Some of Our Favorite Hotel Rooftops

When we get to a new city, we try to find a cool rooftop bar to hang out at so we can get the lay of the land. And of course, so we can also start off our trip with a celebratory cocktail and possibly meeting some interesting locals. Here are some of the world’s best hotel rooftops with great cityscapes:

Petite Ermitage, Los Angeles

The views of the city are great, but what we like the most here is it’s a private rooftop, available to guests and members. Also, one of L.A.’s best mixologists, Brian Stewart, runs a stellar bar program.

Departure Restaurant at the Nines, Portland, OR

Departure Restaurant located atop the Nines hotel in Portland, OR has two rooftop patios with sweeping views of downtown Portland, the Willamette River, Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. If you’re a saki fan, Departure has the city’s largest sake list.

XV Beacon’s Rooftop Deck, Boston

The luxurious XV Beacon located in the historic Beacon Hill, Boston, offers guests a bird’s eye view of New England as summer turns to fall. The rooftop deck at XV Beacon provides the perfect vantage point for admiring the leaves turn, looking down on the historic architecture and the famous Charles River. Enjoy a glass of sparkling, red or white varieties from the hotel’s Wine Cellar or a cocktail from the bar at Moo, while taking in the cooling temperatures.

Omni Royal Orleans’ Garden Rooftop Bar, New Orleans

For the ultimate New Orleans experience, grab a classic cocktail and take in the views of the historic city at the Omni Royal Orleans garden rooftop bar. With panoramic views of the city, the garden rooftop serves as an observation deck of the iconic French Quarter and the Mississippi River and is the perfect place to unwind with friends and enjoy the vibrant culture of the city. While relaxing rooftop, don’t miss trying Omni Royal Orleans’ famous Washbucket Martini (a giant gin/vodka martini).

San Juan Water Beach Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico

A ride on the psychedelic blue-lit elevator will clue you in to the night ahead on the rooftop of San Juan Water Beach Hotel’s Mist (pictured above). Accented in turquoise Miami-esque decor with 180 degree ocean views, Mist is where the beautiful people converge to enjoy a sunset cocktail like the Sand-gria (wine, Don Q rum, pineapple juice, passion fruit puree) or the Shore (Finlandia Vodka, Apple Puckers, cucumber juice). Nightology, DJed dance club parties, are every Thurs-Sat night.

AROMA at Palazzo Manfredi, Rome

Located directly across from the Colosseum, the Domus Aurea and Neros Gardens, Palazzo Manfredi offers unprecedented views of ancient architecture in the famous “eternal city.” Enjoy dinner at the rooftop terrace AROMA restaurant as the Colosseum lights up, with the sun setting on the horizon. Overlooking the whole of Imperial Rome, AROMA is the only restaurant offering front row seats of the Colosseum. A theatrical setting that cannot be matched.

La Terrazza at Hotel Continentale, Florence (as in headline photo)

At the new La Terrazza of the trendy Hotel Continentale in Florence, take in the sun setting over the Ponte Vecchio with a cocktail inspired by Italian classics like the Negroni. The terrace bar’s cocktail menu also offers “The Sweet Bubbling Life” (fruit-infused bellinis, sparkling champagne), “Dolce Vita Cocktails” (martinis, daiquiris), locally micro-brewed beer, and fine Italian wine. The ride up the Consorti Tower is almost as fun as the drinks – the elevator is equipped with an iPad to take photos with you and your friends.

Maramara Pera Hotel, Istanbul

Oh the stunning views of Istanbul you’ll see at Mikla’s rooftop bar! Head there either to watch the sunset with a basic cocktail in hand (don’t expect original cocktails here) or go later, after 9 p.m. for music by a DJ. It’s definitely where the trendy locals hangout.

More of Best Hotel Rooftops

Rooftop Hotel Bars with Incredible Views by Conde Nast
16 of the World’s Best Rooftop Bars by Societe Perrier.com