Picture this: you’re floating in a heated pool, the Empire State Building glowing right in front of you. That’s the magic of staying at hotels with rooftop pools in New York. The city can get hot and busy, especially in summer. However, a rooftop pool changes everything.
These pools offer more than just a place to cool off. They give you front-row views of the skyline, along with cocktails, cabanas, and a break from the noise below. In this guide, we’ll walk through the ten best rooftop pool hotels in NYC. So, let’s dive in.
Why Rooftop Pools Are a Must in New York City
New York City is famous for its energy, but that energy can be exhausting. Therefore, a rooftop pool offers the perfect reset button. You get fresh air, skyline views, and a quiet moment above the chaos.
Additionally, many of these pools stay open year-round thanks to heating systems. As a result, you don’t need to visit in summer to enjoy one.
The Ultimate Way to Beat the Summer Heat
Summer in New York can be brutal, with humidity that makes the sidewalks feel like an oven. A rooftop pool gives you instant relief. For example, guests can escape the heat while still soaking in city views.
Meanwhile, many hotels pair their pools with shaded lounge areas. This combination makes long afternoons much more comfortable.
What Makes an NYC Rooftop Pool Special
Unlike typical resort pools, NYC rooftop pools come with skyscraper backdrops. Specifically, you might swim while looking directly at the Empire State Building or the Hudson River.
This unique setting is part of what makes hotels with rooftop pools in New York so popular. Consequently, many of these pools double as social hotspots, not just places to swim.
Royalton Park Avenue
Royalton Park Avenue is one of the most photographed rooftop pools in the city. Its main draw is the incredible view of the Empire State Building.
The pool sits high above Park Avenue South, surrounded by stylish lounge furniture. Overall, it’s a favorite for couples looking for a luxury experience.
Empire State Building Views
The rooftop deck spans roughly 1,000 square feet, with a 40-foot indoor-outdoor pool at its center. In the evening, string lights and candles add a warm, romantic glow.
This makes it especially popular for sunset visits. For instance, many guests time their swim just before dinner to catch the best light.
Pool Access and Amenities
Hotel guests get premium access to the pool at all times. However, outside visitors can sometimes book an evening reservation, depending on availability.
Nevertheless, space is limited, so booking ahead is smart. Overall, this is one of the best hotels with rooftop pools in New York for a special occasion.
Gansevoort Meatpacking
Gansevoort Meatpacking helped put NYC rooftop pools on the map years ago. Today, it remains one of the most reliable year-round options in the city.
Its location in the trendy Meatpacking District adds to the appeal. As a result, guests can pair a pool day with great shopping and dining nearby.
A Year-Round Heated Pool
The 45-foot pool sits on the 15th floor and stays heated throughout the year. This means you can swim in winter and still enjoy panoramic Hudson River views.
Similarly to other luxury options, the pool is surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs. Therefore, it never feels crowded, even on busy days.
What to Expect Poolside
Pool access is exclusive to hotel guests, which keeps the space relaxed and private. Additionally, guests can order food and drinks poolside without ever leaving their lounge chair.
The pool is open daily from morning until evening. Finally, its family-friendly policy makes it a flexible choice for different types of travelers.
Margaritaville Resort Times Square
If you want a tropical escape without leaving Manhattan, Margaritaville Resort Times Square delivers. This hotel brings island vibes right into the middle of the city’s busiest neighborhood.
Its location near Broadway makes it convenient for theater lovers. Meanwhile, the resort-style pool area offers a fun break between shows.
A Tropical Escape in the Heart of Manhattan
The rooftop area leans into a beachy, laid-back theme, complete with colorful decor. In contrast to the sleek, modern pools nearby, this spot feels playful and relaxed.
This tropical twist makes it stand out among hotels with rooftop pools in New York. As a result, it’s especially popular with groups and younger travelers.
Family-Friendly Fun
Unlike some adults-only rooftop pools, this one welcomes families. Specifically, the resort atmosphere is designed to feel fun rather than exclusive.
This makes it a great pick if you’re traveling with kids. Furthermore, its Times Square location puts major attractions within easy walking distance.
Virgin Hotels New York City
Virgin Hotels New York City brought its signature style to the rooftop pool scene. Located just above the Broadway theater district, it offers a fresh, colorful take on rooftop lounging.
The pool here is seasonal, so timing your visit matters. However, when it’s open, the experience is hard to beat.
