Laura’s looking pretty pleased in the Reef Lounge. (Of course, she’d be a lot happier with a pina colada.)

Attention San Diegans and San Diego-bound travelers! We’re about to let you in on a little-known hotspot you might not expect. While the phrase “Hotel Circle” probably conjures more visions of convention-goers than party-people, it just so happens to be home to the Handlery Hotel which boasts the biggest pool in Mission Valley… which, surprise-surprise, is open to the public! (We realize this news comes a little late in the season, but hey, it should be in the high 70s next week, and after that there’s always the jacuzzi!)

Not only does the hotel allow non-overnighters access to the pool (open everyday until 10 p.m.), they also host live bands and a Monday through Friday happy hour at the poolside Reef Lounge from 3 to 5 p.m. An additional Tuesday through Sunday happy hour is offered in the swankified 950 Lounge from 5 to 7pm.

The Reef Lounge is appropriately decked out in full tiki flair — bamboo poles, fencing and thatch courtesy of Cali Bamboo. Lounge chairs out on the pool deck even have flags you can raise to hail down a mai tai without even having to sit up. Talk about a staycation!