Readers Pick Refinery Rooftop at Best Hotel Rooftop Bar

The crown atop the Refinery Hotel in NYC, Refinery Rooftop is where the Big Apple's young and beautiful come for stunning views beneath the shadow of the Empire State Building. Alex Ott developed Refinery's signature cocktail list with an emphasis on natural ingredients and surprising combinations.
Photo courtesy of Luca Francesco Giovanni Bertolli

Billing itself as Chicago's largest indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge, IO Godfrey occupies the fourth floor of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago. Chef-crafted cocktails can be sipped beneath the retractable roof or next to a two-level fire pit when the weather gets chilly. While the views could be better, this rooftop hangout scores points for its laid back vibe and tasty food menu.
Photo courtesy of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

Perched atop the Motif Seattle, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails boasts a 4,000-square-foot patio space that is at once edgy and playful. Where other rooftop bars are all about posh pools or secluded seating, Frolik offers ping pong and shuffleboard. Eye-catching outdoor fireplaces keep things toasty, and the views aren't bad either from this fifth floor perch.
Photo courtesy of Destination Hotels & Resorts

Locals and tourists alike head upstairs in the Hotal Palomar Phoenix to enjoy cocktails on tap, premium spirits and micro brews at LUSTRE Rooftop Garden. Situated on the third floor pool deck, this little oasis above the desert offers panoramic views of Downtown Phoenix and South Mountain.
Photo courtesy of Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Phoenix

Located 50 stories up atop the Viceroy Miami, FIFTY is one of the city's most iconic lookout points. This Asian-inspired private pool and lounge welcomes Miami's top DJs for a chic and sexy late night party comfortably separating from the tourist crowds of South Beach. Drinks can be steep, but not when you consider you're playing for the stellar views.
Photo courtesy of Viceroy Hotel Group

The Ace Hotel Downtown L.A., one of the city's hippest hotels, is also responsible for one of the city's top cocktail programs at Upstairs Bar. Inspired by the famous Les Deux Cafe, Upstairs Bar hosts events just about every night of the week.
Photo courtesy of Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles

At Whiskey Blue inside the W Atlanta Buckhead, guests take in the views from 125 feet above the street. The bar's two outdoor terraces boast excellent views of Buckhead, Lenox Square and Midtown, and retro-chic furniture provides plenty of places for socializing.
Photo courtesy of Whiskey Blue

Opened in 2013, the Observatory at The Graham Georgetown in Washington boasts sweeping views of the nation's capital, with its iconic landmarks dotting the horizon. Some drinkers come early for the sunset, while others stay late into the night. Graham-crafted cocktails pair with specialty cigars for a memorable evening outdoors.
Photo courtesy of The Graham Georgetown

Spend some time sipping quality craft cocktails at POV, and you won't need to do much sightseeing. This rooftop bar in the W Washington DC is true to its name, boasting an elevated POV from the eleventh floor over some of the capital's most famous landmarks, like the White House and Washington Monument.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Swartz / W Washington D.C.

Fashioned after a traditional hotel lobby, the Living Room at the W Fort Lauderdale is worthy of the elevator ride upstairs, especially for those who head out onto the terrace overlooking stunning white sand beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. DJ-spun tunes set the mood, while an impressive menu of specialty cocktails, including a rotating seasonal menu, wash it all down.
Photo courtesy of Niels Johansen / W Fort Lauderdale