High Bar in Hell's Kitchen

High Bar
251 W. 48th St (near 8th Ave.)
212-956-1300
Open 5 p.m. to midnight Sun.-Wed.; until 2 a.m., Thur.-Sat.

A popular spot for private birthday parties of the hip, young and rich. Be nice and patient with the doorman, and don't be put off by the decidedly unglamorous residential building which must be navigated in order to access this popular rooftop lounge outfitted with sofas and cabanas.


The West Side view from High Bar:

Bookmark Lounge

Bookmarks Bar (at Library Hotel)
41st St. at Madison Ave., one block from Grand Central Station
212.983.4500

This 14th floor lounge boasts a handsome room with granite topped padded bar, an open air terrace and glass enclosed “writer’s den.” Open daily (except Sunday) from 4:00 pm until midnight.

230 Fifth Lounge & Rooftop Terrace

230 Fifth (open daily 4 pm to 4 am)
230 5th Avenue (at 27th St.)
212.725.4300

Ride up in the gilded elevator and enter an Art-Moderne inspired room with floor to ceiling glass windows and beveled mirrors, all capped by a lacquered red ceiling (Austin Powers would be right at home here). The lounge is fitted with curvy suede sofas and modernist furnishings.

Ascend another level, however, up the chrome staircase to a stunning rooftop space that stays open all year round – this is why you’ve come here. The views are awe inspiring, the New York skyline shining, the Empire State Building towering right before you. Pricey cocktails and a varied wine list on offer.

Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental

Lobby Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
80 Columbus Circle at 60th St.
35th Floor; 212-805-8800

www.mandarin-oriental.com/newyork

There are enviable views across the southwest corner of Central Park from the floor to ceiling windows of the Lobby Lounge, located on the 35th floor of
80 Columbus Circle.
Light fare is served alongside very expensive drinks just a few steps down from the round reception area. There is also a proper bar, called the MO Bar, separate from the lobby.

Hotel Metro

Hotel Metro New York City
45 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001
212-947-2500

A mid-price range hotel near Penn Station, Macy's, Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building, this property dates from 1901 and features Art Deco architectural detailing. The lobby decor pays homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood. A complete renovation took place in 2006. Its rooftop terrace (open seasonally) affords stellar views of the Empire State Building and Manhattan skyline.

Member World Hotels First Class Collection

179 guest rooms and suites
Rooftop terrace with views of Empire State Building (weather permitting)
Metro Grill Restaurant & Bar
Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Complimentary WIFI throughout the Hotel
Complimentary use of Business Center
iHome Clock Radios with iPod Docking Station
Room Service
Fitness Center
In-room Laptop Size Safe
Check-in 4 pm; check-out noon