10 amazing US hotel rooftops

The popularity of rooftop lounging continues to grow, and guests are demanding more unique offerings and more luxurious options.  Whether you grab a cocktail with a few hundred friends or dine in seclusion with the love of your life, these 10 US hotels offer rooftop experiences for every travel personality. The Press Lounge at Ink48 – New York, New York Indulge in unobstructed views of Manhattan and the Hudson at this rooftop lounge in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.  Named by ABC News as one of the best rooftops in the world, it is the perfect place for appetizers with friends or drinks before a show.  Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset over the Hudson. Capella Washington DC Georgetown – Washington DC Guests’ visiting the newly opened Capella hotel in the Georgetown district are secure in knowing it caters and pampers much like the founder’s more iconic hotel brand, Ritz-Carlton.  The private rooftop lounge features a relaxation pool, built in fireplace and sweeping views of the Potomac River and Washington Monument. Enjoy a meal prepared by Swedish Chef Jakob Esko, or order from a rare selection of whiskeys, prepared the ‘Old Fashioned way’. Departure at the Nines –  Portland, Oregon The Nines Portland Hotel sits at the top of the Meier & Frank Building, one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.  Resting atop the Nines is Departure, Portland’s only rooftop restaurant and lounge.   Chef Gregory Gourdet manages a menu of Asian cuisine of starters, specials and sushi.  To whet your appetite, enjoy wines, Korean shochu, or a selection from Portland’s largest collection of handcrafted sake. Beverly Wilshire – Beverly Hills, California This Four Seasons property is only steps from Rodeo Drive, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the world-famous shopping district.  But the magic here is in the Veranda Suite, a small luxury quarters on its own floor with an expansive private rooftop space.  Long-term guests such as Warren Beatty and Piers Morgan have enjoyed this secluded suite with its impressive views. Rooftop at Revere Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts Opening  Spring 2013, Rooftop is one of Boston’s only rooftop bars and lounges.  It sits seven stories above the city in Boston Common featuring private cabanas, refreshing cocktails, seasonal snacks, ambient music and breathtaking skyline views.  Simple snacks and specials are served daily.  Visitors can indulge in such seasonal drinks as Hibiscus Rum Punch and wheat-grass-infused prosecco popsicles. BLUE pool deck at Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California Enjoy a stunning view of LA from the 26^th floor while relaxing poolside.  Guests can order a selection of items with modern Chinese flare from the on-site Wolfgang Puck restaurant, WP24.  Just looking for a drink? Try a garden-to-glass cocktail made from a selection of over 15 different fresh fruits, herbs and plants from the rooftop’s cocktail garden. EPIC – Miami, Florida EPIC truly lives up to its name as you stand atop the 16th floor pool deck looking onto magical Miami.  Views of the city, as well as Miami River and Biscayne Bay, make it easy to understand why Travel + Leisure named this one of their eight favorite rooftop bars.  Guests can relax in the sun in or around two rooftop infinity pools, or escape the heat in one of 10 private tropical cabanas.  Food and beverage services are available. Z Ocean Hotel South Beach – Miami, Florida If crowds aren’t your thing, enjoy the seclusion of Z Ocean’s Rooftop Terrace Suites. Twenty-six suites offer a personal retreat marked by lush landscaping and retractable curtains and sunshades.  Take a spiral staircase to your private rooftop balcony either boasting a serene ocean view or bustling South Beach city view.  Take a dip in the hot tub or relax with a cocktail from the wet bar while tunes from the iPod surround sound system set the mood. The Waldorf Astoria New York – New York, New York Waldorf New York is using its 20th floor rooftop to source the sun in growing veggies and raising bees.  Inhabitants of six beehives work diligently making honey for use in the hotel’s three dining locations or in the spa for an indulging ‘Milk, Honey and Herb’ manicure and pedicure.  Produce grown in the nine raised beds, on six trees, and in numerous potted plants complement this establishment’s ability to uniquely present fresh, local selections.  Everyone is welcome to view the garden by taking the hotel’s Historic Tour, offered two days each week. The Surrey – New York, New York Hotel guests can relax in an intimate rooftop setting inspired by traditional English city gardens.  Views of Manhattan and Central Park provide the backdrop to a private oasis, designed to elicit feelings of being ‘at home’ in an Upper East Side townhouse garden.  The roof is open daily with light fare and beverage services available in the evening.  Sipping on a Muddled Lemonade among the lavender and Lantana will surely make you sense the residential ambiance of this hotel.