One way into books at hotel, ideal spot for a swift dip? (8)
I believe the answer is:
birdbath
'ideal spot for a swift dip?' is the definition.
(where a swift might take a dip)
'one way into books at hotel' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'I' (Roman numeral).
'way' becomes 'rd' (short for road).
'into' indicates putting letters inside.
'books' becomes 'bb' (two abbreviations for book).
'hotel' becomes 'h' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'i'+'rd'='ird'
'ird' put within 'bb' is 'birdb'.
'birdb'+'at'+'h'='BIRDBATH'
(Other definitions for birdbath that I've seen before include "Garden feature holding water" , "Item to attract garden visitors" , "Garden ornament for avian ablutions" , "Ornamental outdoor basin -- bad birth (anag)" , "Water container in garden for avian ablutions" .)