
New York City is a popular travel destination year-round, but visiting in the summertime means heat and humidity. The best way to beat the high temperatures is to head to the closest pool and when visiting an urban mecca like the Big Apple, the best pools are the ones on hotel rooftops.
New York’s best hotels with rooftop pools are in all parts of the city, so you can find one no matter where your travel plans take you. Some hotels require you to be a guest to gain access to the pool, but a few offer day passes. All deliver great views of NYC, perfect for poolside selfies. Several pools are even open year-round.
What are the best hotels with rooftop pools in New York?
For iconic views of the Empire State Building
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Photo
The pool at the Royalton Park Avenue will make you feel like royalty with its stunning views of the Empire State Building. The 1,000-sq-ft deck features a 40-ft indoor/outdoor pool. It’s located on the 20th floor of the hotel. It even has a huge living wall of ivy that gives it an earthy feel as you swim in the shadow of the glamorous skyline.
Guests of the hotel enjoy premium access to the pool. Outside guests can come in the evening with a reservation if there’s availability. The evening views are magical with twinkling string lights and warm golden candles.
Location: 420 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016, USA
Phone: +1 212-317-2900

Royalton Park Avenue
5-star accommodation with VIP pool access
Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury
If you are looking for VIP pool access, Gansevoort Meatpacking is the spot for you. Pool entry is free and exclusive to hotel guests. You don’t even need to limit your visit to summer; the rooftop pool in this trendy neighborhood is heated and open year-round.
The pool is located on the 15th floor and boasts panoramic views of the New York City skyline and the expansive Hudson River. The 45-ft pool is the centerpiece of the hotel and is surrounded by comfy lounge chairs. There’s also a poolside drinks service and a menu of American bistro bites and cocktails.
Location: 18 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA
Phone: +1 212-206-6700

Gansevoort Meatpacking
Tropical urban oasis with a kitschy-chic vibe
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Photo
Get a taste of island life just steps away from Broadway, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Margaritaville Resort is a tropical oasis located in the super popular Times Square section of Manhattan. Enjoy Midtown luxury while you set your watch to island time as you sip cocktails poolside.
You’ll be greeted by island kitsch in the form of a giant blue glass flip-flop and a glowing Statue of Liberty. The pool (which is only accessible to hotel guests) is heated and open year-round. Grab a margarita poolside and admire the views of the surrounding Times Square neighborhood with its dazzling neon signs and bustling streets and avenues.
Location: 560 7th Ave 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
Phone: +1 212-221-3007

Margaritaville Resort Times Square
Blissful pool club 60 feet above Broadway
Good for: Families, Luxury, Photo
If you’re taking in a Broadway show as part of your Big Apple trip and are hoping to spend some time poolside, check out Virgin Hotels New York City. Their pool club is located above this world-famous avenue and is open seasonally, so it’s a must-visit spot if you’re vacationing here in the warmer weather.
The pool area features colorful indoor and outdoor spaces. On the rooftop, you’ll lounge on cushy striped chairs and enjoying boozy ice pops while gazing at the Empire State Building. The pool lounge closes for the day around dinnertime, so you can catch a glimpse of the sunset before painting the town red!
Location: 1227 Broadway, New York, NY 10001, USA
Phone: +1 212-213-0090

Virgin Hotels New York City
Stylish pool and bar 18 stories up
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Photo
If you plan to hit the galleries and boutique shops located “South of Houston Street”, ModernHaus SoHo might be a good place to stay. It’s a trendy 5-star hotel with homestyle amenities and it’s got one of the only rooftop pools in the area.
ModernHaus SoHo showcases a smart modernist aesthetic which matches the artsy boho vibe of this Lower Manhattan neighborhood. Sitting poolside, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the city skyline and the Hudson River. As a hotel guest, you’ll gain VIP access to the pool. On summer weekends, the hotel occasionally opens the pool to the public.
Location: 27 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Phone: +1 212-465-2000

ModernHaus SoHo
Voted one of NYC’s best rooftop pools
Good for: Food, Luxury, Photo
If you’re heading to Brooklyn, one of the top hotels in the hip Williamsburg neighborhood is Arlo Williamsburg. Its rooftop pool was voted one of the best in NYC. Soak up the sun next to the 40-ft pool while sipping cocktails and nibbling on gourmet bites. The pin-striped sunbeds and leafy potted plants will help you destress and relax.
The pool, which is eight stories up, delivers spectacular views of surrounding Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline in the distance. Hotel guests get VIP access to the pool, but outside visitors can purchase a day pass. If you choose the day pass option, make sure to get there early. The pool deck fills up quickly on summer weekends.
Location: 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Phone: +1 718-362-8100

Arlo Williamsburg
Historic Chelsea hotel near the famed High Line walkway
Good for: Food, Luxury, Unusual
The pool at Dream Downtown will transport you to the beach. Maybe it’s the 800 sq ft of imported sand to sink your toes in or the full-service bar, private cabanas, and 50-plus chaise lounges. Dream Downtown is historic, having once been the National Maritime Union Headquarters (it’s also featured in major TV shows). The pool opens seasonally, so plan your trip during the warmer months.
This boutique hotel is in the trendy West Village, close to Chelsea Market, SoHo, and the High Line. Its 5,000-sq-ft deck offers a blissful spot for sun tanning while the swimming pool itself features an extraordinary glass bottom. Enjoy cocktails and seasonal bites from the rooftop bar and grill.
Location: 355 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: +1 212-229-2559

Dream Downtown by Hyatt
A diamond in the rough on Long Island
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
If your NYC travel plans take you to Long Island, check out the Ravel Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham. This boutique hotel has a stunning rooftop pool with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline and the Queensboro Bridge. The pool deck also overlooks Roosevelt Island and the East River.
The Summer Club is what Ravel calls their pool experience. Hotel guests gain VIP access for a fee, while outsiders can buy a day pass to enjoy the feel-good vibes. There’s a rotating list of DJs and plenty of food and drink. The pool is open seasonally, so contact the front desk for times.
Location: 8-08 Queens Plaza S, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
Phone: +1 718-578-4376

Ravel Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Panoramic vistas of major NY landmarks
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Photo
The Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel is part of the popular Marriott chain. This boutique accommodation is close to many Big Apple hot spots like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden. The pool experience is known as Somewhere Nowhere NYC and has been voted one of the best rooftop pools in the city.
The open-air pool deck offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Hotel guests get premium access to the pool, but outside visitors can purchase a day pass. Enjoy live music while sipping tropical cocktails or feasting on tapas-style bites.
Location: 112 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Phone: +1 212-206-1522

Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel
Architectural jewel and hip Brooklyn hangout
Good for: Luxury, Photo, Unusual
The William Vale is a well-known Brooklyn hotel in the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood. This luxury establishment boasts a 60-ft-long heated pool that has been featured on television. Enjoy artisanal cocktails poolside while taking in views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The pool is free for guests, but outside visitors can buy a day pass or rent a cabana.
In the winter months, the deck transforms into a luxury spa experience featuring saunas and red cedar hot tubs. The William Vale also has an ice skating rink in the chilly season. The “ice” is actually a special synthetic material known as Glice, so you won’t get wet or cold if you happen to slide.
Location: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Phone: +1 718-631-8400

The William Vale
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