The buzziest cities in Southeast Asia are packed with hidden gems—stylish, modern, and, most importantly, affordable hotels that offer this million-dollar experience for a fraction of the price. You just need to know where to look.
As a travel writer for Goh Ling Yong's blog, I've made it my mission to uncover these spots that deliver maximum wow-factor without emptying your wallet. This isn't about finding the cheapest hostel; it's about finding the smartest stay. It's about affordable luxury. So, grab your swimsuit and your sunglasses—we're about to dive into the top 9 budget-friendly hotels with jaw-dropping rooftop pools across Southeast Asia.
1. Hotel Clover Asoke – Bangkok, Thailand
The Vibe & The View:
Bangkok is the undisputed king of rooftop culture, but you don't need to be at a sky-high bar to enjoy the view. Tucked away in the bustling Asoke district, Hotel Clover is a boutique haven with an artsy, modern-safari theme. Its real crown jewel is the rooftop pool. While not the highest in the city, its clever design, lush greenery, and stunning panoramic view of the Sukhumvit skyline make it feel incredibly exclusive and chic. It’s the perfect urban oasis to escape the delightful chaos of Bangkok's streets below.
The pool area is intimate, rarely overcrowded, and features a stylish bar serving up creative cocktails. It's the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon reading a book, taking dips to cool off, and watching the BTS Skytrain snake through the concrete jungle. The vibe is relaxed yet sophisticated—a true hidden gem.
Pro-Tip:
The pool gets the best sunlight in the late morning and early afternoon. Head up after breakfast for a quiet swim before other guests start their day. Also, their poolside happy hour offers great value, making that sunset cocktail even sweeter.
2. The Robertson by Widus Collection – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Vibe & The View:
Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is dominated by iconic towers, and finding a pool with a view is a top priority for many visitors. While other hotels with famous views can be pricey, The Robertson offers a five-star experience on a three-star budget. This serviced apartment complex boasts not one, but multiple pools, with the highlight being the 42nd-floor infinity pool. From here, you get a breathtaking, sweeping vista that includes both the Petronas Twin Towers and the KL Tower.
The sheer scale of the view is staggering, especially at night when the city lights up. Because these are serviced apartments, the rooms are spacious and come with kitchenettes, making it an excellent option for longer stays or for travellers who appreciate a bit more space and flexibility. It feels less like a hotel and more like you're living in a luxury city apartment.
Pro-Tip:
There's another, often quieter, pool on the 7th floor. If the rooftop pool is a bit busy, head down there for a more tranquil swim. Also, book well in advance, as the best-priced rooms with the best views get snapped up quickly.
3. Alagon D'antique Hotel & Spa – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Vibe & The View:
Ho Chi Minh City is a whirlwind of energy, motorbikes, and incredible food. After a day exploring the bustling streets of District 1, there's no better retreat than the rooftop pool at Alagon D'antique. This hotel channels a classic, almost neo-classical French colonial charm, and its rooftop is a true sanctuary. The pool is surrounded by elegant columns and comfortable loungers, offering a fantastic 360-degree view of the city's evolving skyline.
What makes this spot special is the atmosphere. It's a tranquil haven perched atop the city's frantic energy. You can watch the sunset over the Bitexco Financial Tower while floating in the water, feeling completely removed from the hustle below. The poolside bar and restaurant are also excellent, making it a place you'll want to linger for hours.
Pro-Tip:
The hotel often includes complimentary afternoon tea and a foot massage for guests. Be sure to check your booking details and take full advantage of these perks—they elevate the experience from great to unforgettable.
4. YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road – Singapore
The Vibe & The View:
Finding anything "budget" in Singapore can be a challenge, let alone a hotel with a stunning rooftop pool in a prime location. YOTEL Singapore is the brilliant exception. Located right on the iconic Orchard Road, this hotel embraces a futuristic, compact-living concept inspired by first-class airline travel. The "cabins" are smartly designed to maximize space, but the real star is the 18th-floor pool and terrace.
Known as "Pool by Club Lounge," the area offers a fantastic open-air view over the city's greenest and most glamorous shopping district. The infinity pool is sleek and modern, flanked by stylish cabanas and a laid-back bar. It’s a surprisingly serene spot to watch the world go by, proving that you don't need a Marina Bay Sands budget to enjoy a skyline swim in the Lion City.
Pro-Tip:
The hotel’s location is its superpower. You're just steps away from the Orchard MRT station, giving you easy and affordable access to the entire city. Use this as your stylish basecamp for urban exploration.
5. JM Marvel Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam
The Vibe & The View:
Hanoi's charm lies in the beautiful chaos of its Old Quarter, but finding a quiet escape with a view can be tough. The JM Marvel Hotel & Spa is a boutique gem that delivers just that. It's an oasis of calm with elegant, Indochine-inspired decor. The crowning glory is its rooftop, which features a small but stunning infinity pool overlooking the terracotta roofs and winding streets of the historic district.
