Forget about lowering your core temperature with a cool shower then collapsing onto the bed for a quick disco nap, it’s into your togs and up to the hotel’s lofty top floor for a dip in the exclusive rooftop swimming pool. Some of these lofted oases offer day passes or parties for non-fancy people, so you can enjoy a margarita, a dip, and a 360-degree view of Manhattan even if you’re not a traveler with a hefty bank account. Think of them as elevated escapes from the hot cement–without having to leave the city. Prepare for excessive tan lines, plenty of poolside Instagram posts and getting tipsy with a view. We picked 10 Best Rooftop Pools in NYC.
Mr. Purple at Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side
Located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side, this rooftop space captures the vibrant ambiance of cool downtown vibes. The outdoor terrace boasts a 360-degree view of downtown Manhattan, including a swimming pool and lounge benches that make for the perfect setting to watch the sun set over the skyline, cocktail in hand. If you plan to lounge, there is a table minimum to secure a poolside chair during the day, but if swimming is the only thing on your mind, a day pass will suffice.
[su_quote cite=”Henry T.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/hotel-indigo-lower-east-side-new-york-new-york?hrid=fhsqP-DDSd3rYtyV1NWJdQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]This is truly a hidden gem in the Lower East Side. If you’re ever in the area, and need a place to chill and a few hours to kill, I’d highly recommend hanging out in the main lobby and the rooftop bar.[/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”Hotel Indigo Lower East side”]
The Beach – that’s what the folks at Dream Downtown call their rooftop deck – brings a dose of French-Riviera chic to Chelsea with the swimming pool complimented by a white beach made from imported sand, cabanas, rows of blue lounges, a bar serving slushies spiked with spirits alongside a seasonal menu, and DJ booth.
The pool doesn’t sit on the hotel’s top floor, but right above the lobby with porthole-like windows providing those checking in with a view into the blue, and some of the loft-style suites designed to serve the “urban traveller” peer onto The Beach.
[su_quote cite=”Avalyn J.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/dream-downtown-new-york?hrid=fj-PDyL20wc97rf3YzQ-Rg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]Im a huge fan of The Beach at Dream Downtown. As soon as you go up the stairs you begin to feel that you will be entering upon a total escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC. [/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”the beach dream hotel new york”]
The small, but refreshing pool perched on the rooftop of the Hôtel Americano is a treat for non-guests – mostly because it’s completely free.
The terrace combines with a trendy Mediterranean bar and restaurant to make a desirable drinking-and-dining venue called La Piscine while daybeds provide places to linger between swimming and snacking.
The building is wrapped in a sparkling steel-mesh cladding to reflect the industrial feel of the West 27th Street neighbourhood, the pool feels like an exclusive club, and guest rooms are more serene spaces crafted to look like an urban ryokan with wooden platform beds.
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[su_gmap address=”hotel americaNO NEW YORK”]
Jimmy at the James
This swanky concrete halo on a Soho rooftop terrace is a summertime hotspot boasting magnificent views of the Hudson River, Downtown and Midtown. While the pool does not have room for swimming laps, you will be too busy sipping on a frozen cocktail from their extensive menu and jamming out to the sounds of the nearby DJ to notice. The space is open year round, but the pool is especially stellar during the summer months when you can chill under the stars while dipping your toes into the pool. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to partake in the summer pool parties here every Saturday, 3–9 p.m.
[su_quote cite=”Ryan D.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-james-new-york-soho-new-york?hrid=VMsO7DC9Ie8ZiXezQwyQJg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]The view from the rooftop bar is exceptional. Probably the best view I’ve ever had in the city.[/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”jimmy at the james”]
This Williamsburg pool scene is Brooklyn’s answer to all the chic Manhattan pool setups. While this oversized heated pool is not on a roof, its 4,800 square-foot pool deck hosts live bands and DJs that play to a packed house of stylish scenesters. With a day pass fee, you gain pool access and can lounge on wooden terrace benches including towels and WiFi access.
Snacks are served “ballpark style” in hawker boxes beside the water and an ice-cream cart circulates to distribute designer gelato while guests bop along with music played by a roster of live bands.
