If you don’t make it a point to see the skyline views in New York City from the top of a swanky hotel rooftop bar, are you really even in New York City? In a city with a plethora of places to stay, these are 3 of the best hotel rooftops in NYC.
Aside from the food, seeing the Manhattan skyline all lit up is probably the biggest tourist draw that you just have to experience – and what easier way than to stay at a hotel with epic rooftop views?
This blog post introduces you to 3 of my favorite hotel rooftops that allow you to see the city at its best. No matter what’s on your New York City itinerary, it is my belief that each night should end on a rooftop.
Each of these hotel rooftop bars have their own charm, aesthetic, and flair, but one thing’s for sure: you won’t leave disappointed. In addition to the stunning views, each of these places have their own curated drink menus and small bites. Put on your swankiest dress and heels and pick your favorite from the list below.
Love New York City?
Check Out These Other Blog Posts:
3 of the Best Hotel Rooftop Bars in NYC
Nubeluz at the Ritz-Carlton
Location: NoMad
Price Point: $$$
Website: https://www.nubeluzbyjose.com/
I’m not going to lie to you – I might have uttered a small scream when I stepped off the elevators into Nubeluz on the highest floor of the Ritz-Carlton and saw the entire city all lit up before my eyes. José Andrés designed this bar to embody the glamour and sophistication both of New York City and the Ritz itself.
Perched on the 50th floor of the hotel, you are able to see 270° views of Manhattan while you sip on expertly crafted cocktails and enjoy small bites. I tried the Labneh with José’s Potato Chips and loved it, but I would advise against getting the Bagel & Lox Cone (it came with one small bite for 2 people!). If you’re a Negroni fan, try the Foggy Bottom – they gave it their own creative spin and nailed it.
Panorama Room at the Graduate Roosevelt Hotel
Location: Roosevelt Island
Price Point: $$$
Website: https://www.graduatehotels.com/new-york/restaurant/panorama-room/
Panorama Room is a tad bit out of the way if you’re staying in Manhattan, but the 360°views of the Manhattan skyline cascading off the East River make up for it. Located on the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel, it has a sophisticated lounge with floor to ceiling windows and orange accents on the ceiling that change to a different color at night. Weather permitting, you are able to step outside and get some amazing photos.
They have a food menu with small bites containing mostly seafood, but their cocktail menu and the views is what drew me in. I remember not knowing what a lot of the drink ingredients were, but trusting the bartenders introduce me to my new favorite beverage (and I encourage you to do the same). Their menu changes seasonally, so you are able to try new things throughout the year.
Magic Hour at the Moxy Hotel
Location: Times Square
Price Point: $$$
Website: https://moxytimessquare.com/dining/magic-hour-rooftop-bar-lounge/
If you love all things pink and girly, this is your vibe. The Moxy Hotel’s rooftop lounge features pink-themed decor that changes seasonally. Last winter, they had an aprés-ski theme complete with pink frosted trees, a glitter carousel, and a food and drink menu featuring things like Pink AF Pancakes and Pink Campfire S’Mores. They also serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30-3:00pm.
But it’s not all pink and glitter. Magic Hour is NYC’s largest indoor/outdoor hotel rooftop bar and features incredible Manhattan city views, along with a putt-putt golf course that has pink animals in, errr…flirty positions. They have a live DJ every night, making this the perfect spot to grab your best friends for a drink and soak in all the girly vibes.
- Pro tip: The lighting on this display is NOT good for photos. To get the best photo on this carousel, have one of your friends stand to take the photo, and have another turn their phone’s flashlight on and hold it above the person taking the shot. Otherwise, your photo will likely come out too dark.
