Summer is the season of outdoor living, and hotel rooftops across the U.S. are courting visitors with handcrafted cocktails and stirring sunsets.
Sure, every city has its must-see bars with incredible vantage points, but sometimes you want a spectacular rooftop view, deliciously curated cocktails, and date-worthy ambiance without leaving the hotel.
From a trendy boutique destination to a luxe oasis, here are nine rooftop hotel bars to check out now.
The Standard Hotel, High Line
Where: New York City, New York
The rooftop vantage point of this sleek André Balazs-designed West Side statement hotel rising above the High Line is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset. Perched above the Meatpacking District, Le Bain penthouse discothèque and rooftop bar has sweeping views of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan. There’s also a plunge pool and crêperie in addition to "grass" carpeting the rooftop.
New York has a surplus when it comes to rooftop hotel bars. A few other options include: Jane Hotel Rooftop Bar, SPYGLASS Rooftop Bar atop the Archer Hotel, Roof at Park South, The Rooftop Lounge at Pod 39,The Roof at the Viceroy, and Refinery Hotel Rooftop.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Once a private men's club, this newly remodeled 1890s Venetian Gothic landmark is now home to a hotel and rooftop restaurant and bar that features views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park (including the famous Cloud Gate sculpture nicknamed "The Bean"), and the Art Institute of Chicago. Their potions, elixirs, apothecaries, tisanes, and mocktails soothe the soul after a long day of sightseeing. You'll want to try the whole menu, but we recommend the Full Bloom cocktail made with Encanto Pisco, Nolet's Gin, Tempus Fugit Crème De Cacao, Luxardo Maraschino, and a Cherry Blossom. Get cozy by the fire pits and fall in love with the city while checking out the building’s unique architecture.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Chicago Guide
NYLO Hotel
Where: Dallas, Texas
This South Side rooftop destination atop the boutique NYLO hotel has a modern interior replete with an infinity pool and views of sparkling downtown Dallas. Saddle up at the modern, neon-accented bar and wet your whistle with refreshing cocktails like the Summer Shanty made with Stella Artois Cidre, Goose Island 321, and Deep Eddy Lemon.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Dallas Guide
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