[su_quote cite=”Alexis S.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/mccarren-hotel-and-pool-brooklyn?hrid=XYpGiXD8zNGAaZmwcKLEBw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]The pool area is very nice and large enough that you can enjoy a good swim or leisure soak. The music is good but not so loud you can’t have normal level conversations. Additionally the drinks are really good and all of the pool staff are really really nice.[/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”McCarren Hotel & Pool”]
SoHo House
The “who’s who” of rooftop pools, the SoHo House’s 6th floor oasis is an undeniable summertime hotspot. Despite being notorious for keeping its members only status, try to score an invite via a member so that you can enjoy a swim in the 32-foot heated pool…or just sink into the plush purple and white poolside chaise loungers to soak in the sun. While taking in views of Manhattan and the Hudson river, you can also enjoy the best people watching NYC has on offer; this rooftop is spacious, known for celebrity sightings and arguable one of the most exclusive settings in the city. Only rule: no cell phones, so your Instagram posts will have to wait.
[su_quote cite=”Diane R.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/soho-house-new-york?hrid=5ihbGqe3V7DZ7J4fbVfjuQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]The rooftop pool is pretty fantastic during the summer and it can be a nice, relaxed place to meet for lunch anytime.[/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”Soho House New York”]
This Midtown pool features floor to ceiling windows that overlook gorgeous Central Park, giving you the outdoor ambiance, minus the sweltering summer heat. There is an outdoor deck for you to dry off in the sun and enjoy delicious drinks and snacks. Day passes are available for $150 for those not staying at the hotel, but if you book a room, your use is complimentary. Take a day for some much needed R&R and recharge–this pool is for those looking to unwind without the see-and-be-seen scene.
[su_quote cite=”Tyler B.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/parker-new-york-new-york-2?hrid=ZJ7AKvPEVaQOZmNP3_Bu8Q&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]The pool overlooks Central Park and is quite beautiful. By far the best pool I’ve been to in the city.[/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”The Parker Meridien New York”]
Head to the third floor and keep your fingers crossed for a cloud-free afternoon at the chic Sixty LES Hotel. A Warhol-like portrait of Andy Warhol covers the bottom of the Sixty LES swimming pool and while this swanky veranda is regularly reserved for hotel guests the space does host high-voltage parties during the sizzling season with DJs, waiters serving signature cocktails, and pop-up shops selling designer threads. And when you really want to splurge, book one of the hotel’s prized poolside cabanas, with a private bathroom, an exclusive sound system, and fully stocked refreshments.
[su_quote cite=”Ann L.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/sixty-les-new-york?hrid=Qpx6U8XphT0jxVx_SnQtGA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]Sixty LES has an amazing pool on the 3rd floor that is perfect on a sweltering summer day! The staff here is so sweet and attentive and always checks in to see if you need anything![/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”Sixty Les”]
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
The 11th-floor terrace of the Brooklyn Heights building is home to an infinity plunge pool set in what’s described as a “lush retreat of native plants”. The adjoining bar and lounge are furnished with rocking chairs and fire pits that let guests savour a view stretching from the Brooklyn Bridge to Statue of Liberty during warm days and chilly nights.
This “eco-luxury” hotel was built with recycled materials, runs completely on wind power, and boasts a rainwater reclamation system and natural green art.
[su_quote cite=”Amber D.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge-brooklyn?hrid=iDUtQn7vmbzMykEyQojCzA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]I am a cocktail snob, but the bartenders could dip me in pool water and then pour it to me, for all I am concerned, and I would still come back to lounge and soak in the view of Manhattan AND the Brooklyn Bridge. [/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge”]
Vale Pool at The William Vale Hotel
Not only does this Williamsburg hotel boast one of the best rooftop bars in the city, it also has a spectacular 60-foot rooftop pool. And, yes, that baby’s also blessed with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, which you can pair with bites and cocktails served poolside. Non-guests can book day passes for a chance to enjoy this bliss—a weekend lounge chair runs $45, with pergolas, daybeds and cabanas available for a higher fee if you plan to go with a group, and weekday passes are a little cheaper if you’ve carved out a staycation.
[su_quote cite=”Shew R.” url=”https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-william-vale-brooklyn-4?hrid=vVJi-grXRqj86Lk6yHsbZg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)”]The William Vale was everything I thought it would be. The views were amazing. The staff were friendly and helpful. The pool and surrounding deck areas were beautiful and well taken care of. [/su_quote]
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[su_gmap address=”The William Vale”]