This pool isn’t about a sprawling modern skyline; it’s about an intimate, atmospheric view of a city steeped in history. It's the perfect place to decompress after a day of dodging motorbikes and exploring temples. The adjacent rooftop bar, The Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, is one of the best in the area, offering a romantic setting for an evening drink.
Pro-Tip:
The pool is on the smaller side, so it's best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon when it's less likely to be occupied. It's less of a "laps" pool and more of a "soak and admire the view" pool.
6. PATIO Hotel & Urban Resort – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Vibe & The View:
Phnom Penh is a city of incredible history and resilience, and it's quickly becoming a hub for stylish and affordable travel. The PATIO Hotel & Urban Resort perfectly captures this spirit. This chic hotel is a true urban resort, and its glass-walled rooftop infinity pool is arguably its most famous feature. From the water, you get a direct, impressive view of the Independence Monument and the growing city skyline.
The pool deck is beautifully designed with plenty of greenery and comfortable seating, creating a vibe that is both trendy and relaxing. It's a popular spot for both locals and travellers to catch the sunset, cocktail in hand. For the price, the experience here feels incredibly luxurious and offers a unique perspective on Cambodia's vibrant capital.
Pro-Tip:
The hotel is located in the trendy BKK1 district, known for its fantastic cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Spend the afternoon by the pool, then head out to explore the neighbourhood on foot for dinner.
7. Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Vibe & The View:
Chiang Mai offers a different kind of buzz—more laid-back, creative, and surrounded by nature. The Eastin Tan Hotel, located in the hip Nimman area, offers a rooftop pool experience that reflects this. Perched atop the hotel, the pool provides a stunning, unobstructed view of Doi Suthep, the majestic mountain that watches over the city.
Swimming here, especially as the sun sets behind the mountain, is a magical experience. The pool deck is spacious and part of a larger fitness and lifestyle complex connected to the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center, making it incredibly convenient. It combines the best of urban living with the serene beauty of Northern Thailand's landscape. My friend, the travel expert Goh Ling Yong, often says that a great hotel connects you to the destination, and this view certainly does that.
Pro-Tip:
The hotel is directly connected to a modern shopping mall via an air-conditioned walkway. This is perfect for grabbing a quick bite, catching a movie, or escaping the heat of the day without having to take a taxi.
8. Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4 – Bangkok, Thailand
The Vibe & The View:
Yes, another Bangkok entry, but the value here is too good to ignore. The Novotel Sukhumvit 4 is a modern, vibrant hotel that punches way above its price point. Its rooftop pool on the 25th floor is a showstopper. It’s a sleek infinity pool that offers a breathtaking, wide-angle view of the glittering Bangkok skyline. The space is beautifully designed, with a multi-level deck and the fantastic RedSquare Rooftop Bar right alongside it.
This is the kind of rooftop experience you’d expect from a much more expensive hotel. The atmosphere is lively and fun, perfect for socializing and soaking in the epic city views before a night out. It's proof that a world-class view in Bangkok is within reach for every traveller.
Pro-Tip:
The RedSquare Rooftop Bar is the world's first vodka rooftop bar, with a massive selection from around the globe. Even if you're not a big vodka fan, their creative cocktails are a must-try. Arrive just before sunset to watch the city transform from day to night.
9. YELLO Hotel Harmoni – Jakarta, Indonesia
The Vibe & The View:
Jakarta is a massive, energetic, and often underrated megacity. YELLO Hotel Harmoni is a breath of fresh air, targeting a young, creative crowd with its street-art-inspired interiors and tech-savvy approach. The hotel's rooftop pool is a colourful, quirky oasis that provides a much-needed escape from the city's legendary traffic.
Called "Wok'N'Tok," the rooftop area combines the pool with an all-day dining restaurant. The view from the pool is a fascinating urban tapestry of Jakarta's central district. It's not a pristine, polished skyline, but a real, dynamic view of the city's heart. It's the perfect spot to cool off, grab a casual meal, and appreciate the sheer scale of one of Southeast Asia's most bustling capitals.
Pro-Tip:
YELLO hotels are known for their "Gaming Stations" and creative spaces. If you're a digital nomad or just need to get some work done, their common areas are fun, comfortable, and well-equipped.
Your Slice of Heaven Awaits
The dream of sipping a cocktail by a rooftop pool, overlooking a vibrant city, doesn't have to be a far-off fantasy saved for a "one day" trip. As these nine hotels prove, affordable luxury is real and waiting for you in Southeast Asia. It’s about travelling smarter, seeking out the gems that offer incredible experiences without the exorbitant price tags.
So next time you're planning a city break, don't just look for a place to sleep. Look for a place that elevates your entire trip, a place that gives you that million-dollar view and makes you feel on top of the world.
Now it's your turn. Which of these rooftop pools are you adding to your bucket list? Do you have any other favourite budget-friendly hotels with amazing views? Share your finds in the comments below—let's build the ultimate list together!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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