Top NYC hotels with gorgeous rooftop pools: 8 perfect places to relax in the heat by the water with drinks and stunning views

The summer heat and humidity in New York City makes us increasingly dream of refreshing pools. And although there are several public swimming spots in the city, but what better way to relax than on a lounge chair by a sparkling pool, socialize with friends in a private cabana, have a cocktail and maybe listen to a DJ. Such chic places to relax can be found in the best hotels and resorts. New York in this regard can spoil you with its amazing rooftop pools, which you can access for a fee, even if you are not a guest. With a day pass, you can throw yourself a real summer party, enjoying the gorgeous New York views from the tops of the hotels, the best rooftop pools and the rooftop bars next to them.

1. Dream Beach at Dream Downtown

This unconventional oasis is located on the rooftop of the trendy 12-story Dream Downtown hotel, which is around the corner from Chelsea Market. It features a 5,000-foot terrace with a sand beach area, Côte d'Azur-style loungers, private TV changing booths and one of the most unusual hotel rooftop pools in New York City. Nearby is a full-service bar with indoor and outdoor seating offering a casual menu and seasonal cocktail list. Dream Beach is for guests 21 years of age and older. A day ticket for 2 people and 2 lounge chairs can be purchased for $160 to $350 depending on the day of the week.

2. William Vale

For a swim, cocktail and sunbathing in a luxurious setting, head to the William Vale Hotel, notable for its views from almost every location thanks to its glass facade and balconies in every room. But the best New York City scenery can be seen from the stunning Westlight Bar on the 22nd floor and one of the most beautiful 60-foot-long heated pools on the hotel's rooftop. It's seasonal and open to the public during the warmer months throughout the week. To get in, you can grab a day pass for $160, or reserve a daybed or lounge for a group of several.

3 The Rockaway Hotel + Spa

For the 2023 season, Rockaway has joined the list of the best hotels with rooftop pools in New York City. Here comes a great place to relax, swim and sunbathe, as well as colorful parties. The outdoor pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and changing cabins, there is a full bar menu with signature cocktails, and there are DJ performances. Non-hotel guests can purchase a pool pass Monday through Friday for $100, which also includes towels, robes and access to the lounge area and infrared sauna. Additionally, a changing booth can be reserved.

4. Hotel Indigo Williamsburg

The ultra-modern Hotel Indigo boasts stunning views of Brooklyn and Manhattan's historic skyline from its summit, equipped into a beautiful lounge space. It is a modern rooftop sunbathing terrace with a gorgeous pool, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere during the day and discover the vibrant New York nightlife once the sun goes down. Day passes are available for pool access, as well as reservations for lounge chairs and private lounges. Attendance is only open to those over the age of 21, and children are only allowed as hotel guests.

5. Williamsburg Hotel

Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Manhattan and refresh and sunbathe at the top of the Williamsburg Hotel. It has one of the most picturesque rooftop pools with a great lounge where you can enjoy martinis and champagne at the elevated Water Tower Bar and relax on a lounge chair while taking in the skyline of New York's skyscrapers. The lounge and pool are open daily for hotel guests, but you can visit them without being a guest. To do this, you need to make a reservation in advance for a table or changing booths.

6. Summer Club at Ravel Hotel

The beautiful independent boutique hotel in Long Island City is the perfect place to stay and relax and is known for its stunning panoramic views. For those days when you don't want to step out into the busy city, take advantage of the Summer Club's amenities, which make it one of the top hotels in NYC with chic rooftop pools. Swim in the 4-foot-deep pool, sunbathe on a lounge chair, and sip a drink while DJs spin tunes at events. The pool is open every day until 7pm. There are several options for visiting the club, from a regular $25 admission ticket to reserving private cabanas.

7. Sojo Spa Club

A visit to this gorgeous place is worth a quick trip to New Jersey, and while it's not technically in New York City, it's impossible not to add it to this list of the best hotels with rooftop pools. It's a huge Korean spa with 8 floors of treatments, seven saunas, a restaurant, a hotel, and 9 pools. One of them is on the rooftop: it is a beautifully landscaped pool that offers a calming view of the New York skyline. This place could be called the Disneyland of spas. A day pass will give you access to the saunas and pools. Its cost starts at $100.

8. "Somewhere Nowhere" at the Renaissance Hotel

On the 38th and 39th floors of the Renaissance Hotel is the new Somewhere Nowhere Club, which claims to be the leader in the ranking of the tallest hotels with rooftop pools in New York City. It opened in the summer of 2023, but has already become a popular hangout and music venue for locals and visitors alike. The club consists of a rooftop lounge and pool and a nightlife venue. It offers a 360-degree panorama of Manhattan, which can be enjoyed while swimming in the pool or sunbathing on a lounge chair with a refreshing cocktail. The club's nightly program includes pool parties, live music, magic show dinners and world-renowned DJs.