The World’s Top 10 Hotel Rooftop Bars
I’m lucky to be able to travel the world as a travel journalist. Interviews, sight-seeing, researching, exploring, and walking…a lot of walking…are all part of my daily routine. At night, however, I like to visit a rooftop bar. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a long day, meet new people, and get a different perspective on a neighborhood. apartments
Here are my top ten favorite rooftop bars from around the world!
10) HOTEL CONTINENTALE LA TERRAZZA, FLORENCE, ITALY — This pub, on the top floor of the medieval Consorti Tower, is probably the best place in Florence to watch the sunset. With the Tuscany hills in the distance, La Terrazza looks out over the Ponte Vecchio, the Arno River, and the ancient domed churches. Take it all in while sipping a Negroni, a Florence-born cocktail. The timeless atmosphere of Old Florence is combined with the chic styles of the beautiful people who flock here in this bar. There’s even an iPad in the elevator that will take you here, so you can take a selfie if you’re feeling particularly stylish that night.
9) LANTERN, FULLERTON BAY HOTEL, SINGAPORE — This bar is an excellent spot to take in Singapore’s massive, expansive vitality. With tropical landscaping, Colonial-style décor accents, and a swimming pool where you can relax with the house specialty, a combination of tequila, vegetables, and fruit called — what else? — the Red Lantern, it’s an oasis of tranquility amidst the city. The Lantern, believe it or not, has Latin touches in this Oriental capital, with live Latin music and a selection of interesting tapas to munch on.
8) LE 360, RADISSON BLU 1835 HOTEL & THALASSO, CANNES, FRANCE — Cannes is just that: Cannes! It’s one of the world’s most tree-chic destinations. And from this seventh-floor watering hole/rooftop terrace, you can get an amazing view of it all: the picturesque harbor, the streets of Old Town, and the surrounding hills that change color as the sun sets. Order a bottle of Champagne Rosé and take it all in from this superb vantage point after exploring Cannes’ markets, beaches, or visiting the countryside dotted with wineries.
7) SUSHISAMBA, LONDON, ENGLAND — A rooftop bar with breathtaking views, innovative drinks, and one of the city’s largest sake collections is located at the top of the Heron Tower, which stands 39 floors tall. Sushisamba is the highest rooftop bar in Europe, with views of the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is part of a restaurant of the same name. Every evening, a trendy crowd gathers to enjoy cocktails like the Nina Fresa, Chu-Cumber, Shiso Fine, and Kaifirinha.
6) THE ROOFTOP BAR, THE RITZ-CARLTON HERZLIYA, TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — This bar’s twelfth-floor location offers a breathtaking panorama of the Mediterranean Sea and the sun setting on its distant horizon, as well as a 360-degree view of the ancient minarets and alleys of Jaffa nudging up against Tel Aviv’s modern buildings, and the largest marina in Israel, below you. The open-air architecture invites the outside in, and the one-of-a-kind interior combines earthy accents with beautiful modern accents.
5) TWILIGHT SKY TERRACE, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, USA — Located on top of the Madison, a luxury hotel, Twilight Sky Terrace offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the bridges that cross it, particularly at sunset. The decor is contemporary, elegant, and inviting. There’s a fire pit for evening gatherings, as well as sunglasses to keep the summer sun at bay throughout the day. From Thursday to Sunday evenings, there’s a live DJ, and every weekend there’s “Breakfast With the Beatles.” Only hotel guests and members have access to the bar.
4) THOMPSON TORONTO HOTEL ROOFTOP LOUNGE, TORONTO, CANADA — This lounge is a relaxed poolside club with an infinity pool and cabanas during the day. When the sun sets, however, this establishment sheds its nightclub garb and heads out on the town. The Rooftop Lounge, in any case, provides a memorable view of one of North America’s great cities and the Great Lake (Ontario) on which it is situated. It is only open to hotel guests and members.
3) AER, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MUMBAI, INDIA — As you sip a cocktail here, the beautiful city of Mumbai, which has turned into a true world capital over the last few decades, sprawls out before you as far as the eye can see. On the 34th floor of the Four Seasons, Aer is Mumbai’s highest rooftop bar, covering the entire roof. It’s a striking collage of classic furniture and lighting that’s been curved into flowing, abstract shapes.
2) THE ROOFTOP, DENVER, COLORADO, USA — This is not only the world’s biggest rooftop bar…it could also be the world’s largest bar, at 38,000 square feet! The Rooftop, which debuted in April, is located atop Coors Field, a 50,000-seat stadium that is home to the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball. This two-story area has seating for 1,200 people and can accommodate up to 4,500 fans. The views of the city of Denver and the 10,000'-14,000' Rocky Mountains beyond are truly stunning, in addition to the baseball game below you. The Rooftop also provides the opportunity to sample some local craft beers from the city known as America’s microbrewery hub.
And now for my choice for the best rooftop bar on the planet…
1) OZONE BAR, RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL, HONG KONG, CHINA — This bar is called Ozone for a reason: it’s literally in the Ozone! It’s the world’s highest bar, at 118 stories, atop the Ritz-Carlton at the top of the International Commerce Centre. And maybe the most fashionable. The sleek, whimsical furniture is illuminated by innovative decorative accents that cover pretty much every angle and shape known to mankind and is bathed in inventive blue lighting. You’ll have a spectacular view of Victoria Harbor from this vantage point. After you’ve had your fill of admiring the view, you can dance to the beats of the house DJ or participate in a Cocktail Master Class led by an expert mixologist. (After that, you might be a pro mixologist!)
