Best Hotels With Rooftop Bar In New York
Best Hotels With Rooftop Bar In New York
New York City, a concrete jungle where dreams are made of, is renowned for its iconic skyline, vibrant culture, and unparalleled energy. One of the best ways to soak in the city’s atmosphere is from a rooftop bar, and what better way to do that than by staying in a hotel that boasts one? This guide delves into the best hotels with rooftop bars in New York, offering not just a place to rest your head, but an experience that elevates your stay to new heights.
Why Choose a Hotel with a Rooftop Bar in NYC?
Staying at a hotel with a rooftop bar in New York City offers a plethora of advantages, making your trip more memorable and convenient. Let’s explore some key reasons:
Unparalleled Views
The most obvious reason is the breathtaking views. Rooftop bars offer panoramic vistas of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the sprawling cityscape. Imagine sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while watching the sunset paint the sky over Manhattan – it’s an experience that’s hard to beat.
Convenience and Accessibility
When you stay at a hotel with a rooftop bar, you have immediate access to a fantastic social scene without having to venture far. After a day of exploring the city, you can simply head upstairs for a relaxing drink or a lively evening with friends. No need to worry about transportation or finding a crowded bar in another neighborhood.
Exclusive Ambiance
Rooftop bars often have a more exclusive and sophisticated ambiance than ground-level bars. They tend to attract a stylish crowd and offer a more refined experience. Many rooftop bars in hotels also have dress codes, which helps maintain a certain level of elegance.
Enhanced Experience
A rooftop bar adds another layer of enjoyment to your hotel stay. It’s not just a place to drink; it’s a place to socialize, unwind, and take in the beauty of the city. It’s an amenity that can significantly enhance your overall experience and make your trip more memorable.
Networking Opportunities
Rooftop bars are popular with both locals and tourists, making them excellent places to network and meet new people. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you might find yourself striking up interesting conversations and making valuable connections.
Top Hotels With Rooftop Bars in New York City
Now that we’ve established the appeal of hotels with rooftop bars, let’s explore some of the best options in New York City. This list features hotels across different neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience and ambiance.
The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. Its rooftop bar, Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge, is a popular destination for both hotel guests and locals. The bar features a sophisticated atmosphere, craft cocktails, and a seasonal menu.
Key Features:
– Stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty.
– Sustainable and eco-friendly design.
– Craft cocktails and a curated menu.
– Live music and DJ sets.
– Relaxed and sophisticated ambiance.
Why it’s great: The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge provides not just a great view, but also a commitment to sustainability, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The rooftop offers breathtaking vistas, impeccable service, and a lively atmosphere.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
While technically a standalone rooftop bar and not exclusively a hotel bar, the hotels in close proximity make it an easy and accessible option for hotel guests staying in the NoMad neighborhood. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar is one of the largest rooftop bars in New York City, offering expansive views of the Empire State Building and the surrounding cityscape. It’s open year-round, with heated igloos in the winter.
Key Features:
– Unobstructed views of the Empire State Building.
– Open year-round with heated igloos in winter.
– Extensive cocktail menu and food options.
– Casual and lively atmosphere.
– One of the largest rooftop bars in NYC.
Why it’s great: 230 Fifth is a classic NYC rooftop experience, perfect for those who want a lively atmosphere and iconic views, regardless of the season. The sheer size of the bar ensures that there’s almost always a space available, even during peak hours.
The Kimberly Hotel
The Kimberly Hotel is a boutique hotel in Midtown East that features Upstairs at The Kimberly, a chic rooftop lounge with retractable glass ceilings. This allows the bar to remain open year-round, providing stunning views of the Chrysler Building and the East River.
Key Features:
– Retractable glass ceilings for year-round enjoyment.
– Stunning views of the Chrysler Building and the East River.
– Sophisticated cocktail menu and light bites.
– Elegant and intimate atmosphere.
– Central location in Midtown East.
Why it’s great: Upstairs at The Kimberly offers a more intimate and sophisticated rooftop experience. The retractable glass ceilings ensure that you can enjoy the views and the ambiance regardless of the weather.
