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The William Vale Hotel
The William Vale Hotel
Max Touhey

The best rooftop bars—with views—at New York City hotels

Take in the view of NYC from these rooftop bars, all atop some of the city's best hotels

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The William Vale Hotel
| Max Touhey

Though it may not feel like it right now, spring is just around the corner, which also means that soon, most New Yorkers will be feeling the itch to be outdoors. There are plenty of places to satisfy that ourdoorsy urge (parksbeaches!), but the city's plethora of trendy hotels offer some of the best options—and since it's New York we're talking about, all of these venues have mindboggling views, allowing visitors to scope out the city (and its most iconic buildings) from a whole new angle.

And though hotel rooftops can have a reputation for being, well, loud and gimmicky, a new crop of spaces is bucking the trend—and just wait until later this season, when the Williamsburg Hotel's roof bar in a water tower debuts. For now, though, these 20 spaces will have to suffice.

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Conrad New York

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This Battery Park City hotel's rooftop space, known as the Loopy Doopy Bar (yes, really), has pretty stellar views of the New York Harbor and the Jersey skyline, if that's your thing. In the summer, the golden hour light is perfect for Instagramming—as are the bar's signature cocktails, a popsicle dropped into a glass of sparkling wine.

A post shared by Helin Jung (@helinjung) on

Hotel Indigo

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The bar atop the Lower East Side's Hotel Indigo is named Mr. Purple, in honor of local legend Adam Purple. The hotspot, which opened in 2015, offers cocktails, beer, wine, and small bites (there's also a weekend brunch menu), but the main selling point is the view. From the 15th-floor roogtop, there's a stunning view of Lower Manhattan—along with the hotel's lovely pool.

A post shared by Cavan Sieczkowski (@cavanshays) on

The Standard, High Line

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Even though it's been open for some time, and has plenty of competition, it doesn't get much trendier than Le Bain at The Standard, High Line. Perch in one of the yellow chairs set atop the astroturf and take in the stellar views from the far West Side. In the summer, a plunge pool and creperie ratchet the general discotheque ambiance up a notch.

Todd Eberle

Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC

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It's relaxation or a rager at this Gansevoort outpost (the group's second in NYC), the former at the lounger-laden rooftop pool and the latter at the two-floor bar and lounge. The hotel recently made headlines when it was slapped with an invoice by nearby residents for the hours of sleep they allegedly lost due to the rooftop's noisy weekend parties. If that's not a sign of a kickass party, we're not sure what is.

Hôtel Americano

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Designed by Mexican architect Enrique Norten, this West Chelsea hotspot is unabashedly contemporary. Find a bar, grill, and outdoor pool on its top, so whether you're after cocktails in a cabana, a snack on a daybed, or a quick dip, you can have it all in ridiculously modern, Latin-infused surrounds—with a stellar view.

Pod 39 Hotel

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On roof of the city's year-old Pod 39 hotel sits this quirky, offbeat bar & lounge. Plan your Midtown East foray for sunset, when you can stake out one of the colorful tiled tables along the bar's perimeter, which is lined with atmospheric red-brick archways and rust-colored column, all overhung with casual-cool strands of light bulbs.

Refinery Hotel

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This boutique hotel on 38th Street with steampunk-ish bent has a rooftop enclave, too. The Refinery Rooftop has vintage terracotta floors, artisanal cocktails, and indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate all seasons.

Salon de Ning

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Long one of NYC's most popular rooftop bars, Salon de Ning sits on the 23rd floor of the Peninsula New York. Thanks to the hotel's prime Fifth Avenue location, it boasts spectacular views of Midtown (because it's always fun to be above the hubbub), and has an eclectic menu of Asian-inspired drinks (including mocktails) and small plates.

A post shared by pinarsabanci (@pinarsabanci) on

The Empire Hotel

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Another one of the city's most essential abodes has a stellar outdoor space. Bask in the glow of the Empire's universally recognizable red sign on the pool deck while kicking back in a contemporary lounge chair. True, some neighbors have complained about the noise, but we just think that's a telltale sign of a good time.

