Now that it’s summer, it’s time to celebrate and make the most of the warm weather—well, have a restaurant in hand while you explore New York City…and capture it all on Instagram, of course.
Whether you’re a native New Yorker or a visitor, Manhattan’s top luxury hotels offer some of the best views of the city. Maybe you want to peek at the Art Deco masterpiece that is the Empire State Building, or maybe you’re looking to feel like you’re on the runway watching the jets take off; whatever summer is in store for, this list is sure to offer plenty of great options. Below, check out all of the NYC hotels with the best deals.
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730 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10019
The Aman may be the hottest hotel in New York City right now—and the best. This charming hotel, located near Fifth Avenue, officially opened in the famous building in 2022, and quickly became known for allowing guests to feel as if they were in danger. Midtown Manhattan vistas from the 14th-floor Garden Terrace are truly unbeatable; You can watch the skyscrapers of the city from the corner while sitting next to the fire pits, among the water and the greenery. The retractable glass roof means that envy-inducing views are available all year round.
36 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
Darling, a rooftop bar on Park Lane, is on Billionaire’s Row. It overlooks Central Park and offers spectacular views of the Big Apple; in fact, it’s the only rooftop spot on Central Park South. The accommodation is located on the 47th floor of the hotel; and it has an amazing rooftop where guests can look out over the Manhattan skyline as well as, Central Park views. Expect plenty of cocktails and come hungry, as the menu includes lobster macaroni and cheese and 12-month roasted tomme de savoie. It’s conveniently located, too, as it’s less than a 10-minute walk to Columbus Circle.
John F. Kennedy International Airport, One, JFK Access Road, Idlewild Dr, Queens, NY 11430
It goes without saying that airport hotels can be fancy. Not only does the TWA Hotel include a rooftop bar, but the hotel also has the most Instagrammable pool on site. The building has great ’60s vibes, which makes it a favorite for tourists and people who are enjoying the accommodation, or who want to stay in the area on their way to or from the airport. Go to the rooftop, take a dip in the pool or just enjoy the view from the 10,000-square-foot observatory, where you can watch planes land on the runway. Both hotel guests and day-trippers can check out the views – and the cocktails, which are the pilots.
189 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Head downtown to this beautiful hotel on the Bowery for great views and indoor-outdoor living on cloudM, the rooftop. Not only does this rooftop bar offer many cocktails, but the Lower East Side hotel also has a menu at Chinatown’s Nom Wah Tea Parlor. CloudM is way more formal than some of Manhattan’s hot nightspots with lines around the block, but you still get the same view.
1227 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
The recently opened Virgin Hotels in NoMad include the Sky Lounge, an event space on the 38th floor, with spectacular views of all the city’s landmarks. The deluxe guest rooms, suites and penthouses are truly stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Empire State Building. The outdoor pool and rooftop bar also offer views of the Empire State Building. Take a dip in the heated swimming pool at the Pool Club on the fourth floor, or visit the Everdene restaurant, which has a large terrace for sunset cocktails, outdoor seating and an alfresco bar.
700 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10019
Salon de Ning is a rooftop bar on the Peninsula, just a few steps from Central Park, offering an escape and spectacular views of the city from a five-star hotel. Stop by for some fresh rooftop cocktails, like the signature Ning Sling made with gin, lychee liqueur and passion fruit juice. The Salon de Ning has two outdoor rooms with plenty of space for romantic gatherings.
77 Walker St, New York, NY 10013
This former ribbon factory where Soho, Tribeca and Chinatown meet is now a luxury hotel with a rooftop lounge Happy Living, offering guests 180 degree views of Manhattan while taking in the unbeatable views of NYC. Expect lots of greenery, as landscaping was done by horticulturist Marek Pundzak, who is part of the High Line.
260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Although there is no denying that Times Square is one of the most touristic places in the city, this hotel promises that you will be there, but removed enough to relax. Many of the hotel’s 290 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, so guests can enjoy views of the city. Or, guests can make reservations at the Castell Rooftop Lounge on the 21st floor, to sip cocktails while taking in sweeping views of New York City.
18 Ninth Ave, New York, NY 10014
This Meatpacking District nightspot has an indoor and outdoor patio with 360-degree cityscape views of the Manhattan skyline and views of the Hudson River. The New York hotel is also worth visiting for its year-round rooftop pool. On the roof there is a European light that shines and the restaurant has a different take on a summer spritz, such as the Rooftop Spritz made with gin and orange juice. Watch the sunset or listen to jazz music at night.
353 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
This Williamsburg Marriott hotel has many rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, but the best place to watch is the newly opened indoor space, Lillistar, which is making TikTok rounds for its beautiful Indo. – Aussie inspired cups made with papaya and pineapple juice. Best of all, you can see a unique view of the Williamsburg Bridge, the East River and Lower Manhattan.
