There are few things that complement a well-crafted cocktail, tasty glass of wine, or brew than a spectacular view. If you’re the kind of person who likes to plan your trips around great hotels, one of the most appealing features can be a great rooftop bar. No matter where you want to go, from a rooftop with views of the Manhattan skyline to one that features the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, you’re sure to find the perfect pick on this list.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge - New York City
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge hosts a gorgeous pool and Harriet’s Rooftop, which has a cocktail lounge atmosphere and a wide range of beers, wine, and cocktails that can be enjoyed while gazing out at spectacular views of the famous Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. With live DJs and the occasional live band, this is a very popular spot so you’ll want to make reservations, especially during the summertime. Rooms at this popular Brooklyn hotel are extra-spacious and have window-side seating, Nespresso machines, Smart TVs, minibars stocked with local items, and yoga mats.
Hotel Unique - São Paulo, Brazil
Perched on the top of the Hotel Unique in São Paulo, the Skye Bar boasts a dramatic panorama of the city skyline. Often found on lists of the world’s best rooftops, it offers everything anyone could need with a premium menu, a furnished wooden deck terrace, and a pool with an underwater system for listening to DJ sets. Enjoy Brazilian fusion fare, sushi, and more, all with exceptional service and a 360-degree view over São Paulo. While the rooftop is the star, there’s also an area with an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and fitness center. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service, and bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs.
Marriott Marquis Houston - Houston, Texas
The rooftop is what makes the Marriott Marquis Houston so extraordinary, as it’s one of the best hotels with a lazy river in Texas. It not only includes a bar but a hot tub and two pools. One is an infinity pool, and the other is a massive lazy river shaped like the state of Texas. If that’s not enough, you can enjoy relaxing treatments, couples’ massage, and salon services in the 5,000-square-foot spa. There are multiple eateries too, with menus featuring everything from tapas to Mexican fare. A spaced=themed hotel, guest rooms include astronomy-inspired art along with modern conveniences like a 55” flat-screen TV with premium movie channels. For an even more luxurious experience, book a suite – some have bathrooms with deep tubs near floor-to-ceiling windows for soaking with a view.
The Colonnade - Boston, Massachusetts
On the 12th-floor of The Colonnade, you’ll find one of the best hotel rooftop pools in the United States, a heated saltwater pool with views of Fenway Park, Back Bay, Copley Place, and more. There’s a full-service bar here too which not only offers tasty beverages but a wide selection of menu options with everything from mezze platters to crab cakes. When you want to burn off all those calories, you’ll find a fitness center for working out with a view of the South End. Even the standard rooms are spacious and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a great place to bring the kids who are welcomed with gifts when checking in, and you can even bring your four-legged friend with amenities that include plush dog beds
Andaz San Diego - San Diego, California
Located in the popular Gaslamp District, Andaz San Diego’s rooftop famously attracts VIPs. Even Prince Harry made an appearance at one point. It hosts a wine bar, fire pit, and a beautiful, heated saltwater pool, one of the largest in the city. From anywhere in this space you’ll be treated to an incredible view of the San Diego skyline. If you’re here on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night, you can have fun at one of the pool parties with DJs included. Even if you aren’t royalty or a celebrity, you can enjoy VIP treatment by booking a cabana that comes with bottle service, a TV, Wi-Fi, and a dedicated server. There’s an outstanding steakhouse on the property too while guest rooms come with large flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffeemakers.
Thompson Nashville - Nashville, Tennessee
Thompson Nashville is home to L.A. Jackson, an indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant that sits on the rooftop where you can sip custom-crafted cocktails, craft brews, or top-notch wines alongside small plates and light bites. Even better? Enjoy them with amazing views of the downtown skyline. One of the top hotels in Nashville, it attracts locals and visitors alike are drawn here to celebrate special occasions, for after-work drinks, or listen to DJ sets on the weekends. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center and in-room spa services can be arranged. Guest rooms feature hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, Bluetooth speakers built into headboards, and rain showers.
W Atlanta Downtown - Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s only hotel with an all-weather rooftop pool bar and swimming pool, W Atlanta Downtown offers the chance to soak up a panoramic vista while lounging around the zero-edge pool, taking part in summer weekend events, or sipping signature cocktails. With attendants that will bring you your drink (and food), you won’t even have to move from the cushy poolside chairs. On the 16th-floor, there’s a lavish spa with a menu that includes everything from manicures to massages and a 24-hour fitness center. You’ll even get free car service within a two-mile radius. The large guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs, pillow-top beds, robes, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Eurostars Langford Hotel - Miami, Florida
Bloom Skybar sits atop the historic Eurostars Langford hotel. Formerly known as the Pawnbroker, it still serves the same famous cocktail in a signature bathtub glass. It’s a casual, laid-back spot, perfect for summertime drinks while unwinding on the outdoor patio. The Sunday brunch draws locals and guests alike as one of the most popular around, while exclusive parties are hosted where you can enjoy the fun with an unforgettable view of downtown. An urban boutique hotel, the beaux-arts building was built in 1925 and was once the Miami National Bank. Rooms all have beds with high-thread-count linens and handcrafted headboards, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docs.
Hotel Raphael - Paris, France
The five-star Hotel Raphael has been around since the 1920s and features a rooftop terrace on its top floor for taking in unparalleled views over Paris. Enjoy refreshing cocktails or afternoon tea here at the “17” bar and lounge, although you’ll find French cuisine for lunch and dinner at the upscale restaurant on-site. There’s also a fitness center with a sauna and hammam, along with access to facilities at the Majestic Hotel Spa Paris nearby, including a pool and two hammans. The rooms are some of the very best in the city. All are exceptionally spacious for Paris and have elegant décor, high ceilings with nearly equally tall windows. Some feature private terraces where you can dine alfresco with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is one of the most luxurious hotels in San Miguel de Allende. At the Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar, you’ll get to look down at it all while unwinding with a refreshing drink and tasty small bites. There are three pools to lounge around or swim in, a fabulous spa, and a wide range of activities too. Choose from half-day horse riding tours, art workshops, wine tastings, and more. The highly acclaimed 1826 Restaurant services fantastic Mexican dishes and guest rooms impress too. They have handcrafted furnishings, wood-beamed ceilings, and local artwork along with enticing amenities like terraces or balconies, soaking tubs, fireplaces, and flat-screen TVs.
Four Seasons Istanbul - Istanbul, Turkey
Housed in a former late-Ottoman era prison that once incarcerated artists, writers, and other dissidents, the Four Seasons Istanbul is home to the stunning A’YA Lounge Rooftop. It comes complete with an incredible view of the minarets and domes of Aya Sofia Mosque, one of the city’s most beautiful monuments. This is where you’ll want to be for sundowner cocktails and you can enjoy light bites here too with a finger food menu. The on-site health club offers Balinese massage while the Ottoman-inspired rooms feature flat-screen TVs, DVD and CD players, and well-stocked minibars.
Armani Hotel Milano - Milan, Italy
One of the most fashionable hotels in one of the world’s most fashionable cities, the Armani Hotel hosts the rooftop Bamboo Bar an oasis for fashion and design enthusiasts. It’s one of the rare rooftop bars in the heart of Milan, providing breathtaking views with louvre windows over it all. Enjoy live music that includes DJ sets from Wednesdays through Saturdays and live jazz every other Sunday. Light bites, including international and Asian favorites, are served here too. There’s a spa on the eighth floor along with a fitness trainer, sauna, steam room, and relaxation pool. Spacious rooms have Nespresso machines, digital music players, minibars, and free Wi-Fi.
