We’ve all been to that factory-farmed, bland, and boring event in a hotel ballroom. If you’re like us, you’ve been to so many that, over time, all the events begin to bleed together as one giant lump of beige wallpaper and uncomfortable chairs.
The make or break factor at play here is character. Your event is a natural extension of your company, mission, and brand. By that logic, so too is the venue you choose.
Don’t host your next event in a flavorless space. Book a swank and sexy rooftop venue that blows people away and cements your reputation as a tastemaker. To help, we rounded up nine of our favorite hotel rooftop bars below.
Chicago
The J. Parker
Location: Chicago, IL at Hotel Lincoln
When Hotel Lincoln claims that their rooftop lounge, The J. Parker, has one of the most spectacular views in Chicago, they’re not lying. Sitting on top of the hotel, you’ll get an unrestricted look at the city’s skyline, sprawling greenery, and mighty Lake Michigan.
They’re no stranger to booking private events either, and offer a large space with 140 outdoor lounges and 55 seats inside. So whether you’re bringing your entire company, or just your immediate team, you can always expect an experience from them that’s “quintessentially Chicago—and always genuine.”
Cindy’s
Location: Chicago, IL at Chicago Athletic Association
Proclaimed the “beloved crown jewel” of the Chicago Athletic Association, Cindy’s is 13 stories above Millennium Park, which is home to Cloud Gate, more commonly referred to as “the bean.”
The venue is open year-round thanks to their vaulted glass and steel atrium, which provides a Great Lakes beach house feel mixed with a light industrial aesthetic. So, no matter how low the wind chill gets or how hot those summer days, you and your crew will be comfortable sipping cocktails and enjoying some great plates.
Waydown
Location: Chicago, IL at Ace Hotel Chicago
Don’t let the name confuse you: Waydown sits way up as the rooftop bar and lounge for Ace Hotel Chicago. Inspired by John Prine’s song of the same name, this space pays homage to the spirit of Midwestern bars: warm welcomes and strong, no-nonsense drinks.
If the views of the city and nightly music aren’t enough to sell you, there’s a separate private patio called Waydown Yonder. It’s available for booking and can fit between 20 to 50 people at a time.
California
Upstairs
Location: Los Angeles, CA at ACE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Nestled in the heart of the city, the ACE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles is an iconic 13-story building that’s hard to miss with its giant, neon “Jesus Saves” sign. When you land at Upstairs, you’ll notice two things.
First, there’s an unmistakable concrete-jungle ambiance fueled by the bunker-style bar. Second, the pool looks good enough to drink—we recommend you stick to their impressive list of cocktails though.
It’s prime real estate for daily events like DJs, live bands, yoga classes, pop-up shops, release parties, and more. And the Los Angeles city lights reach in all directions with the unmistakable glow of the “Jesus Saves” sign just under your feet.
Charmaine’s
Location: San Francisco, CA at Hotel Proper
It seems that Hotel Proper is always on the forefront of everyone’s mind when you ask what the hottest hotels in San Francisco are. Part of that’s due to their impressive lineup of bars and best hotel restaurants, like Villon.
What establishes it as a local favorite is Charmaine’s. This rooftop lounge rests 120 feet above Market Street, and it’s part European terrace (check out their Salvador Dali lip couch), part laid-back California lounge. In a city where rooftop bars and lounges are admittedly hard to come by, Charmaine’s delivers a weather-friendly venue surrounded by some damn fine views.
New York
The Rooftop at The NoMad
Location: New York City, NY at The NoMad
Available exclusively as a private event space, The Rooftop at The NoMad boasts a 1,950 square foot space: 850 square feet inside and 1,100 square feet outside. This allows the venue to be set up just how you like it, from formal seated dinner to swanky cocktail receptions. Any way you spin it, you’ll get astounding views of the Manhattan skyline from the twelfth story of the hotel.
Lemon’s
Location: Brooklyn, NY at Wythe Hotel
In 2012, Wythe Hotel opened in Williamsburg inside a 117 year-old factory building, which has been refurbished and converted into a 70-room hotel. Rounding out the redesign of this building is Lemon’s, a summertime rooftop hangout that might make you think you’re in Italy.
However, the views of the Manhattan skyline from across the East River will gently remind you that you’re still in Brooklyn. Both the views and ambiance pair well with plates, drinks, and late night music from DJs spinning funk, soul, and disco vinyls and 45s—how Brooklyn is that?
Harriet’s Rooftop Lounge
Location: Brooklyn, NY at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
By day Harriet’s is flooded with natural light. By night, the windows sparkle with a different kind of light: the New York skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge take center stage. This venue is truly an embodiment of “picture perfect.”
In total, Harriet’s has over 2,800 square feet of space on the tenth floor of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. While the rooftop is only open seasonally, the inside offers enough style to keep you happy any time of the year with it’s homage to an old-world cocktail lounge.
Miami
Highbar
Location: Miami, FL at Dream South Beach
Highbar fits into the Miami lifestyle almost too perfectly. Self-described as “Studio 54 meets South Beach,” it’s got everything for those who want to hang out under blue skies, watch the final rays of the day fade, or enjoy some nightlife.
The infinity pool is surrounded by well-manicured landscaping inspired by 1970s lounges, and it offers views of the ocean as well. There’s also food from Dream’s in-house Mexican restaurant, Naked Taco, and signature cocktails.
You owe it to yourself, and your reputation, to blow your next business event or party out of the water with a venue that wows, delights, and looks plain sexy. Plus, we all spend too much time inside during the course of our day to day—why book an indoor venue? Shake it up, get outside, and enjoy some fresh air on any of these fine rooftop bars.
If you need help booking your next venue, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’ll get you set up and looking sharp in no time.