Swimmers appear to float over Douglas in glass-bottom hotel pool finally filled a week ago
Wichita’s Hilton Garden Inn opened at 401 E. Douglas in December 2019 even though its rooftop pool — which developers promised would have a glass bottom that jutted out 10 feet over Douglas — was not ready.
A few months later, the pandemic hit, and even though people could see the pool extending over Douglas, it sat empty for years, collecting unsightly debris and dust.
Then last week, a dramatic change: The rooftop pool not only has water, but Wichitans who look up often will catch the somewhat alarming sight of swimsuit-clad people floating in the section that stretches out over the street.
A front desk employee at the hotel said that the pool finally opened about a week ago and that guests have been rather excited about it. A youth soccer team stayed at the hotel and took full advantage of the unique feature, he said. At least one guest he knew of booked a room just to experience swimming over Douglas.
Anyone can do that, the employee said. Room costs will vary and will run more on busy weekends than they will on slower weeknight, he said. People also can reserve the whole pool area for private events.
To check rates on the hotel — which also has a full-service Starbucks on the main floor — call 316-669-6175 or search online for Hilton Garden Wichita Downtown.
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