When it comes to skyline views, craft cocktails, and unforgettable city vibes, nothing beats the best hotels in New York City with a rooftop bar. Whether you’re visiting for business, romance, or sightseeing, staying at one of these NYC hotels with rooftop bars turns your trip into an experience you won’t forget. From Manhattan icons to Brooklyn trendsetters, here are ten top picks that pair world-class hospitality with jaw-dropping views.
1. The William Vale – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Topping the list is The William Vale, a sleek and modern hotel in Williamsburg offering a unique perspective on the city skyline. Its rooftop bar, Westlight, sits 22 stories high and delivers sweeping views of Manhattan, the East River, and beyond. Curated cocktails and a sophisticated crowd make this one of the top NYC hotels with rooftop bars for locals and tourists alike.
Why stay: Spacious rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool, and easy access to Brooklyn’s vibrant nightlife.
2. The Standard, High Line – Meatpacking District
If you want to stay where fashion, nightlife, and views collide, The Standard is your spot. Its glamorous rooftop bar, The Top of The Standard, also known as the Boom Boom Room, is a favorite among A-listers. It’s all about gold interiors, plush seating, and sunsets over the Hudson River.
Why stay: Chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and direct access to the High Line and Chelsea Market.
3. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Brooklyn Heights
Eco-conscious luxury meets one of the best rooftop scenes in the city at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Its rooftop, Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge, serves up stunning views of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Add in craft cocktails and a breezy poolside vibe, and you’ve got one of the best hotels in New York City with a rooftop bar.
Why stay: Sustainable design, beautiful waterfront location, and serene rooms perfect for unwinding.
4. The Knickerbocker Hotel – Times Square
This historic hotel has been reimagined as a five-star gem in the heart of Times Square. Head to the St. Cloud Rooftopfor cityscape views, Sky Pods, and a lush rooftop lounge ideal for sipping cocktails as the city buzzes below.
Why stay: Central location, elegant rooms, and unbeatable proximity to Broadway theaters.
5. PUBLIC Hotel – Lower East Side
Designed by Ian Schrager, PUBLIC is as stylish as it is inviting. Its rooftop, The Roof, offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and regularly hosts DJs and exclusive events. It’s one of the most talked-about NYC hotels with rooftop bars, attracting creatives, influencers, and nightlife lovers.
Why stay: Minimalist rooms, innovative dining options, and a buzzing social scene.
6. The Moxy Times Square – Midtown Manhattan
For a playful and youthful take on luxury, The Moxy delivers. Its rooftop bar, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, features carousel seating, a topiary garden, and Empire State Building views. The theme-park-meets-cocktail-bar vibe makes it an Instagram favorite.
Why stay: Affordable rates, compact but stylish rooms, and a prime Midtown location.
7. Arlo NoMad – NoMad
If you’re after floor-to-ceiling skyline views and an adventurous vibe, Arlo NoMad is for you. Its rooftop, ART NoMad, features a glass-bottom floor section that’s not for the faint of heart. The rooftop is cozy but dramatic, making it one of the best rooftop spots in Midtown.
Why stay: Boutique rooms, walkable access to the Empire State Building, and a youthful, modern design.
8. The Peninsula New York – Fifth Avenue, Midtown
A beacon of classic elegance, The Peninsula offers timeless luxury just steps from Central Park. Salon de Ning, the hotel’s rooftop bar, channels an old-world Shanghai aesthetic and serves handcrafted cocktails in a serene setting high above Fifth Avenue.
Why stay: Lavish rooms, award-winning spa, and central shopping access.
9. Ink 48 Hotel – Hell’s Kitchen
The Press Lounge at Ink 48 is one of Manhattan’s best-kept rooftop secrets. Perched above Hell’s Kitchen, it offers uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and Midtown skyscrapers. The atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed, perfect for sunset cocktails and peaceful evenings.
Why stay: Artsy, spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and an off-the-beaten-path feel near the Theater District.
10. Hotel 50 Bowery – Chinatown / Lower East Side
For a vibrant downtown stay, check into Hotel 50 Bowery, a boutique hotel that celebrates the energy of the Lower East Side. Its rooftop, The Crown, offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with panoramic views of Manhattan’s skyline.
Why stay: Art-filled interiors, Asian-inspired design, and walkable access to some of the city’s best eats.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping on a Negroni at sunset or dancing under the stars, the best hotels in New York City with a rooftop bar offer more than just a place to sleep—they deliver an immersive slice of NYC life. From the glitzy rooftops of Manhattan to the trendsetting terraces of Brooklyn, each of these hotels brings its own flavor and flair to the skyline.
Disclaimer: Flight & Hotel Guru editors hand-select every hotel that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story.