A post shared by Empire Hotel (@theempirehotel) on

The Knickerbocker

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This turn-of-the-century hotel-turned-office is back to being a hotel: the Knickerbocker opened in 2015, and has already cemented its place among New York's crowded hospitality market. Its rooftop lounge, St. Cloud, has three "sky pods" that have views of Times Square—letting you enjoy the scenery without having to, you know, be in it.

Z NYC Hotel

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The best way to ogle Manhattan's skyline, of course, is to get off the island. Opened in 2011, the Andres Escobar-designed hotel in Long Island City promises to deliver a "Gansevoort Hotel-like vibe" within its "razor-thin 75,000 square foot tower." And atop that tower is the Z Roof Rooftop Bar, a 5,000-square-foot venue that boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Expect the Queensboro Bridge, up close and personal.

The William Vale Hotel

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Williamsburg's William Vale Hotel stands out amid the Brooklyn skyline—perhaps to the chagrin of neighborhood residents and architecture critics—and after years of delays, it finally opened its doors last summer. The hotel's third-floor amenity deck, home to New York City’s longest outdoor hotel swimming pool (at 60 feet), boasts views of Manhattan and the surrounding borough stun. Its rooftop bar, Westlight, offers a menu from Andrew Carmellini and Anthony Ricco, and is poised to be one of NYC's best new rooftops.

Daniel Krieger

Wythe Hotel

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It only took a few years for the Wythe Hotel to become an indispensable part of the city's hospitality scene, and that includes rooftop bar The Ides. The decor outside is pretty minimal, with simple metal tables on a gray-tiled deck, but that's not deterring the crowds, and it offers no distraction to the views of Manhattan, which are, naturally, the main attraction.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

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The newest addition to this list is 1 Hotel's Brooklyn Bridge Park outpost, which opened just a couple of months ago. The rooftop, which boasts truly incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan, isn't yet open to hotel guests, but it'll host events and have a pool once it's ready. For now, you can experience a modified version of that splendor from the hotel lobby, which has pretty lovely views on its own—and serves cocktails in the afternoon.

Hilton New York Fashion District

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At Rare View atop this Hilton outpost in Chelsea, you'll be surrounded by a wooden fence and ensconced in plush red-and-black seats amid a smattering of plants. Tres classy, even if Hiltons aren't always.

A post shared by Sahrish Qureshi (@sahrishq) on

Archer Hotel New York

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This sleek Midtown hotel's rooftop bar, Spyglass, has lovely Empire State Building views and a menu that includes classic and fresh cocktails, beer, and wine. The bar has both indoor and outdoor spaces here, and thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the views are swell from both of 'em.
Courtesy of Spyglass

Kimpton Ink48 Hotel

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Appropriately enough for a hotel located in a former printing house, Ink48 has got The Press Lounge at its apex. This Midtown nightspot doesn't take reservations, so get there early to secure a spot amid the sexy, slender narrow pool, pod-like chairs, and rattan couches.

The Kimberly Hotel

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The Kimberly hotel's rooftop space, simply called Upstairs, has the benefit of a retractable roof—so on those April days that feel more like February, you can still enjoy the view and a tipple while staying warm. But it's a lovely space in all weather, perched 30 stories above the city and with one of the best views of the iconic Chrysler Building.

A post shared by Kimberly Hotel (@kimberlyhotel) on

Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel

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We know what you're thinking: "Sheraton" and "Downtown Brooklyn" doesn't exactly scream trendy hotspot. But Kimoto Rooftop & Bar, the hotel's Japanese-themed rooftop bar, is a nice respite from the busy streets below, offering both locally-brewed and Japanese beers, along with bites and cocktails. The views of Brooklyn—nicer than it sounds, we promise—don't hurt.
Via Starwood Hotels

Hotel Hugo

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Hotel Hugo opened in 2014 in Hudson Square, with the warm, sexy Bar Hugo—described by the hotel itself as a rooftop bar that "sparkles like a bronze lantern"—as its topper. The bar is outfitted in leather banquettes and other stylish decorative touches, but the real draw is—of course—the views, including ones of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River. The happy hour deal's not too shabby, either.