Gansevoort Meatpacking
Located in the trendy Meatpacking District, Gansevoort Meatpacking features a rooftop pool and lounge with panoramic views of the city. The rooftop is a popular destination for fashionistas and celebrities, offering a stylish and energetic atmosphere.
Key Features:
– Rooftop pool with stunning city views.
– Trendy and fashionable atmosphere.
– Craft cocktails and light bites.
– DJ sets and live music.
– Prime location in the Meatpacking District.
Why it’s great: Gansevoort Meatpacking is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action. The rooftop pool and lounge offer a stylish and energetic atmosphere, making it a great place to see and be seen.
Sixty LES
Sixty LES, located in the Lower East Side, features a rooftop pool and bar called Above Allen. The rooftop offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere.
Key Features:
– Rooftop pool with city views.
– Relaxed and bohemian atmosphere.
– Craft cocktails and small plates.
– Live music and DJ sets.
– Prime location in the Lower East Side.
Why it’s great: Sixty LES offers a more laid-back and artistic rooftop experience. The Lower East Side location adds to the hotel’s unique charm and character.
The James New York – NoMad
The James New York – NoMad offers a sophisticated and modern experience with its rooftop bar. While not as expansive as some other rooftops, it provides an intimate setting with carefully crafted cocktails and stunning views, particularly at night.
Key Features:
– Intimate rooftop setting.
– Carefully crafted cocktails.
– Modern and stylish design.
– Excellent service.
– Prime location in NoMad.
Why it’s great: The James New York – NoMad offers a refined and elegant rooftop experience. The emphasis on quality cocktails and service makes it a great choice for those who appreciate attention to detail.
Mondrian Park Avenue
The Mondrian Park Avenue boasts a stylish rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. The bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a wide selection of cocktails and wines, making it a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night rendezvous.
Key Features:
– Stylish rooftop bar.
– Sophisticated atmosphere.
– Wide selection of cocktails and wines.
– Stunning city views.
– Convenient location on Park Avenue.
Why it’s great: The Mondrian Park Avenue’s rooftop bar is a great choice for those who want a stylish and sophisticated experience with a wide selection of drinks and a prime location.
The Empire Hotel
Located across from Lincoln Center, The Empire Hotel’s rooftop bar is a popular spot for pre- and post-theater drinks. The rooftop offers a sophisticated atmosphere and stunning views of the Upper West Side.
Key Features:
– Convenient location near Lincoln Center.
– Sophisticated atmosphere.
– Stunning views of the Upper West Side.
– Live music and DJ sets.
– Popular spot for pre- and post-theater drinks.
Why it’s great: The Empire Hotel’s rooftop bar is perfect for those who are attending a performance at Lincoln Center. The convenient location and sophisticated atmosphere make it a great place to start or end your evening.
Refinery Hotel
The Refinery Hotel’s rooftop bar, Refinery Rooftop, offers stunning views of the Empire State Building and a vintage-industrial atmosphere. The bar features craft cocktails, a seasonal menu, and live music.
Key Features:
– Stunning views of the Empire State Building.
– Vintage-industrial atmosphere.
– Craft cocktails and a seasonal menu.
– Live music.
– Convenient location in Midtown.
Why it’s great: Refinery Rooftop offers a unique combination of stunning views, a vintage-industrial atmosphere, and great drinks. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate character and style.
The Dominick (formerly Trump SoHo)
The Dominick, located in SoHo, features a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city. The rooftop is a luxurious and exclusive destination, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable service.
Key Features:
– Rooftop pool with city views.
– Luxurious and exclusive atmosphere.
– Sophisticated cocktails and light bites.
– Impeccable service.
– Prime location in SoHo.
Why it’s great: The Dominick offers a truly luxurious and exclusive rooftop experience. The stunning views, impeccable service, and sophisticated atmosphere make it a great choice for those who want the best of the best.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hotel with a Rooftop Bar
With so many great options to choose from, it’s important to consider your priorities when selecting a hotel with a rooftop bar. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Location
Consider the neighborhood you want to stay in and how accessible the hotel is to the attractions and activities you plan to enjoy. Each neighborhood in New York City has its own unique character and vibe, so choose one that aligns with your interests.
