by Telegraph Travel experts, The Telegraph, September 28, 2017
An expert guide to the best rooftop bars in New York hotels, including the top places to stay for incredible city views, rooftop pools and cocktails, in locations including SoHo, Times Square, The High Line and Brooklyn.
The Knickerbocker New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
This Beaux-Arts landmark built in 1906 by John Jacob Astor and, until its closure in 1921, one of the swankiest hotels in New York, has been reborn. Bellhops in baggy knickerbockers and chunky Doc Martens set the tone: there’s an authenticity and attention to detail here that’s rare for Times Square. The 16th-floor rooftop bar and terrace, St Cloud, with its ivy covered walls, opens in the summer, offering private seating, a cigar lounge by Nat Sherman and stunning Time Square views. Read expert review. From £183per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
• The best New York bars in hotels
The Standard, High Line New York, United States
7Telegraph expert rating
This Meatpacking District hot spot on the banks of the Hudson River literally straddles The High Line Park. With its velvet-roped bistro, ground-floor beer garden and two ultra-hip rooftop club lounges, its aesthetic is LA flash meets New York glamour. One rooftop bar has synthetic grass, deckchairs, and telescopes. The other, Top of the Standard, is a glittering supper lounge with live jazz, a small plates menu, and designer cocktails, open from brunch until late. Read expert review. From £197per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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SIXTY SoHo New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
This five-star boutique hotel, set in Lower Manhattan's upmarket SoHo neighbourhood, offers a quiet escape steps from the bustling shopping areas around Prince Street and Broadway. The rooftop terrace ABOVE is open from May to October and offers panoramic views of the city and fine craft cocktails. Read expert review. From £194per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
Hotel Hugo New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
A newcomer to the recently coined “Hudson Square” neighbourhood (adjacent to SoHo), this hotel provides respite not too far from the crowds. Pass the Cuban-inspired graffiti and walk up the staircase to dine on small plates at the outdoor Azul (inspired by street-side restaurants in Havana), or step off the lift to the enclosed Bar Hugo. Read expert review. From £146per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The William Vale Brooklyn, New York, United States
9Telegraph expert rating
One of New York’s hottest hotels. Plum in the middle of Williamsburg (AKA hipsterville), it spans 14 floors of Brooklyn’s most stylish new building. There is a huge outdoor pool deck, two top chefs, futuristic rooms with cinematic views of Manhattan, and groovy rooftop bar Westlight with 360 views. Westlight offers small plates like lobster summer rolls and baby back ribs. Read expert review. From £243per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Peninsula New York New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
The Peninsula remains a comfortable and handsome option for couples with means. It's classical without being staid, and buzzy restaurant Clement, with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, adds a contemporary polish. For drinks, guests can gather at Clement’s bar or, preferably, make their way to 23rd floor Salon de Ning for cocktails and quintessential views of 5th Avenue and the Manhattan skyline. Read expert review. From £433per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Wythe Hotel New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
This hip hotel housed in a converted 1901 factory building on the Williamsburg, Brooklyn waterfront has great views of Manhattan from the upper floors. Farm-to-table ground-floor restaurant Reynard is a hit. The sixth-floor bar and terrace, Ides, with its sweeping Manhattan and Brooklyn views, is the place to be for a cocktail at sunset. Many rooms also have floor-to-ceiling views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. Read expert review. From £175per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Refinery Hotel New York, United States
9Telegraph expert rating
The Refinery Rooftop (recently recognised by USA Today readers as the best rooftop bar in the United States) plays host to DJs and pleasant people, with both indoor and outdoor space, a fireplace, and great views of the city. Accessed via the lobby, hotels guests receive doorman preference. The hotel is close to Grand Central Station, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. Read expert review. From £161per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
• The best luxury hotels in New York
Hudson New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
This place oozes style and character, with a beer garden, Mexican-style Tequila Park, the seasonal Sky Terrace on the roof, a ski-lodge-theme bar and great design feats such as a chartreuse-lit escalator that hurdles you up to a 40-foot-high lobby dripping with shrubbery. Urban Alice has found her Wonderland. Read expert review. From £85per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Archer Hotel New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
This brick, steel, and glass 22-storey boutique hotel is in the Garment District. After you eat at the New American restaurant, visit Spyglass bar on the rooftop for a panoramic view of the city and a not-to-be-missed close up of the Empire State Building. Read expert review. From £162per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Conrad New York New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
This sprawling 463-suite Tribeca hotel overlooking the Hudson River has a buzzing rooftop bar, impressive art collection (you can’t miss the swirling 100ft-high Loopy Doopy painting by American minimalist Sol LeWitt in the lobby atrium) and a superb Mediterranean restaurant. In summer months, the rooftop bar's speciality drink is an ice lolly dipped in a glass of Prosecco. Read expert review. From £178per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Hilton New York Fashion District New York, United States
7Telegraph expert rating
Fashion-themed décor and fabulous views are trademarks of this Fashion District hotel not far from Macy’s. In-house restaurant Rare Bar & Grill does a great Kobe Burger and strip steak, and models and model agents have taken a shine to the 22nd floor rooftop lounge, Rare View Chelsea, with its stunning 360 degree views of the city. Read expert review. From £75per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn, New York, United States
It’s not just the spectacular views of Brooklyn Bridge that set this hotel apart from the rest. Reclaimed materials and naturally sourced furnishings add to 1 Brooklyn's distinctive eco-friendly, industrial-chic style, which is spruced up with plenty of indoor greenery. The real highlight is the rooftop pool and bar. Read expert review. From £192per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Hotel Americano New York, United States
8Telegraph expert rating
A parking garage turned stylish hotel from the Mexican hotel group Habita in the hip West Chelsea gallery district. Rooms are modelled after a Japanese ryokan, with sleek, streamlined interiors. Make your way up to the roof for a pool, casual cuisine and cocktails with a view. Read expert review. From £174per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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