The New York City skyline is a sight to behold from any vantage point, but there are few more indulgent ways to take in the views than from a sumptuous rooftop pool.
(Photo: The Empire Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
The Big Apple has a big reputation when it comes to luxury hotels, and rightly so, for this is a city with some of the most decadent places to stay anywhere on earth. And even within its tightly packed confines, many of them are blessed with some exceptional facilities, including several with swimming pools – a smattering of which can be found perched on a rooftop for an extra frisson of glitz and glamour, not to mention sensational views as you swim. Here are five of the best NYC hotels with a rooftop pool.
The Empire Hotel
An exclusive rooftop pool experience with unparalleled views awaits guests at The Empire Hotel, situated at the entrance to Manhattan’s Upper West Side. An elevated escape, the rooftop plunge pool is surrounded by sunny cabanas, day beds and loungers, while an adjoining rooftop bar serves up bespoke cocktails that implore guests to unwind in style under the eye-catching neon Hotel Empire sign. The pool is open seasonally from late May through to early September each year, with daily opening hours of 11am to 7pm. Rooms from $227 per night.
Dream Downtown
(Photo: Dream Downtown / Courtesy Booking.com)
Featuring a 50-foot glass-bottom swimming pool, two private cabanas, 30 poolside chaise lounges and a full-service bar, the adults-only rooftop lounge at Dream Downtown is one of the most enticing anywhere in the city. Surrounded by tall flower beds, the pool is overlooked by several of the hotel’s guest rooms featuring architecturally eye-catching circular openings that lend the building’s façade a unique look. While there are no age limits for the hotel itself, all rooftop lounge guests must be 21 or over to enter. The pool is open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 6pm. Rooms from $157 per night.
Ravel Hotel
Self-styled as an aquatic sanctuary, the adults-only Summer Club at Ravel Hotel in the heart of Long Island City is an exclusive rooftop venue known as one of the hottest pool scenes anywhere in NYC. There’s an outdoor 50-foot pool, shaded lawn chairs and cabanas, towel service and a wide choice of premium food and custom cocktails for purchase. Meanwhile, floating chandeliers and regular live DJ sets add to the upscale party vibes. For visitors arriving in their own transport, there’s also valet parking. Day passes are available. Hours are 12pm to 5pm daily. Rooms from $101 per night.
The Dominick Hotel
(Photo: The Dominick Hotel)
A resort-style oasis in the heart of New York’s fashionable SoHO district, The Dominick boasts a bevvy of lavish amenities, among which is Terrace on 7, a swanky rooftop pool that comes complete with a poolside spa, exclusive cabanas and sun loungers. The seasonal pool can be found at the summit of the hotel on its 7th floor, where guests can also enjoy Hawaiian-inspired food and cocktails, live DJ happy hours, and breathtaking skyline views. The pool is open daily from 9am to 8pm. Rooms from $405 per night.
The Rockaway Hotel
The chic rooftop pool area at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa draws a discerning crown to the NYC district of Queens. Here, they can enjoy an outdoor heated pool, DJ spin sets, a poolside service for craft cocktails and a full food menu, lounge chairs and access to an infrared sauna, lounge spaces, towels and robes. Cabanas are also available to rent daily and come with a designated server. All hotel guests have complimentary access to the rooftop while there are also chargeable day passes for non-hotel guests. Opening hours at 10am to 6pm daily. Rooms from $218 per night.