Seasonal Rooftop Oasis Above Broadway
The pool area mixes indoor and outdoor spaces, filled with bright, playful design touches. Guests lounge on striped chairs while sipping frozen drinks and watching the skyline.
This seasonal setup means the pool typically opens in warmer months. Therefore, it’s best to check exact hours before booking a stay.
Cabanas and Sunset Views
For added privacy, guests can rent a cabana near the pool. This is a great option for couples or small groups.
The pool area closes earlier in the evening, right around dinnertime. Consequently, it’s perfect for catching a sunset view before heading out for the night.
ModernHaus SoHo
ModernHaus SoHo offers one of the highest rooftop pools in the city. From up here, you truly feel like you’re swimming among the skyscrapers.
Its downtown location adds a trendy, artsy edge. Similarly to other SoHo hotels, the design leans modern and minimalist.
Swimming Among the Skyscrapers
The elevated height gives guests sweeping views in nearly every direction. As a result, this pool feels more dramatic than many of its competitors.
Overall, it’s a favorite for travelers who want a boutique hotel with a big skyline payoff. For instance, photographers often flock here for golden hour shots.
Jimmy Rooftop Lounge
The rooftop lounge, known as Jimmy, opens in the afternoon and stays lively into the evening. Guests can enjoy cocktails and small bites while poolside.
The scene picks up energy as the night goes on. Therefore, many guests head back to their rooms to change before returning for late-night drinks.
Soho House
Soho House is technically a members’ club, which makes its rooftop pool one of the most exclusive in New York. Even so, hotel guests staying in its rooms get access too.
This exclusivity adds a sense of quiet luxury. Meanwhile, the heated pool means you can enjoy it any time of year.
An Exclusive Members-Only Retreat
Soho House’s rooftop pool sits above its Meatpacking District location. Access is limited strictly to members and hotel guests, which keeps the crowd small.
This makes it feel more like a private club than a typical hotel pool. Consequently, it’s a top pick for travelers who value privacy.
Year-Round Heated Pool
Because the pool is heated, it stays open through every season. This is a rare feature among boutique hotel pools in the city.
As a result, Soho House remains one of the most consistent hotels with rooftop pools in New York, no matter when you visit.
Mandarin Oriental
For a more athletic swim, the Mandarin Oriental offers a serious lap pool with serious views. This is less about lounging and more about a proper workout.
Located near Columbus Circle, the hotel pairs luxury with wellness. Furthermore, its spa facilities make this a great pick for a relaxing weekend.
A Luxurious Lap Pool with Hudson River Views
The 75-foot, three-lane pool sits on the 35th floor. From there, guests get sweeping views of the Hudson River and Central Park.
This combination of length and height is hard to find elsewhere in the city. For example, few hotel pools in Manhattan offer true lap-swimming space.
Spa and Wellness Perks
The pool is part of a massive 14,500-square-foot spa complex. Therefore, guests can easily pair a swim with a massage or wellness treatment.
This makes the Mandarin Oriental ideal for travelers focused on relaxation. Overall, it blends fitness, luxury, and skyline views into one experience.
Ravel Hotel and The Summer Club
Just across the river in Long Island City, the Ravel Hotel offers a completely different vibe. Its rooftop pool, known as The Summer Club, feels more like a resort escape.
The setting overlooks the Manhattan skyline and the Queensboro Bridge. As a result, it’s one of the most scenic options outside of Manhattan itself.
A Queens Rooftop Escape
The rooftop deck includes a large pool, day beds, cabanas, and plenty of lounge space. Specifically, the vibe leans more South Beach than typical Manhattan hotel pool.
This makes it a favorite for groups looking for a lively, social atmosphere. Meanwhile, the DJ and poolside food service add to the resort feel.
Day Pass Access for Everyone
Unlike many hotel pools, The Summer Club is open to the public with a day pass. This means you don’t need to book a room to enjoy it.
However, note that it’s a 21-and-over venue. Therefore, it’s best suited for adult getaways rather than family trips.
Arlo NoMad
Arlo NoMad proves that you don’t need a huge budget to enjoy a great rooftop pool. This hotel blends stylish design with a lively, social atmosphere.
Located in the NoMad neighborhood, it’s central and easy to reach. Additionally, its energetic crowd makes it popular with younger travelers.
Stylish and Social Atmosphere
The rooftop pool area is designed for mingling as much as swimming. In contrast to some quieter luxury pools, this spot has a buzzing, social energy.
This makes it a great choice for solo travelers or small groups. For instance, many guests meet fellow travelers right at the pool bar.
