Forget checking into a hotel just to dip into a rooftop pool—starting this July, one of Singapore’s CBD skyline secrets is opening its infinity pool to everyone, no reservation or access fee required. El Chido, the Mexican rooftop bar perched atop Pullman Singapore Hill Street, is reopening with a vibrant, resort-inspired redesign, and its infinity-edge pool will be accessible to the public every day of the week. Whether you’re after a weekday lunch swim, sunset margaritas with panoramic views, or a lazy weekend escape above the business district, this revamped spot aims to be a go-to summer destination without the usual hotel hurdles.
The bar’s transformation turns the entire rooftop into a fully weatherproof venue. In a city where sudden tropical downpours can derail outdoor plans, El Chido has installed a covered structure that lets guests enjoy the skyline—and the pool—rain or shine. That means no more scrambling for cover when clouds roll in; the infinity pool remains open, and the bar’s seating stays dry.
A Fresh Look and New Flavours
Along with the pool’s new public access, El Chido has overhauled its food and drink programme. A brand-new cocktail menu joins a refreshed lineup of Mexican classics, all served within a colourful, holiday-inspired setting designed to feel a world away from the office towers below. The décor has been updated with brighter accents, revamped styling, and an upcoming art wall installation that adds even more personality. A new music programme featuring guest DJs promises to keep the energy high from afternoon through evening.
The entire experience is meant to cater to a range of occasions: after-work drinks with colleagues, birthday celebrations, or simply a new rooftop hangout that doesn’t require a hotel booking. With free access to the infinity pool now part of the package, the reopening positions itself as one of the coolest ways to beat Singapore’s heat this season.
Why This Matters for the CBD
Singapore’s rooftop bar scene has long been dominated by hotel properties that restrict pool access to guests or charge steep entry fees. El Chido’s shift to a fully public, no-fee model opens up a prime piece of city real estate to a broader audience. For residents and visitors alike, it offers an affordable luxury experience in the heart of the financial district—an amenity that typically requires a room key or a private membership.
The move also reflects a growing trend among urban hotels to make their rooftops more inclusive, capitalising on the city’s appetite for sky-high social spaces. As more venues embrace weatherproof designs and casual public access, the line between hotel-exclusive and community-friendly continues to blur.
Plan Your Visit
El Chido is located atop Pullman Singapore Hill Street. The infinity pool is open daily to the public with no booking or fee required. For more details on hours, menus, and events, visit the hotel’s website.
Related reads: Time Out Singapore also recently covered a hidden Japanese bar in a colonial bungalow in Orchard, the reopening of Jewel’s Food Republic with retro hawker stalls, and the upcoming arrival of Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Box Café.