View
Think about the specific landmarks or views you want to see from the rooftop bar. Do you want to be able to see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the Brooklyn Bridge? Some rooftop bars offer more panoramic views than others.
Atmosphere
Consider the atmosphere you prefer. Do you want a lively and energetic scene, or a more relaxed and sophisticated ambiance? Some rooftop bars are known for their DJ sets and live music, while others are more conducive to quiet conversation.
Price
Rooftop bars in New York City can be expensive, so be sure to factor the cost of drinks and food into your budget. Hotel prices also vary depending on the location, amenities, and time of year. Consider the overall value and what is important to you.
Amenities
In addition to the rooftop bar, consider the other amenities that the hotel offers, such as a pool, gym, spa, and restaurant. Choose a hotel that provides the amenities that are important to you and will enhance your overall experience.
Reviews
Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of their experiences at the hotel and the rooftop bar. Pay attention to comments about the service, the quality of the drinks and food, and the overall atmosphere.
Tips for Enjoying Rooftop Bars in NYC
To make the most of your rooftop bar experience in New York City, here are a few helpful tips:
Dress Code
Many rooftop bars have dress codes, so be sure to check the guidelines before you go. In general, smart casual attire is recommended. Avoid wearing athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing.
Reservations
Rooftop bars can be very popular, especially during peak hours, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance. This will help ensure that you get a table and avoid long wait times.
Happy Hour
Take advantage of happy hour specials to save money on drinks and appetizers. Many rooftop bars offer discounted prices during certain hours of the day.
Sunset
Arrive early to catch the sunset. Watching the sunset over the New York City skyline is an unforgettable experience.
Pace Yourself
Rooftop bars can be intoxicating, both literally and figuratively. Pace yourself and drink responsibly. Remember to stay hydrated and eat something to avoid overindulging.
Transportation
Plan your transportation in advance. Consider taking a taxi, Uber, or public transportation to avoid drinking and driving. Some rooftop bars also offer valet parking.
Be Respectful
Be respectful of the other guests and the staff. Avoid being too loud or disruptive. Remember that you’re sharing the space with others who are also trying to enjoy themselves.
Check the Weather
Rooftop bars are weather-dependent, so be sure to check the forecast before you go. Some rooftop bars have retractable roofs or heated lamps to keep you comfortable in inclement weather.
Beyond the Drinks: Exploring NYC from Above
While the drinks and the ambiance are certainly a major draw, remember that a rooftop bar is also a fantastic vantage point for experiencing the city itself. Take some time to really appreciate the views. Notice the different architectural styles, the bustling streets below, and the iconic landmarks that define the New York City skyline. A rooftop bar offers a unique perspective on the city, allowing you to see it in a new light.
A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Leisure
Choosing a hotel with a rooftop bar in New York City is about more than just finding a place to stay; it’s about curating an experience. It’s about blending the luxury of a well-appointed hotel room with the leisure of a sophisticated social space. It’s about creating memories that will last long after you’ve checked out.
The Ever-Evolving NYC Rooftop Scene
The rooftop bar scene in New York City is constantly evolving, with new venues opening and existing ones reinventing themselves. Keep an eye out for new additions and updates to this list, as the city is always finding new ways to elevate the bar experience. The key is to stay informed, do your research, and find the rooftop bar that best suits your style and preferences.
Rooftop Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
To ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and others, remember these rooftop etiquette tips:
Dos:
– Dress appropriately for the venue.
– Be mindful of noise levels, especially late at night.
– Tip your servers generously.
– Make reservations when possible.
– Take photos, but be discreet and respectful of others.
Don’ts:
– Wear overly casual attire, such as flip-flops or athletic wear (unless explicitly permitted).
– Be excessively loud or disruptive.
– Hog the best view for too long.
– Cut in line or try to bypass the waitlist.
– Engage in inappropriate behavior.
Conclusion: Elevate Your New York City Experience
Staying at a hotel with a rooftop bar in New York City is an experience that’s hard to beat. From the stunning views and convenient accessibility to the exclusive ambiance and enhanced social opportunities, a rooftop bar adds a unique and memorable dimension to your trip. By considering your priorities, reading reviews, and following these tips, you can choose the perfect hotel with a rooftop bar to elevate your New York City adventure.