Located 12-stories above the summertime swelter of NYC, Empire Pool Deck is the latest hotel entry into the city's ever-hot rooftop lounge scene. More casual and approachable than the Gansevoort and upcoming Thompson LES, this bi-level pool deck is arranged in teak and canvas loungers around a semi-covered pool area alit in evening candlelight and house deejays. Accessed via a private elevator that opens to 180-degree views of the city, knobbier visitors can book one of the VIP cabanas equipped linen curtains, private loungers, plasma TVs and private refrigerators stocked with premium champagne of choice. The crowd varies between high-end city singles on hand for promoted events to dressy Lincoln Center members checking-out the local action before showtime.
Tips
If you can’t get into the Gansevoort or any of the Thompson properties, this convenient rooftop pool scene is an approachable alternative to the city’s haughtier hotspots.
Last Word
Historic Empire Hotel debuts all-new boutique hotel concept and rooftop pool lounge with promoted weekend lineup.
