A view from the top: New York hotel rooftop lounges

By Samantha Chapnick

Start your cool vacation in the Big Apple by staying at these New York hotels with rooftop lounges and pools. Then when forced to leave, book in at the city’s hottest rooftop clubs and restaurants. In a place where space is a premium, these are the hot ticket to cool.

HOTELS

The Rooftop Terrace at the Hotel Metro has the undisputed best view of the Empire State Building you’ll find from an alfresco spot. Its location on 35th between 5th and 6th makes it particularly popular with the after work crowd — perfect for meeting locals. 45 West 35th St.
Library Hotel: An intimate space with views of midtown. 299 Madison Ave.

Plunge at the Hotel Gansevoort: This outdoor space complete with 45-foot heated pool and Hudson River views set hearts a flutter a few years ago. Now that the trendoratti have moved on there’s plenty of space for guests. 18 Ninth Ave.
Salon De Ning at The Peninsula is a bit of Miami in Manhattan with mattress chaise lounges and topiaries. Perfect for a night cap before bed. 700 5th Ave.

BARS/RESTAURANTS/CAFES

230 Fifth Avenue: Created by the guy who sculpted New York nightlife in the '80s by creating the Palladium and Roxy Roller Rink (later Roxy nightclub), this has all the buzz you’d expect of a hip hot spot — but enough room for the non-VIP crowd. It’s open 365 days a year from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. so night owls and day visitors are both welcome.
The Roof Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is my favorite roof spot for its unparalleled views of Central Park. For just a few fleeting moments, join the ranks of Jaqueline Kennedy, Tom Hanks, and so many other famous Fifth Avenue dwellers. 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd St.

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