Whether enjoying a sophisticated dinner or a craft cocktail at sunset, there’s nothing like a killer view to make an experience extra special. From exciting West Hollywood to far flung Japan, discover 11 scenic rooftops that are sure to make an impression.
Rooftop Pools
Kimpton Sawyer – Sacramento, California
The Kimpton Sawyer is perfectly positioned in the heart of downtown Sacramento and offers a stunning pool deck and cocktail bar, with unrivalled views of the California capital. Sacramento is home to one of California’s oldest wine-producing areas, with over 200 wineries in the region, and guests are invited to sample the local goods while soaking up views on the rooftop pool during The Sawyer’s daily complimentary wine hour. www.visitsacramento.com
Hotel Palacio Santa Clara – Valencia, Spain
Located close to the famous and commercial street of Valencia, Carrer Colon, the Hotel Palacio Santa Clara is a modernist hotel in the centre of the city. Designed by renowned architect Francisco Javier Gorlich in 1916, Hotel Palacio Santa Clara boasts a rooftop pool where guests can sip on a refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful Valencian skyline. www.visitvalencia.com/en
The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage – Greater Palm Springs, California
The Ritz Carlton’s clifftop location in Rancho Mirage gives unparalleled views over the cities below and is complemented by Greater Palm Springs’ colourful sunsets. The hotel is a luxury retreat, with a club lounge, upscale dining, state-of-the-art fitness centre, holistic spa therapies, and two pools. Situated near Joshua Tree National Park and the city of Palm Springs, with miles of hiking trails on its doorstep, the hotel’s pool makes for the perfect desert oasis. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.
Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek – Denver, Colorado
Feel on top of the world at Halcyon Hotel’s rooftop pool in Denver. One of the only hotels in the Mile High City with a rooftop pool, guests can dip their toes in the shimmering water whilst enjoying the amazing skyline. Private cabanas are also available for those looking for a more intimate experience. Halcyon is situated in the Cherry Creek shopping district and boasts 154 rooms and 11 suites for guests to choose from. www.colorado.com
Rooftop Bars
Upa Upa Lounge Bar – Bora Bora, The Islands of Tahiti
Decked out with a combination of contemporary and traditional interiors, the Upa Upa Lounge Bar at the Conrad Hotel makes for a lush spot to sit back and admire lagoon views with a refreshing drink. One of the bar’s unique features is a glass floor, so guests can watch fish swim in the water below. The bar serves cocktails and fine wines that have been curated to complement a light menu of sushi and rolls. www.tahititourisme.uk
The Nest, Thompson Seattle – Seattle, Washington
The Nest, located on the rooftop of the Thompson Seattle hotel, is a sleek cocktail lounge and terrace with views of Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountain range on a clear day. Guests can lounge on comfortable chairs whilst enjoying a light bite, craft cocktail, or beer from a local Washington brewery. Open six days a week, The Nest is a must for travellers in search of an intimate drink in a stylish setting. www.visitseattle.org
Rooftop Restaurants
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Wine and dine at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, offering one of the most scenic views in Pittsburgh. Located high above the city in Mount Washington, hop on the Duquesne Incline and stop off at the Grandview Overlook before heading to this fine dining restaurant, boasting fresh seafood and house-made cocktails. Pairing a panoramic scenic city view – no matter where guests are seated – with a guest-driven culinary experience, this restaurant is not to be missed. The fresh crab cakes and lobster should be high on every traveller’s agenda. www.visitpittsburgh.com
Tesoro, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – Florida’s Paradise Coast
With its name fittingly translating to ‘Treasure and Gold’ – after Marco Island’s best treasure being its golden sunsets – Tesoro is an adult-only dining spot with breathtaking, panoramic views over the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the fifth floor of the four-star JW Marriott Marco Island, the contemporary coastal restaurant and chic outdoor terrace are ideally situated for sweeping sea views, offering delicious Mediterranean cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and fresh catches from Florida’s Paradise Coast. Florida’s Paradise Coast
Merois, The Pendry – West Hollywood, California
The latest from chef Wolfgang Puck, Merois sits atop the Pendry and boasts views over a palm tree-lined LA skyline. Just off Sunset Boulevard, Merois combines Japanese, Southeast Asian and French/California cuisine alongside bespoke cocktails, an extensive wine list, and homemade desserts. www.visitwesthollywood.com
Rooms with a View
InterContinental – Los Angeles, California
The InterContinental Los Angeles is an 889-room hotel located in the Wilshire Grand building, the tallest structure in the Los Angeles skyline, adding to the rich cultural and economic revival of Downtown LA. The hotel features rooms with fantastic views, sophisticated event spaces, and renowned restaurants. Visitors can explore the Microsoft Theatre and Grammy Museum at LA Live, attend a Los Angeles Lakers game at the Crypto.com Arena, or marvel at the cosmos from the Griffith Observatory when staying at this luxury hotel. www.visitcalifornia.com
Bettei Otozure – Yamaguchi, Japan
A luxury ryokan overlooking the mountain village of Yumoto Onsen, Bettei Otozure is a tranquil spa stay with unspoiled views. With a focus on nature and relaxation, the ryokan draws attention to the surrounding mountains, with rooms equipped with wide-spanning terraces, private open-air baths and picture-perfect windows. Due to the area’s centuries-old hot springs, the ryokan boasts a grand onsen and private whirlpools on some of the room’s balconies; the alkaline spring water is known to be healing and spiritually purifying. Guests can enjoy the outdoor living atmosphere over local dishes and traditional sake. www.japan.travel/en/uk