A post shared by Hotel Hugo SoHo (@hotelhugosoho) on

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Conrad New York

This Battery Park City hotel's rooftop space, known as the Loopy Doopy Bar (yes, really), has pretty stellar views of the New York Harbor and the Jersey skyline, if that's your thing. In the summer, the golden hour light is perfect for Instagramming—as are the bar's signature cocktails, a popsicle dropped into a glass of sparkling wine.

A post shared by Helin Jung (@helinjung) on

Hotel Indigo

The bar atop the Lower East Side's Hotel Indigo is named Mr. Purple, in honor of local legend Adam Purple. The hotspot, which opened in 2015, offers cocktails, beer, wine, and small bites (there's also a weekend brunch menu), but the main selling point is the view. From the 15th-floor roogtop, there's a stunning view of Lower Manhattan—along with the hotel's lovely pool.

A post shared by Cavan Sieczkowski (@cavanshays) on

The Standard, High Line

Even though it's been open for some time, and has plenty of competition, it doesn't get much trendier than Le Bain at The Standard, High Line. Perch in one of the yellow chairs set atop the astroturf and take in the stellar views from the far West Side. In the summer, a plunge pool and creperie ratchet the general discotheque ambiance up a notch.

Todd Eberle

Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC

It's relaxation or a rager at this Gansevoort outpost (the group's second in NYC), the former at the lounger-laden rooftop pool and the latter at the two-floor bar and lounge. The hotel recently made headlines when it was slapped with an invoice by nearby residents for the hours of sleep they allegedly lost due to the rooftop's noisy weekend parties. If that's not a sign of a kickass party, we're not sure what is.

Hôtel Americano

Designed by Mexican architect Enrique Norten, this West Chelsea hotspot is unabashedly contemporary. Find a bar, grill, and outdoor pool on its top, so whether you're after cocktails in a cabana, a snack on a daybed, or a quick dip, you can have it all in ridiculously modern, Latin-infused surrounds—with a stellar view.

Pod 39 Hotel

On roof of the city's year-old Pod 39 hotel sits this quirky, offbeat bar & lounge. Plan your Midtown East foray for sunset, when you can stake out one of the colorful tiled tables along the bar's perimeter, which is lined with atmospheric red-brick archways and rust-colored column, all overhung with casual-cool strands of light bulbs.

Refinery Hotel

This boutique hotel on 38th Street with steampunk-ish bent has a rooftop enclave, too. The Refinery Rooftop has vintage terracotta floors, artisanal cocktails, and indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate all seasons.

Salon de Ning

Long one of NYC's most popular rooftop bars, Salon de Ning sits on the 23rd floor of the Peninsula New York. Thanks to the hotel's prime Fifth Avenue location, it boasts spectacular views of Midtown (because it's always fun to be above the hubbub), and has an eclectic menu of Asian-inspired drinks (including mocktails) and small plates.

A post shared by pinarsabanci (@pinarsabanci) on

The Empire Hotel

Another one of the city's most essential abodes has a stellar outdoor space. Bask in the glow of the Empire's universally recognizable red sign on the pool deck while kicking back in a contemporary lounge chair. True, some neighbors have complained about the noise, but we just think that's a telltale sign of a good time.

A post shared by Empire Hotel (@theempirehotel) on

The Knickerbocker

This turn-of-the-century hotel-turned-office is back to being a hotel: the Knickerbocker opened in 2015, and has already cemented its place among New York's crowded hospitality market. Its rooftop lounge, St. Cloud, has three "sky pods" that have views of Times Square—letting you enjoy the scenery without having to, you know, be in it.

