Strand Hotel
33 W. 37th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-448-1024
Just four blocks from the Empire State Building, there may be no spot with such impressive views as the lounge on top of the Strand Hotel that remains, for the most part, free of tourists. The sleek space, dotted with lush ferns, serves guests year-round thanks to a retractable covering. Prices around $117 a head, plus rental fee.
Ravel Hotel
8–08 Queens Plaza S., at Vernon Blvd., Long Island City; 718-289-6101
Panoramic views of Manhattan (and a retractable glass shell) make this boutique hotel’s rooftop lounge, dubbed Penthouse808, worth the commute. Wraparound couches and candlelit wooden tables are complemented by a view of the Queensboro Bridge. From $95 per person.
Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Ave., at 21st St.; 212-920-3300
Bohemian touches dominate this roof-deck garden. Moroccan tile, regal rugs, and Damien Hirst paintings decorate the interior, while lush greenery covers the walls of the 275-capacity space. Come rain or snow, the roof slides closed. Prices start at $20,000.
Hudson Terrace
621 W. 46th St., nr. Eleventh Ave.; 212-315-9400
Forgo a view of the city skyline for a front-row seat on the Hudson. This third-floor river-view rooftop (capacity 300) provides an all-season space, complete with heated mahogany flooring and array of glass-enclosed private nooks. From $150 a head.
Stage 6 at Steiner Studios
15 Washington Ave., nr. Flushing Ave., Clinton Hill;718-237-1919
A partly enclosed rooftop pavilion (there’s a 650-capacity, glass-enclosed space with doors that open onto an adjacent terrace) scattered with cocktail tables overlooks the East River. From $125 per person.