When booking a hotel, my first question is always: does it have a pool? If so, how long is it?
To me, there is nothing more luxurious than padding out of your room in swimwear, robe and slippers (and mask, these days), goggles in hand, for a refreshing dip. I will even set my alarm an hour early — no matter how jet-lagged I am — to fit in a swim before I venture anywhere near the breakfast buffet. Having pounded up and down a pool for 20 minutes, anything that comes afterwards is entirely merited.
I like a rooftop pool (who doesn’t?) but I would still choose size over location every time: a long, dark subterranean affair will always win over an 8m bathtub with a view.