Z NYC Hotel

The best way to ogle Manhattan's skyline, of course, is to get off the island. Opened in 2011, the Andres Escobar-designed hotel in Long Island City promises to deliver a "Gansevoort Hotel-like vibe" within its "razor-thin 75,000 square foot tower." And atop that tower is the Z Roof Rooftop Bar, a 5,000-square-foot venue that boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Expect the Queensboro Bridge, up close and personal.

The William Vale Hotel

Williamsburg's William Vale Hotel stands out amid the Brooklyn skyline—perhaps to the chagrin of neighborhood residents and architecture critics—and after years of delays, it finally opened its doors last summer. The hotel's third-floor amenity deck, home to New York City’s longest outdoor hotel swimming pool (at 60 feet), boasts views of Manhattan and the surrounding borough stun. Its rooftop bar, Westlight, offers a menu from Andrew Carmellini and Anthony Ricco, and is poised to be one of NYC's best new rooftops.

Daniel Krieger

Wythe Hotel

It only took a few years for the Wythe Hotel to become an indispensable part of the city's hospitality scene, and that includes rooftop bar The Ides. The decor outside is pretty minimal, with simple metal tables on a gray-tiled deck, but that's not deterring the crowds, and it offers no distraction to the views of Manhattan, which are, naturally, the main attraction.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

The newest addition to this list is 1 Hotel's Brooklyn Bridge Park outpost, which opened just a couple of months ago. The rooftop, which boasts truly incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan, isn't yet open to hotel guests, but it'll host events and have a pool once it's ready. For now, you can experience a modified version of that splendor from the hotel lobby, which has pretty lovely views on its own—and serves cocktails in the afternoon.

Hilton New York Fashion District

At Rare View atop this Hilton outpost in Chelsea, you'll be surrounded by a wooden fence and ensconced in plush red-and-black seats amid a smattering of plants. Tres classy, even if Hiltons aren't always.

A post shared by Sahrish Qureshi (@sahrishq) on

Archer Hotel New York

This sleek Midtown hotel's rooftop bar, Spyglass, has lovely Empire State Building views and a menu that includes classic and fresh cocktails, beer, and wine. The bar has both indoor and outdoor spaces here, and thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the views are swell from both of 'em.
Courtesy of Spyglass

Kimpton Ink48 Hotel

Appropriately enough for a hotel located in a former printing house, Ink48 has got The Press Lounge at its apex. This Midtown nightspot doesn't take reservations, so get there early to secure a spot amid the sexy, slender narrow pool, pod-like chairs, and rattan couches.

The Kimberly Hotel

The Kimberly hotel's rooftop space, simply called Upstairs, has the benefit of a retractable roof—so on those April days that feel more like February, you can still enjoy the view and a tipple while staying warm. But it's a lovely space in all weather, perched 30 stories above the city and with one of the best views of the iconic Chrysler Building.

A post shared by Kimberly Hotel (@kimberlyhotel) on

Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel

We know what you're thinking: "Sheraton" and "Downtown Brooklyn" doesn't exactly scream trendy hotspot. But Kimoto Rooftop & Bar, the hotel's Japanese-themed rooftop bar, is a nice respite from the busy streets below, offering both locally-brewed and Japanese beers, along with bites and cocktails. The views of Brooklyn—nicer than it sounds, we promise—don't hurt.
Via Starwood Hotels

Hotel Hugo

Hotel Hugo opened in 2014 in Hudson Square, with the warm, sexy Bar Hugo—described by the hotel itself as a rooftop bar that "sparkles like a bronze lantern"—as its topper. The bar is outfitted in leather banquettes and other stylish decorative touches, but the real draw is—of course—the views, including ones of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River. The happy hour deal's not too shabby, either.

A post shared by Hotel Hugo SoHo (@hotelhugosoho) on