ROOFTOP PICKS FOR SUMMER
NYC
Memorial Day is the official kickoff of summer – and I love it. With summer, rooftop pools reopen. Here's an updated take based on first hand experience.
Side note: After reading this, it may seem like I’m not excited about any of these places. Not true – but to be fair, none of them are on the level of Fouquet in the city or Wildflower a short drive out. If you understand the compromise you are making, it's all good and always a GREAT time. – here's my shortlist:
With friends: Gansevoort
The pool that makes me happy (even if the bar opens only at 11): Sixty LES
Top notch: Equinox
A balanced pick: Dominick
Hotel Brooklyn 1
Looks great in photos, terrible service. The pool isn’t not huge, but the view is amazing, and the suites are really nice. I celebrated my birthday here last year, swore I wouldn’t go back… but I’m considering returning. There is something about this place.
Perks:
$100 daily credit per couple at Neighbors Cafe, Additional $100 credit for the rooftop restaurant/bar (once per stay), Upgrade, early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
Sixty LES
Cutest pool in the city. It’s not a luxury hotel, and the Lower East Side vibe can feel both young and old – like we've aged out of it. Sometimes we book it just to use the pool and don’t even stay overnight.
Perks: Small discount, depending on the dates.
Equinox
Top-notch pool and hotel. The location isn’t ideal (kind of isolated in Hudson Yards), but perfect for a weekend retreat. And if you ebike, the whole city is accessible through the West Side Bike Path. Definitely the highest-end hotel on this list.
Perks: $90 daily breakfast credit, $100 one-time credit (for stays up to 5 nights), $200 for longer stays, Free treatment for guests booking a Junior Suite or higher, Upgrade, early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
Gansevoort Meatpacking
The best base, no doubt, for the restaurants, the bars, the shopping. The pool is big, and for adults only from 12pm. Sometimes feels like MTV's The Grind – but its still a great one. Rooms are on the plain side.
Perks: $90 daily breakfast credit, $100 one-time credit, upgrade, early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
Modernhaus SoHo
Nice location, nice hotel, amazing rooftop bar (Jimmy). Pool is more of a plunge pool but never too crowded. Important: since it's adjacent to the bar, sometimes it closes for private events – happened to me once, and I switched hotels. I learned my lesson.
Perks: Vary by season
Dominick
In SoHo, maybe the best-balanced option. Pool is on the 6th floor with a large, pleasant deck – and no rowdy crowd. Rooms are great, with city views.
Perks: $115 daily breakfast credit, $100 one-time credit, Upgrade, early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
Indigo LES
There was a time when going to Mr. Purple was the thing. Feels a bit dated now, but the pool is still cute, great view, fun bar. Wouldn’t book the basic rooms – but from a certain level and up, it’s got charm. Not for kids, but fun for a couple or friends visiting NYC in summer.
Perks: Occasionally a small discount
William Vale
Not as good as it looks in photos. Suites are fun, but awkwardly laid out (bedroom in the back, living room with the view). Not luxury, but good vibes, good pool, and typically good price.
Perks: Discount + $40 daily breakfast credit
Arlo Williamsburg
There’s a gorgeous suite here and the pool is solid. It’s a 4-star hotel, but Williamsburg’s magic makes it feel like enough. This is the suite - https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=XkSENXF12DS I’d go back to it. 100%.
Perks: Some discount available
If You Must: Virgin, Royalton, Margaritaville
Only if you're out of other options. Virgin’s rooms are cute. The Royalton has a surprisingly good pool. Both offer perks. If I had to pick one – go Royalton. The pool is genuinely great. Everything else is… fine.
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