A Great Value Pick
Compared to five-star options nearby, Arlo NoMad offers a more affordable rate. Nevertheless, the rooftop experience still feels stylish and well-designed.
This balance of price and style makes it one of the best value hotels with rooftop pools in New York.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
For skyline views from a different angle, head across the river to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Its rooftop pool looks directly at the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
This DUMBO location offers a quieter, more scenic alternative to Manhattan hotels. Furthermore, the hotel’s eco-conscious design adds a unique character.
Skyline Views from Brooklyn
Few views in the city compare to watching the sunset behind the Brooklyn Bridge from a rooftop pool. Specifically, this angle offers a completely different perspective than Manhattan-based hotels.
As a result, it’s a favorite for photographers and couples alike. Overall, the setting feels both relaxed and iconic at the same time.
Eco-Friendly Design
The hotel’s design reflects a strong commitment to sustainability. For example, natural materials and greenery appear throughout the property, including near the pool area.
This eco-friendly approach sets it apart from more traditional luxury hotels. Consequently, it appeals to travelers who care about sustainable design.
How to Choose the Right Rooftop Pool Hotel
With so many great choices, picking the right hotel comes down to your priorities. First, think about whether you want an exclusive experience or a lively, social one.
Second, consider your budget, since prices vary widely across this list. These two factors will help narrow your options quickly.
Guest-Only vs Day Pass Access
Some hotels, like Gansevoort and Soho House, limit pool access to guests only. Others, like the Ravel Hotel, offer day passes for non-guests.
If you just want pool access without booking a room, look for day pass options. On the other hand, guest-only pools tend to feel quieter and more private.
Budget vs Luxury Options
Luxury picks like the Mandarin Oriental and Royalton Park Avenue come with higher price tags. Meanwhile, Arlo NoMad offers a more budget-friendly alternative.
Therefore, match your choice to both your budget and desired experience. Either way, you’ll still get access to impressive NYC skyline views.
Best Neighborhoods for Rooftop Pool Hotels
Location matters just as much as the pool itself. Different neighborhoods offer different vibes, so choose based on what you want nearby.
Below are two of the best areas to base your rooftop pool getaway.
Midtown and Times Square
Midtown puts you close to Broadway, major attractions, and endless dining options. Hotels like Virgin Hotels and Margaritaville Resort sit right in this bustling area.
This location is ideal if you want to combine sightseeing with pool time. However, expect more crowds and noise compared to quieter neighborhoods.
Meatpacking District and SoHo
For a trendier, more upscale vibe, consider the Meatpacking District or SoHo. Gansevoort, Soho House, and ModernHaus SoHo all sit in this stylish part of town.
This area offers great shopping, dining, and nightlife nearby. Similarly, it tends to attract a slightly older, design-focused crowd.
FAQs
What are the best hotels with rooftop pools in New York?
Top picks include Royalton Park Avenue, Gansevoort Meatpacking, Soho House, and the Mandarin Oriental. Each offers a unique combination of views, access, and amenities.
Are NYC rooftop pools open year-round?
Some are, while others are seasonal. For example, Gansevoort and Soho House offer heated, year-round pools, while others close in colder months.
Can non-guests access hotel rooftop pools in New York?
It depends on the hotel. Some, like the Ravel Hotel, offer day passes, while others restrict access to guests only.
Which NYC rooftop pool has the best skyline views?
Royalton Park Avenue and ModernHaus SoHo are known for standout skyline views. Additionally, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers a unique view of Manhattan from across the river.
Are rooftop pools in NYC family-friendly?
Some are, like Gansevoort and Margaritaville Resort Times Square. However, others, such as The Summer Club at Ravel Hotel, are adults-only.
Conclusion
New York offers an impressive range of hotels with rooftop pools, from heated year-round retreats to seasonal skyline escapes. Whether you want a romantic evening swim or a lively social scene, there’s a perfect match on this list.
Overall, choosing the right hotel comes down to your budget, neighborhood preference, and desired vibe. So, pick your favorite, book your stay, and get ready to enjoy one of the best ways to experience the city. Your perfect NYC rooftop pool getaway is just a reservation away.
Read more: 12 Best All-Inclusive Beach Resorts in Florida
Maaz Khan is the founder and lead writer at TheTrailova, where he shares travel guides, hidden gems, and practical tips for beach getaways, luxury escapes, and family adventures around the world. When he’s not planning his next trip, he’s researching the details that make travel easier for others.
