Wythe Hotel’s The Ides
Photo Courtesy of Matthew Williams
Cold weather may be upon us, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy the view — even on the most frigid days. No, we aren’t suggesting you don your furs to head outside and brave the New York winter just to catch a stellar view of the Empire State. Instead, enjoy the visage and perks of rooftop gallivanting within the comfort of an enclosed glass room, under steamy heaters and with the aid of craft cocktails guaranteed to warm you from the inside. There aren’t a lot of places sporting all-weather roof decks, but we found five fantastic options.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar at Archer Hotel New York
We aren’t sure what you will notice on top of the 22nd-story lounge at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel but, even if it’s snowing, at least you can still watch as fat flakes fall over your glass and steel bubble. On cold, clear days you can see the Empire State Building as distinct as Jimmy Stewart observed the murder in Rear Window, the Alfred Hitchcock film that inspired this Midtown West bar. Grace Kelly didn’t bring that movie’s protagonist plates of lobster dumplings, lamb meatloaf sliders or fresh oysters, but that’s precisely what you’ll find at this unique venue.
Refinery Rooftop, Photo Courtesy of Refinery Rooftop
Refinery Rooftop at Refinery Hotel
For folks traipsing through the Garment District, get a view of chilly NYC on top of the Refinery Hotel’s 3,500-square-foot rooftop. Like the hat shop that used to haunt the premise, the vibe is industrial-chic, with vintage French terracotta floors, rough wood plank ceilings made from the building’s original water tank and a fireplace right in the center of the space. While that crackling flame will keep you toasty, the retractable walls help, too. The same can be said for the thyme-laced martini or spiced apple cider cocktail. Sit up there on clear sunny days, in a freezing downpour or while the snow comes tumbling down. The best part? You won’t even need a coat.
Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel
Thirty stories high in Midtown rests the elegant Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel, a rooftop bar and lounge for small plates and big-flavored libations. In this elevated space, you find separate areas, all with the availability to be sheltered from weather with retractable glass ceilings and walls. See the Chrysler Building, look over Central Park and enjoy bites by chef David Andrews as you linger. The ebony-accented setting and dark, snug corners bring to mind speakeasies and private dens, making this address a great place to spend a chilly city evening in.
Zerzura, Photo Courtesy of Gansevoort Hotel Group
Zerzura at Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
At this charming Forbes Travel Guide Recommended boutique hotel in the Meatpacking District, you will find a far eastern paradise hidden amongst the chilly outdoor conditions. All you have to do is head up, up and up to the top floor’s Saharan-influenced lounge, Zerzura. Take in the 360-degree view of the Hudson River and city skyline or simply sit fireside within the glass-enclosed terrace. Up there you can also order bites, including zesty avocado toast or fried chicken with sumac aioli from the Mediterranean-themed kitchen.
The Ides in the Wythe Hotel
It’s not just Manhattan that offers warmed rooftops for the cooler months. The 70-room Wythe Hotel’s The Ides makes sure revelers can have fun “outside” all year long. Keep warm in this sixth-floor, Art Deco decorated bar with a weekly changing gin and tonic or one of the many craft beers served on tap and in the bottle. Located in Williamsburg, the eight-story hotel is right on the Brooklyn waterfront, so guests of The Ides can see spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, which radiates at sunset.
